Drum Lessons in Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

My teaching experience actually began when I was a teenager, when I taught my little brother drum set; he became adept enough to form his own rock band when he was a teen! I have been performing for over 40 years. I started my teaching career over 15 years ago.Drums have been my life, and it gives me great pleasure to introduce these skills to young people and adults, and help them express themselves and become proficient, confident drummers.. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My first priority as a teacher is to find out what the student is interested in. Why do they want to play? What music do they like? What are they hoping to accomplish? That is always my starting point. From there, I help the students reach their individual goals, while also teaching a basic curriculum I have designed myself in order to give the students the skills and knowledge all players require. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time over 20 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that teaching a combination of various musical styles can go a long way in helping students thoroughly enjoy drumming and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For beginners I usually begin with Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone and Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley. Once the student has a good grasp on basic reading and technique, I usually introduce rudiments and start working on solo or play along repertoire. I also like to use The Drum Set Musician by Rod Morgenstein. Besides book work I also like to bring in things that I am working on either with bands I play with or personal projects. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I began music studies at an early age and quickly became an in demand musician among the local community of Jazz musicians in South Florida by my teens, performing often with Pianists Mike Gerber and Antonio Adolfo, and Multi-Instrumentalist and Be-bop great Ira Sullivan. Upon graduating high school, I relocated to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, where I studied with the legendary drummers Rakalam Bob Moses and Billy Hart, and studied composition and improvisation with pianist Anthony Coleman, Guitarist Joe Morris and composer Stratis Minakakis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

The first teaching concept I focus on is the capacity to produce great sounds with the least amount of effort. Therefore I spend some time in getting the student to play very relaxed to create a relationship with body and mind, I believe music is an extension of the body and so if the mind and body are relaxed then music will come out flawless. We will use students ideas of songs they are interested in learning as well as some of my own suggestions for repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love teaching drums. As an educator, my greatest joy is sharing in the success of my students, whether it be grasping a new concept, or mastering a particularly difficult technique. I believe in positive reinforcement, and acknowledging success. It is important for me to develop a trusting, encouraging relationship with my students, and I am often inspired to improve my skills and teaching techniques to better serve their needs. Read More