Drum Lessons in Gloucester City, NJ

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students Ill usually start with George Lawrences Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. Once I know they have a grasp of the fundamentals, Ill usually see what their interests are or what they are working on personally and help them improve and build upon those things. This could be repertoire for school or auditions or simply a song they have been trying to learn for a while. Once I understand the students interests and goals I try and tailor my curriculum to that. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching drums for 3 years and have found that teaching book work, but keeping it light and fun is a great way to keep students engaged and motivated. If the student isn't having fun then I am not doing my job. I both play and teach many different styles and can give advice on drum kits and cymbals, sticks, tuning and more. We will go over things like technique, rudiments etc while also learning songs, melody and song structure. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

Students are encouraged to say the play of each voice independently to foster coordination independence as conscious control. My Seven Shapes system provides foundation for the commonalities and distinctions across whatever course of songs they study. For more intermediate students, we take on more challenging songs, exercise greater stick control w/ compound rudiments, and chart entire drum parts of whole songs. Intermediate and Advanced students focus on the specific motifs and skills of more distinct and challenging drumming; speed/endurance for punk/metal, groove and phrasing for hip-hop and pop 4-way independence for latin and afro-cuban, shuffle feel open/improvisational song-form for blues and jazz, Advanced students also learn odd-meter, poly-meter, polyrhythms and ostinato from both traditional African/Indian musics and contemporary progressive examples. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum; all my lesson plans are customized to each individual student. Technique is very important, but no more so than being able to apply it in a musical way. My goal is to get the student up and running on their instrument quickly, applying tools and techniques from each lesson. I have found this approach makes lessons informative, interesting and fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Drumming since the age of 6 and learning to play a few other instruments along the way, I've seized opportunities with large touring ensembles and small groups based all over the Northeastern United States, many of which have performed in locations ranging from the Brooklyn Bridge and Philadelphia's Merriam Theater, to large venues like Giants Stadium in New Jersey, the Continental Airlines Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as far away Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I have learned that every student cannot be taught the same way, so I tailor my instruction to the individual student. I encourage my students to set personal goals of achievement at their own pace. I want my students to know that our lessons are reciprocal.In my experiences I have come to love that in music, there is always more to learn. There is essentially more music than we would ever listen to in our lifetime. Read More