Drum Lessons in Kensington, NY

Instruments: Drums

'Relaxed' and 'Musical' are the most important words to explain my teaching style. I enjoy the hang and I enjoy the music. Nothing we do will be purely technique based. Everything will involve music. We will never just read notes on a piece of paper! We'll listen to music, we'll always tie exercises back to things you already know and we will get to know one another's musical personalities. Wherever you are on your musical journey is the only possible place to be. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Through my years of lessons and practice, I've narrowed down the fundamentals into two books based around Rock and Jazz: Ultimate Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice and Advanced Techniques for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin. I also teach rudiments through the practice pad to sharpen control and speed when playing drumset. Through these books and rudiments you'll build a solid foundation that will make learning more advanced grooves or fills easier to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

For beginners I usually start them off with two books, Stick Control and Funky Primer. I then pair what they learn from those with real world examples and try to incorporate that into songs that they want to play. For more intermediate students we focus more on developing their musical vocabulary and all around versatility. We go more in depth on rudiments and using them around the kit. We also start covering music industry fundamentals and the skills they need to market themselves as a musician and how to put together or find a band to start gigging with! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I have been teaching privately since the age of 16. Over the years I have accumulated a lot of educational materials and methods, and I like to cater these to the needs of my students. My experiences in recording, touring, and working in pit orchestras has helped me understand some of the essential elements of performing on percussion instruments. Whatever it is that my students would like to do, I try to motivate them to continue working towards those goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard

After teaching for 12 years I don't have a fixed method. I have categories of students, from children who are trying to function in a band setting, to children who are trying to develop a musical or compositional talent. I take particular joy in teaching adults who believe it is too late to achieve levels of technical proficiency that would make them proud. My journey from classical music to jazz through pop, swing, rock, soul and folk has taught me how to blend in with any style, and my classical education has given me the necessary toolbox to communicate about advanced theoretical concepts with students who are interested. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm very much a lover of music, rhythm, and sound. I enjoy sharing that love of music with my students and helping them achieve whatever goal they may have. I try to always remind the student that there is validity to all that we do, and to not be afraid of experimenting and improvising. I want my students to always think as improvisers and composers from the very start of our studies. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners I start with basic drum technique, and then go into what ever style of music you might want to learn. For more intermediate and advanced players I create lessons around what you are interested in, plus I have you play for me and listen for any bad habits that may be holding you back. I also tailor lessons to undergraduate degree auditions, for those considering studying music in school. Read More