Drum Lessons in Port Jefferson Station, NY

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: Drums

It is very important to make each student progress at his or her own pace. This is done by setting realistic goals for each student at each lesson, keeping them inspired and interested in learning more. When you acknowledge students based on their accomplishments, it helps to fuel them a desire to progress and make them interested in learning more. Finding out what are his/her inspirations it makes it easier to fit my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Also, for 4 years, I was the head of the Jazz Percussion Department at "Taller De Jazz Caracas," the most prestigious jazz academy in Venezuela. Since I moved to New York City, I have become an active member of the exciting city’s jazz scene, both as a performer and educator, playing with artists such as Will Vinson, Doug Weiss, Kenny Werner, Tim Hagans, Mike Holober, Mimi Jones, Lukas Gabric, Livio Almeida, Josiah Boornazian, Antonio Mazzei, Brent Vaartstra, Coyote Anderson, just to name a few. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

First of all, theory is extremely important to learn music. By learning and understanding theory you will realize and appreciate music as the amalgam between art and science. Music is heavily influenced by math. Music is science of the soul. Secondly, I make a lot of emphasis on improvisation as well. As soon as you understand the fretboard and your finger get used to playing, then improvisation connects your fingers with your soul, your muse, your inspiration. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students we usually start with sitting at 2 drum sets and learning to hold the sticks. It's then about trying to get the sticks to strike the drum and practice getting a nice sound on the instrument. Even at a young age, it's important to help the students to think about tone and how we are creating sound on these instruments. I use the same technique on the vibes, learning to hold 2 or 4 mallets and just creating simple sounds. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I started playing drums when I was 10 years old in my elementary school band.  Quickly, I became hooked to practicing and getting better and growing as a musician. I also fell in love with music and it's healing abilities. As a teenager, I played in my high school concert band, jazz band and had my own rock bands outside of school. I was hungry for anything to make me a better drummer. Read More