Drum Lessons in Old Westbury, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Music Djembe

In 1979, I traveled to New York City, intending merely to spend the summer before finishing my last year at the University of Wisconsin. After a few short weeks of being there, though, I was getting so much work as a musician that I decided to stay. I've worked and toured with some of the great legends of jazz music such as Abbey Lincoln, Jackie McLean, Stanley Turrentine, and Freddie Hubbard. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

For beginners, I always start with very basic technique elements such as the proper way of holding the drumsticks, how to position the drum set and having a proper posture while playing to build good habits right from the beginning. From there, I like to work on simple rudiments, and connect this with how to use the rudiments to play simple grooves. I will also bring charts with written grooves of popular songs and we will start playing along with songs, to get used to the feeling of playing in a musical context. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My methods vary. For piano, we start with simple technique exercises to make sure a student is making every note count. For younger students- like 6 and under- we'll nickname everything to make it easier. An example- the fingers should always be curled when playing piano, not flat. There should be enough space under their palm to hold hold a golf ball, so when they are playing with flat hands, I'll say 'golf ball' to remind them of the correct way, instead of being 'that mean old lady' type. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion

It depends on the age. For younger students, we may start with basic drumming or percussion techniques, drumstick grips and rudiments. Older, more experienced students may study from more advanced drum books and progress deeper into the study of technique and playing along with tracks, and learning to write drum parts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music

I started to teach in the second part of my career,when I came to New York,in 2001.I was teaching lessons to occasional students,whom I was acquiring after their visits at the basement where I used to practice,in Park Ave.After some years I realized I have a talent and a passion for teaching so I started to look for more students and while at it, I refined my teaching skills.Then I've found Musika,a great opportunity for me to establish my teaching activity in a professional and more consistent way.Today I've been teaching for them for about 4 years and my enthusiasm in seeing my students grow is bigger and bigger every season. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with the method book that the child is given by the school Music teacher, making certain that they are at least adequately prepared to play their assigned studies (or pages) for their school Music lesson. I also incorporate playing the Duets provided in that volume, along with the students. I then suggest that they purchase other necessary methods, duets and solos at their local Music Store(s), as they progress, and they will therefore require more advanced Musical materials than that used at their school. Read More