Drum Lessons in Oakland Gardens, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Although drumset was my first instrument, I firmly believe in developing ability and musicianship primarily with the hands first. This doesn't mean we can't play full drumset from the beginning, but I do incorporate the practice pad as part of lessons regardless of age and ability level. These students (and their parents) are paying good money, so I'm going to deliver a solid and well rounded education. We will always cover what the student is primarily interested in, but it's also important to expose him or her to new things! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My main areas of expertise are in voice, songwriting and composition, improvisation, contemporary piano and synthesizer performance, recording your own music, and ear training and theory. I love to teach because I have to teach. My philosophy is if you believe you are born with a special gift, you are obligated to give and teach the ways of this gift to people who strive to understand it. In other words, music is my passion and the one thing I've been able to do my entire life, and creating it gives me tremendous joy. Read More

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

If you are looking for a Classic teacher with classic teaching methods, you are looking in the wrong spot. I teach with an instant gratification method. You will still be just as skilled (if not more) as the rest of any other musicians out there but what you will have and develop is your own artistry and your own path as a musician. So many teaching styles try to make music more of a science rather than a passion. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have performed in rock bands since I was 13 years old and through doing so I build a solid foundation of skills. However, I believe that I would have progressed more solidly, more well-roundedly, if I had also received instruction (aside from my father's) as to the ins and outs of important rock conventions, hand placement, fill technique, and methods for improving accuracy and speed. As a self-taught musician, I progressed largely because I'm an excellent listener and I love to challenge myself. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners of any age I begin with a simple method of my own design for understanding how rhythm works. With simple step by step instructions, complex coordination becomes easy to understand. For intermediate students, refining technique through musical exercises and carefully selected repetoire is priority number one. For advanced students, the goal is to break down patterns that the player relies on to open up new possibilites. In all facets MUSICAL PLAYING is the priority. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I typically start with the basic fundamentals of the instrument, focussing on right posture, grip and sound. For intermediate students there is more freedom. If there is a good understanding of how the fundamentals work, the student can share her / his preference with me. Since I teach all genres, there is a very broad palette to discuss. Whenever I have a good feeling with the student's preference, I'll come up with a system so we can start working on new material. 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