Drum Lessons in Green Lane, PA

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

In my 30 years as a drummer/musician, whether authoring, performing, or recording music, Ive consistently pushed myself to explore new styles, techniques, and approach. My first grade-shool hands were with my then-step-brother, moving from simple punk to more melodic surf-frock to lush psychedelic rock. Across increasingly noisy and experimental bands, I quickly learned to serve powerful, solid time. As we recorded our projects on the lo-fi 4-track tape machines of the day, I became increasingly responsible for not just my performance, but the shaping of my drum part in the mix. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use a variety of methods for my teaching style. I usually have a few method books that I bring to a first lesson, and after meeting the student I will decide on the best one. Once the student has progressed and shows some motivation to be slightly challenged, I'll introduce "popular" music so that the student feels a sense of accomplishment! Music is associated with movies, radio, etc., so to be able to play something recognizable is exciting for the student and the teacher. Read More

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 believe a strong working knowledge of rudiments is fundamental to establishing good hand technique. I create arrangements combining rudiments to promote memorization and musicality. In addition, I teach four way coordination exercises, to develop bass drum consistency and promote general coordination skills. Students will also be introduced to different types of drum fills that progress into more challenging combinations using both hands and feet. Once a basic foundation in technique is established the student will be introduced to new music styles using pre-recorded play along tracks. Read More