Drum Lessons in Gladstone, NJ

Instruments: Drums

One of the most important things that I strive for is seeing a student enjoy themselves and discover a passion for music like I did. This is why I make sure my students are having fun and learning at their own pace. I will guide my students to set realistic goals that they can achieve by our next lesson time, and push them to express their own creativity and interests in their playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing gives me more joy as a teacher than to have one of my students ask me a question. It sounds simple, but a student with questions is a student who wants to learn. I take this creativity and try to sculpt it into passion. I feel that a teachers job is to inspire, and point the student in the right direction of their goals, rather to be overbearing with a book and pencil. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

The methods that I would typically use are the Arbans complete Conservatory method for trumpet and Cornet. Schlossberg´s Daily Drills and Studies, Clarkes method and Caruso. I have been studying these four methods quite some time now and understand not only the instruction on the page but the purpose of the excercise itself. So for each student and level a unique methodology would be put together. It is very important to point out that I studied these methods with masters such as Victor Paz. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach basic stick technique using George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and I have numerous hand exercises based on patterns from that book that I warm up with every lesson. Starting with snare drum and basic hand technique also will incorporate rhythm reading, and basic limb independence. When my students start behind the kit, they will start by applying some of those hand exercises to the drumset, and also learn how to orchestrate and play basic grooves. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I can still remember the joy I felt when I first started playing drums and my passion is helping people experience that joy. In my musical career, spanning 38 years, I have performed with varied groups including: drumset with The Road Runners Blues Band, Catfish and Paul Plumeri Blues Band; West African, Middle Eastern and Afro-Cuban percussion with Groove Merchant Drum Dance Ensemble; bodhran and bones with traditional Celtic bands Kintail, Cwn Annwn and Browne Jenkyn; and snare drum with The First Highland Watch of Pennsylvania and Rev War Re-enactors First NJ Volunteers. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Matt has been a professional musician since 1995. He has studied with Randy Knudsen, Dom Famularo, Al Miller, Ralph Peterson, Jr., John Riley, Carlos “Go-Go” Gomez and many other notable drummers and percussionists. He received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 1999.  He can be heard on countless recordings featuring a wide variety of musical styles such as Jazz, Heavy Metal, Afro-Cuban folkloric, Afro-Latino Soul, R&B, Hop-Hop,  Rock, Folk, and everything in between! Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to 2008, teaching middle school private lessons as well as high school group lessons. I really enjoy teaching because of the experiences I had with my teachers in my early years of learning the drums and I've always wanted to give that information to others. I am very patient having the ability to teach any age level as well as ability level. I really encourage students to find creative ways to practice and have fun as well as weekly listening because the music gives us the tools to become a great musician. Read More