Drum Lessons in Maple Shade, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Latin Percussion Keyboard

I have enjoyed teaching since 1996 as an English teacher, then branching out to music, my first love. I think the most important thing for a teacher is to understand a student's fortes and weaknesses; in order to assess the right formulaic approach to learning. I think overall most students can learn best when they are asked to repeat certain patterns in music foundations, whether it be scales or metromone based copy-cat drumming. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Again, the most important thing about learning any instrument is to have fun! If it's not fun, you won't continue to work hard at improving. That doesn't necessarily mean that I am not "tough" on a student. I think it is important to be honest and hold students accountable. However, I belive in celbrating all of the "wins" in life, no matter how small they may be. Let's work together to set lofty but attainable goals, and then let's have a blast arriving at all of these milestones . Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have found the last few years very rewarding as students become musicians. Since my first student I taught in 2004, through the days I taught at a music school, up right on to the present moment, I love passing the music onward as it was passed to me. Being a multi generational musician, it's important to me to teach this great artform and pass it down through generations. I also like to let my students know that "music lasts a lifetime." Because, if my students practice the material five days a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes, their skills as well as confidence will grow. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach my students to read music as well as to play by ear. I host 2 recitals each year. We learn one song start to finish and I hire a professional band to learn and perform the songs with my students at a local establishment or at my studio. I encourage all of my students to perform with our recital band. As far as books, I prefer to use the "new Breed", by Gary Chester, the ''Art of Bop Drumming'', by John Riley , and the ''encyclopedia of reading rhythms'', by Garry Hess, but there are many other books I recommend for specific needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I try to cater my methods to the individual students goals and personality, however ultimately utilizing the same materials. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone is a great tool for drummers. It offers simple, effective patterns for developing technique, skill, and vocabulary. It can be used intensively or casually as we borrow concepts and patterns to work with. Rudiments are the foundation of quality drumming and they can be developed using this book as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

One thing I strongly encourage is the student to go at his/her pace. There is no judgement on the capability of learning an instrument and because of that I completely understand how long (or how short) a student can learn the drums/piano etc. I try to make every student feel accomplished in a session especially when the material being taught is new and intimidating. But regardless, there will always be a sense of accomplishment because as long as the student feels as if they accomplished something(small or large) I will make it my duty to make sure they know it. 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