Drum Lessons in Ocean Beach, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have been playing percussion for at least 40 years and share my love for music through teaching and performance. I presently am a show group member of Samba New York where I am section leader for the third surdo section. I play many Brazilian percussion instruments as well. I am also the section leader of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra where I play timpani. And though I presently play timpani, I have extensive experience playing mallet instruments, drumset, latin percussion and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

You can also improvise on songs that you hear on the radio without knowing the key of the song just by getting a feel of how the song sounds and you will find the notes on your instrument and start jamming to the songs you hear on the radio. Having a good memory will also help you with that. If you don't know the chord progression for the 1st verse of a song, usually, the 2nd verse has the same progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage my students to learn at their own pace and push them when I see I can. I do not want to deter my students from liking what they do. I try to find the passion for a style of music and bring it out in my students while connecting that style to other styles to show the student that styles are idiosynchratic, but that they can also interchange with other styles. Read More

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

I love seeing and hearing my students get something and play it well.  It is more rewarding than any amount of money.  I encourage my students to play and perform as much as possible even if it is just in their own home.  I keep the lessons well paces but I am not afraid to go off in a different direction if it suits the student.  Music should be inspiring and should leave the student always wanting to learn more. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Over the years, I've taken lessons from instructors who had an array of teaching styles. While in high school, I was taught through intimidation and was scared into learning, which is something I was able to handle. This methods can actually turn students away from music which is the main reason dislike approach. Students should be comfortable and relaxed when entering a lesson. This not only creates a positive learning environment for the student but helps create a relationship between instructor and student that only helps the growth of both individuals. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As far as drumming goes, I believe in the same tenets that were taught to me; start with the basics and core and work your way up. For drums that means rudiments, stick technique and snare basics (books like "Stick Control" -George Stone). But lessons are not a slow grind that maybe one day build up to a full drum set. I was taught (and teach) in a way which mainly focuses first on these essentials (reading, technique etc.), but also incorporates the rest of the drum-set and playing along with other instruments and music. Read More