Drum Lessons in Oxford, CT

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have been teaching for 8 years, getting my start in my home town of Nyack, NY teaching jazz combos and private lessons at the Nyack Summer Music Camp. Since then, I taught private lessons to students of all abilities at Oberlin for 5 years, I was a staff teacher at the Avon School of Music in Avon, Ohio, I was a music instructor and counselor at Camp Encore/Coda in Maine, as well as other camps more local to NY, and I am currently an employee of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, where I am teaching music to kids at P.S 246. Read More

Instruments: Drums

It is a wonderful thing to see students having a passion for music. Each student will develop the way that they want to. Each lesson I want my students accomplish as much as they can from my teachings. Once students accomplish something they would want to learn more from me. I would also take some of their wants and needs and implicate that into my teaching. implement and develop musical organizations for concert productions. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

My teaching has enabled me to work with young musicians of all ages and skill types. The approach I take is technique driven, while at the same time, expressive, musically sensitive, and fun! Voice students will learn English and foreign language diction, ear training and sight-singing, proper posture, stage presence, confidence, and healthy vocal production suitable for all styles of singing. Drum students will learn the importance of snare drum rudiments, how to read drum charts, the nuances of various styles, as well as, develop dexterity and increase muscular function and independence. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Patience is the most important element! It is not easy to try to get another person to understand something you have been doing for 40 years. It takes time. Starting slowly and methodically and keeping things simple in most crucial. I will change speed and difficulty based on the skill level that I notice. Another important factor is to determine what drove the student to want to learn how to play drums. 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

We start by doing proper warm up exercises followed by learning or practicing rudiments. We work on our grip of the sticks and our movements while drumming. In other words, I teach economy of movement for maximum energy. If a student is flailing their arms, we talk about a more fluid movement by utilizing the wrists and incorporating finger control. Then we move on to reading out of instructional books which is then followed by practical application on the drum sets.With a beginner student I find Basix Syncopation for Drums by Alfred Publishing to be a very effective tool. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The most rewarding part of teaching is watching the student master something they have worked hard on. I feel it is important for each student to develop his or her own musical identity. Having confidence in their ability, and reaching a level of comfort with the instrument I feel helps them develop both as a musician and in other parts of their lives. The lessons are designed to meet their individual needs so i can help each student progress at their own pace. Read More