Drum Lessons in Riverhead, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I have had a lifelong passion for music as far back as I can ever remember. I was exposed to a wide variety of different musical genres from a very young age, and developed an interest in percussion when I was 3 years old. Drumset is my main instrument, but I am also proficient in classical percussion, marching percussion, and mallets. in 2005, I studied at the BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset, and in 2009 Ireceived a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Performance from SUNY New Paltz.Iwas a member of my High School Stage Band, Jazz Band, and was section leader/head snare drummer of the Commack High School Marching Band. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Nothing is more rewarding in my teaching than watching a student enjoy making progress and exceeding the expectations that others have set for them. My favorite moment in the teaching process is witnessing the excitement of a student who has just performed above and beyond even the goals and epectations I had set for them to accomplish in a period of time. In my experience, students love succeeding, and love even more so to be recognized for succeeding. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style is very cut and dry.SLOW DOWN. Learning an istrument is an adventure so take your time and enjoy the journey.Remember it's not a race but a marathon. practicing daily and setting goals is highly recommended for a student to stay motivated and inspired. It's very rewarding when my students overcome an obstacle in their playing. The light Goes on, it clicks and they just get it. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Custom Lesson Plans: In addition to using established methods, I also believe in creating custom lesson plans that are tailored to the individual student's needs and goals. This might involve incorporating the student's favorite songs, working on specific areas of weakness, and setting goals for improvement. Overall, when teaching drums, I would aim to provide a well-rounded education that covers the essential elements of drumming, while also being flexible and adaptable to the individual student's needs and interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For materials I use the following; Vic Firth Snare Drum Method, Rudimental Swing Solos, Art of Bop Drumming, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset, Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Syncopation, Rudimental Ritual, Tables of Time and Music Minus One. Each book focuses on sight reading, coordination and musical styles. Outside of reading materials, I always give my students music to listen to and recordings to play along to. Playing and listening to recordings provides a musical context for what we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students I start them on practice pads so they can get used to holding and playing with drum sticks. From there I teach the fundamentals of drumming, which are rudiments and reading while also teaching them easier songs on the drum set that they love. I can guarantee that within their first two lessons they will be able to play "We Will Rock You" by Queen and also play a basic beat on the drum set. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

My approach to teaching is to try and understand each students level of musicianship and evaluate their weaknesses and strengths. I believe that repetition and the reduction of speed are essential for learning, mastering and remembering technique and the nuances of music. I encourage each student to explore the style or genre of music that is most appealing to them. As well as experiment and persevere through new challenges of unfamiliar works or styles, such as classical, jazz, African and Latin/Cuban. Read More