Drum Lessons in Mountainside, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

From then on, depending on the student's interest, I'll teach them how to play a very simple groove, and start from there. Sooner or later I definitely will focus on the hands technique which is essential not only to improve as a drummer, but also to make sure not to get hurt with unnecesary body tension. I always try to keep the lesson fun and engaging no matter the topic discussed. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching drum set experiences started over 15 years ago when I was playing many different styles of music. I wanted to be able to assist and encourage my students to be able to play drums and vibes or marimba. Teaching mallet instruments to drum set students allowed me to help the student see why he or she played certain drum set grooves and fills at certain points. It always fascinates me when people see how chords (on a mallet instrument) lock into a drum set groove. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I typically like to start lessons with a warm up, and this is a good opportunity to see what level a student's technique is at. I immediately address anything that I see to be problematic in the student's technique, and we start working on ways to improve it as soon as possible. These can be simple exercises and when I see that my students are improving in these exercises and that their technique has gotten better, I always make sure that they also notice the difference and give them a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like to start off teaching how to read very simple snare drum and drum set music. Basic snare drum rudiments like Flams and Paradiddles and basic rock beat drum patterns are a fun and engaging way to start learning. I use books as well as transcribe music myself to provide my students with a visual representation. This allows for a more clear communication once the drumming concepts become more challenging and complex. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I began music studies at an early age and quickly became an in demand musician among the local community of Jazz musicians in South Florida by my teens, performing often with Pianists Mike Gerber and Antonio Adolfo, and Multi-Instrumentalist and Be-bop great Ira Sullivan. Upon graduating high school, I relocated to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, where I studied with the legendary drummers Rakalam Bob Moses and Billy Hart, and studied composition and improvisation with pianist Anthony Coleman, Guitarist Joe Morris and composer Stratis Minakakis. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I'm very encouraging and I really think that being positive and patient is a shortcut to success. I like my lessons to be fun and relaxed, always keeping in mind to reach "the objective of the day". This way of teaching has been very rewarding for both my students and I, for instance when some of them send me a video of them managing to play something they'd have never thought they could do! Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching methods vary depending on the student and what skills and weaknesses they might have. There are many methods I use, but I will not name them all for time sake and just name a few. Students in schools playing in concert band i will start them with some fundamental rudiment books such as "Stick Control" and "150 Solo Rudimental Solos". Students who come to me that want to learn Jazz, I start them with the" Allan Dawson Method". Read More