Drum Lessons in Ridgewood, NJ

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Originally from Dallas, TX, I have nearly 20 years of music education experience at the elementary, secondary, and adult/college levels. After graduating from The University of North Texas, I spent several years as a band director in DFW before moving abroad to teach and perform. Recently, after spending 7 years as a professional musician in New York City, I realized how much I missed teaching in Texas! So it's time to return to my home and do for students what my music teachers did for me many years ago. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a passionate and dedicated instructor who only wants my students to feel successful when making music. I graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education/Jazz Vocal Performance. I have had opportunities to perform with Latin Artists like Juanes and perform at Carnegie Hall. I was the only freshmen selected in the top University of Miami Chorale and I have also performed with professional a cappella groups in NYC where I have arranged music and done vocal percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

Studying jazz has also opened my eyes to the spontaneity of music, which is another important aspect of music that I try to encourage students to explore. While studying the classics is important, I think another vital element of maintaining a students' excitement in music study is for them to explore and delve into what it is that they enjoy, understanding how it's made, and figuring out why they like it, from a musical perspective. 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 Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

There's nothing worse than buying a drum set to start learning to play, only to have your teacher tell you, "You won't be ready for that for a year."  I like to get eveyone playing something fun and interesting as soon as possible.  Some examples of books I like to use with beginning students are the "Breeze Easy Drum Method," "Alfred's Drum Method," and Ted Reed's "Syncopation."  Songs we may often start lessons with would be "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin, "Back in Black" by AC/DC, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an experienced professional musician who performs and records regularly on multiple instruments and in many styles of music. I've composed soundtracks for national television shows and advertisements, and I am very passionate about teaching and sharing my love of music and the learning process. I have had and continue to have the great pleasure to perform, record, conduct, and cowrite with Grammy winning artists, producers, and engineers, and have had the opportunity to play at prestigious venues such as the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater, and toured on five different continents. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

I teach in all styles. I believe technology is a big part of today's music industry and needs to be taught.  Every student has a different intention for studying an instrument. It's important to understand his or hers intention. My best teacher was the hardest on me and gave me the best results. I’m very fun, but also know when to push people to do things they never thought they would be able to do. Read More