Drum Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Everyone learns an instrument for different reasons and I think it's very important to acknowlege that and recognize acheivements students make regardless of how small they may seem. I strive in every lesson to find what excites a student about music and what gets them interested to learn. I want students to be constantly engaged, challenged, and invigorated by music so that they too can develop a passion for music like I have. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experiences go back at least 15 years.  I started when I was in college and have never stopped teaching.  In my lessons I focus on the whole child.  Together we find out where their strengths lie and capitalize on those strengths.  Music is supposed to be fun and that is one of my goals is to keep it fun and exciting for the student.  I find it is best to expose the student to all types of music new and old and everything from classical to hip hop. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have taught students of all ages and experience levels. I am currently preparing multiple students for a graded solo performance that will be happening at the local NYSSMA festival this June at NYU. One of my past students had received entry into the Fiorello H. Laguardia High School Of Music Art and Performing Arts. As a group percussion instructor for BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), I worked with students in a summer program who were in grades six, seven, and eight. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My two favorite books for all my beginning drum students are George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. These books, and the rudiments are a great place to develop the basics of the instrument. After learning the foundations, I develop an individual program to meet the students needs and desires, making the instruction both educational and fun. I learn from them what techniques, styles, and other drummers interest them, and tailor the lesson towards helping them learn the skills that will keep them interested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Once the student has progressed to an intermediate level, I like to start introducing more advanced music theory and musical references to enable the student to start finding their own unique style. For advanced students, our focus is on perfecting playing technique and style, as well as continuing to expand our knowledge of music as an art form and an industry, and I speak with my students about the ways that they can use their talent beyond home, school, and the local gig venue. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

With multi-stylistic performance experience, I have had the pleasure of working with artists including Wheatus (UK No. 2 Billboard with "Teenage Dirtbag"), Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing), Andrew W.K., Viktor Kirly (NBC The Voice 2015 - Top 24), and Kate Nauta (Hollywood actress in Transporter 2 and the Game Plan). I have performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Brazil and was a member of the 42 date 2015 Wheatus 15th anniversary European tour. With the band, I also appeared on the Ray D'Arcy show, featured live on Ireland's premiere TV network RT One, and headlined the Trebur Open Air Festival (Germany) and Sligo Summer Festival (Ireland), playing for up to 10,000 people. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

It was so hard for me to leave my students in Miami. We had such a great bond filled with motivation, discipline, and passion. Pushing people to achieve what they once thought was impossible is a blessing. To teach another human the gift of physically producing music is a gift. I am ver patient but firm. I like to learn while having fun most of all. I love to play and incorporate live musical interactions with my students. Read More