Drum Lessons in Penns Park, PA

Instruments: Drums

I use different methods for students over 12 years of age and younger students. For the first group I base my teaching on Alan Dawson and Gary Chester style systems using variations for the students level and needs. For the second group I like using a Bobby Deitch method adding a play along list.. For both group , according to the musical needs of the student I might add some of my original material, some transcriptions, Wilcoxin Snare Drum Solo's, materials from Stick Control and Syncopation books. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to showing simple rock grooves to the kids at my fathers church. I had very little knowledge about music back then but I knew from early on that I had a niche for teaching. During my time at Rutgers University I was priveleged enough to work for the Rutgers Extension Division which specializes in different lesson and summer programs. Through the Extension Division I was able to gain experience as a counselor, working with children ages 6-18, and also as a substitute drum instuctor. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Djembe

Playing the Drum Set requires strength in a few key areas. Hand to Hand Coordination, 4 limb interdependence , rhythm vocabulary and Timing. No matter what your skill level is we'll always need to maintain it. The saying is, "if you don't use it you lose it". No matter your skill level I believe it's important to understand what it takes to maintain the physical performance on your instrument. That's why I encourage students to memorize songs and exercises. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

Every drum student is different so I customize each lesson to fit the particular students needs and goals. I always start out with fundamentals and rudiments on the snare drum, Focusing on stick position posture and proper technique. Once these basics are established we move onto a basic drum set method book covering notation, basic drumbeats and drum fills. From there we branch out into various styles of drumming, very often we move to jazz drumming from there as that is usually the first time students are offered to play drum set in their school music program. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Let start from the ground up! With a beginner guitarist or bassist I want to both keep them excited about learning and teach the the fundamental necessary structure required to develop into a one of a kind musician. I use finger training and strengthening techniques to get the students physical ability in tip top shape, along with innovative chord ideas and mental understanding techniques. Most importantly by the end of every lesson even the first one I leave my students with a cool riff to play to show them that what they are learning is truly working, I believe this will keep students engaged in the learning and keep them working harder for the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I begin with building a strong foundation with the basics; -counting -internalizing the tempo with your feet -isolating limbs -basic grooves We then graduate to novice material; -performing songs with hits and breaks and form -reading lead sheets and counting -internalizing tempo with grooves -3/4 meter -blues/shuffle/swing patterns For intermediate; - we learn 4-way coordination -review reading skills from books such as stick control, syncopation and and 23 drum rudiment etudes -we will learn three camps -we will work on advance songs with hits and develop comping and soloing Advanced; -we will learn the rudiments ritual -we will learn to ready drum sheet music - we will learn jazz Melodies and common improvisation for jazz and Rb shows -we will learn odd time meters, metric modulation and imposition - we learn advanced grooves from different regions Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a laid back teacher, but I make sure all students behave and learn. I love when the students enjoy what they are doing, and when I enjoy what I am doing. It's a relationship that you build. I expect the students to practice their craft. I continue to learn as I teach as well. Inspiration is very important. The inspired students are special for they know what they want to accomplish. Read More