Drum Lessons in Lawrence, NY

Instruments: Drums

I am a freelance drummer based in New York City, and I have been performing regularly since 2004. As a performer, I've been fortunate to gain valuable experience performing, touring and recording with numerous bands in varying genres, which has allowed me to travel the world to perform and teach. I have performed at a number of New York City's top jazz venues, including Dizzy's Club, Birdland Jazz Club, The Jazz Standard, The Jazz Gallery, Smalls Jazz Club, and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I typically begin with a deep dive on rudimental studies and keyboard skills on drums and mallet percussion. I gradually introduce notation and music literacy tools to improve the students understanding of how the fundamentals of music interact with one another. I use a lot of rote teaching methods as well to take full advantage of how physical percussion and drums can be. I find that students interests will quickly guide me to making suggestions for different repertoire to take on as the student is ready. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Patience is the most important element! It is not easy to try to get another person to understand something you have been doing for 40 years. It takes time. Starting slowly and methodically and keeping things simple in most crucial. I will change speed and difficulty based on the skill level that I notice. Another important factor is to determine what drove the student to want to learn how to play drums. Read More

Instruments: Drums

At 14, Will had his first paying professional gig playing a production of Little Shop of Horrors in SE Michigan, where a community theater scene provided work and experience leading up to studying at the LA Music Academy in 2007. Will spent the next several years in Austin, TX and Los Angeles, CA working as a drummer playing many styles of music including top 40, jazz, funk, rock roll, country, etc. It's this real world playing experience that Will utilizes in teaching and passing on knowledge as well preparing students for a potential career as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I’ve also worked with Rumer Willis, Matt Gould, Doreen Montalvo, Ryan Raftery, and Ben Platt among other singers and composers. As an active drum instructor, I provide one-on-one lessons to all ages and skill levels. I also teach materclasses and workshops at local schools, colleges, and universities in the New York and Philadelphia areas. I hold a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts, and a Bachelor's Degree in Drum Set Performance from the University of the Arts. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I do not limit my students to a predetermined method. I find, through my own experiences, that this is tedious as well as boring. There are many books I use, including Ted Reed's syncopation for all levels of students, but I focus most of my time with a student to finding out what inspires them to want to learn the drums, and go from there. With every student I start with the basics of technique. Read More