Drum Lessons in Riverton, CT

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Through my time both as a student and educator there has always been an over arching philosophy to balance out priorities of progress and achievement with fun and sheer enjoyment. I can remember times where music for me, became not what it is intended to be because of the stress and anxiety that I would sometimes encounter in practice and performance settings. Now, I don't mean to say stress and added pressure is never a good thing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

It is great to see the joy on students faces when they realize how good their progress is. I always knowledge their success in overcoming of obstacles they find on their way. It is also a joyful challenge for both, student and me, to find the way through greater difficulties when they arise. Then the success is even sweeter. 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 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

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching high school band and percussion for the last 15 years. 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 a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More