Drum Lessons in Laurel, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a Creative, Passionate, Music Loving person and Instructor. I share my experience of decades of private music instruction. I studied with the great master Lennie Tristano who presented me in Solo concert performance. I played Town Hall NYC and recorded a tribute album there to rave reviews in the New York Times. I have played concerts throughout the tri-state area as well as in Europe. I love to tailor each lesson as a custom fit for each individual students needs! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will always listen to what students want to learn and play but at the same time will introduce them to music they aren’t familiar with. To be a great musician you have to be well rounded in different styles of music. I will also encourage students to express their emotions through what they play because I believe music can be very therapeutic and sometimes people have a hard to expressing themselves through talking. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am friendly, fun, outgoing and encouraging. I will find student strength's, pinpoint and work on any weaknesses, and enjoyably introduce necessary topics in a musically progressive order. I will never yell at or talk down to a student. Any behavioral challenges will be discussed with parents. I do not skip steps. I accept differing techniques of all accomplished drummers and will help the student use the tried-and-true, explore the many variations, and help develop their own style and voice. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

My approach to teaching is to try and understand each students level of musicianship and evaluate their weaknesses and strengths. I believe that repetition and the reduction of speed are essential for learning, mastering and remembering technique and the nuances of music. I encourage each student to explore the style or genre of music that is most appealing to them. As well as experiment and persevere through new challenges of unfamiliar works or styles, such as classical, jazz, African and Latin/Cuban. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I firmly believe that no student is "too young" to learn about more advanced music and techniques. With that being said, I will also push my students to move to the next level. I set very attainable goals that all students of any age can reach, while always adding a little more. Again, this is all related to the students understanding of rhythm and their relationships to each other. No matter the instrument, I always look for the new and "cool" music and teaching styles to keep up with the rapidly changing world. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at MSM, Ryan worked at Motts Hall II as a percussion teacher for their outreach program. After graduation, he would perform with Phil Markowitz, Jimmy Bruno, Zach Brock, and John Escreet and become a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Notable past performances include a month-long residency in Shanghai for Lincoln Center, Boston Celebrity Series, Jordan Hall, Umbria Jazz, and EFG London Jazz Festival. Ryan is currently working as the primary drummer for the New York-based improv group Altus, and leading his band, the Ryan Sands Trio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As far as drumming goes, I believe in the same tenets that were taught to me; start with the basics and core and work your way up. For drums that means rudiments, stick technique and snare basics (books like "Stick Control" -George Stone). But lessons are not a slow grind that maybe one day build up to a full drum set. I was taught (and teach) in a way which mainly focuses first on these essentials (reading, technique etc.), but also incorporates the rest of the drum-set and playing along with other instruments and music. Read More