Drum Lessons in Queensbridge, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I typically like to start lessons with a warm up, and this is a good opportunity to see what level a student's technique is at. I immediately address anything that I see to be problematic in the student's technique, and we start working on ways to improve it as soon as possible. These can be simple exercises and when I see that my students are improving in these exercises and that their technique has gotten better, I always make sure that they also notice the difference and give them a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach basic stick technique using George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and I have numerous hand exercises based on patterns from that book that I warm up with every lesson. Starting with snare drum and basic hand technique also will incorporate rhythm reading, and basic limb independence. When my students start behind the kit, they will start by applying some of those hand exercises to the drumset, and also learn how to orchestrate and play basic grooves. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner level students I start out with learning how to strike the drum as well as simple coordination exercises and intro level drum beats. After the student can grasp basic exercises, I introduce learning how to read music which will lead to reading out of various drum set instructional as well as technique books. For more advanced students I work out of books focusing on furthering coordination and technique, widening the ability to play different styles, chart reading with play alongs, soloing as well as the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like my students to have fun and at the same time to see progress. Any small or big achievement can be very important for the student, such as completing a new song or a new exercise. Every small step further is important because it's a reward that makes their passion for music grow. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

We are all lovers of music in one way or another. It's my thought to help students develop a love of learning the art of playing an instrument and being connected to the music in such a direct way. I'm very patient with a students challenges and always encourage them to never give up. I always want to stress that each one of our voices matter when creating music. My teaching style is also about having multi media available for the student to either, see, hear and experience different forms of music in our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Though I do not have a long extensive list of past students and decades of teaching, I am no stranger to the act. I worked helping the more novice drummers in my schools jazz and pep bands to play up to snuff, and also worked closely with an aspiring drummer to bring him from complete beginner to competent enough to play in his church group and join his own band! Read More