Drum Lessons in New Castle, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have always loved music and when I was still in elementary school I was given a pair of conga drums after being inspired during a family vacation. Over ten years later I am listening and playing more styles of music on more instruments than I ever thought imaginable when I began. I achieved a Music Education Degree from Montclair State University where the world's musical doors burst open for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The electric guitar quickly became a part of my identity, a part of my security, and has remained as a stable force in my life. I've been lucky to have a diverse professional musical career, studying jazz at SUNY New Paltz, nationally touring in a Zydeco Punk band, fronting my own band of originals, singing and playing guitar in rock musicals, and composing soundtracks. All while keeping up my teaching practice. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students of any age, I focus a lot on technique and building good habits. I will always use Stick Control by G.L. Stone, which has great material for a beginner drummer/percussionist. This is a stage where I will lightly introduce concepts of beat, tempo and rhythm, to help establish a musical vocabulary. Once I've determined that they have a good grasp of time and rhythm, I slowly begin to introduce rudiments and reinforce them lesson by lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My method of teaching will both implement teaching students how to sight read but also more importantly how to play music by ear. I am very big on learning by ear because it is the way I learned music most of my life. For younger students I do want them to start learning how to sight read at a basic level because it will make it easier for them in the long run. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Syncopation, Stick Control, Wilcoxin, Modern Reading in 4/4, etc... TESTIMONIALS: “I was searching for a drum teacher for my then preteen daughter. She had had other drum teachers, however their approach was one that often left her crying.  A friend recommended Matt and so I welcomed him into my home to teach my daughter how to play drums. My daughter took to him immediately and as an administrator in a local school I recognized in Matt the qualities of a great teacher. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students who DON'T own or have access to a drum set I try to start with basic snare drum technique which can be played either on a snare drum or a practice pad.  For students who DO own or have regular access to a full set of drums I like to get them on the drum set as soon as posible playing along with songs they like, again encouraging personal discovery and fun! Read More