Drum Lessons in River Vale, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a musician and artist based in New York City and surrounding areas. I have been playing and studying music since I was a child and have deep love and knowledge for and of the art form. I have taught guitar and piano primarily, but also studied drum set and composition and would be excited to take on a drums or composition student. I've had the opportunity to perform with many musicians in the rock and jazz tradition over the years, as well, as a solo performer, and am always composing and arranging music, or gigging. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

For very young guitar students I use Dick Bennett's books 1,2, 3 to start and then as the students progress we will continue to Mel Bay books 1, and 2 then proceed to chord books and charts, some knowledge that i will personally pass on such as finger exercise's and scales, use of the I pad and some guitar apps as well. I will also share my library of songs with them and show them how to play songs they enjoy as requested. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My two favorite books for all my beginning drum students are George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. These books, and the rudiments are a great place to develop the basics of the instrument. After learning the foundations, I develop an individual program to meet the students needs and desires, making the instruction both educational and fun. I learn from them what techniques, styles, and other drummers interest them, and tailor the lesson towards helping them learn the skills that will keep them interested. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My musical background originally consisted of classic rock and blues music. I then wanted to expand my pallet of music while attending Hunter College for my Bachelors of Music with a concentration in Jazz Performance, therefore, I began studying Jazz, Funk, and Latin music. 
This consisted of joining the college Big Band and many small Jazz and Contemporary music groups gaining much experience. I've had many opportunities to learn from some of the greatest musicians in the world and I am excited to share that knowledge with my students. 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

I stress to all my students exactly what a drummer's job is, that he/she needs to compliment the music and play within the framework of the song. The best thing that another musician can say about a drummer is that they have a great "groove" or great "feel". If I can get my students to that point then I'm happy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I document our itinerary for the parents as well, so they can track their student's progress. For my adult students, I like to teach based on what the student is interested in learning. I also encourage my older students to play out, and I will often let my more advanced students sit in on my gigs with me! I think it is important that each student learn at his or her own rate, so I tailor my approach differently for every one of my students! Read More