Drum Lessons in Rumson, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I continued to teach music at that same sleep away camp for years -- eventually becoming the Head of the Music Department ( Rock Shop) there - coaching bands, leading improv classes, and developing the program. I later enjoyed several years teaching as an adjunct professor in the music department at my alma mater. I have always had a steady practice of private students ranging in ages and experience. Whatever the material be, I focus on finding the student's true musical voice, allowing them to take ownership over their instrument, allowing any intimidation to fade, and therefore, finding the natural joy in playing music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching methods vary depending on the student and what skills and weaknesses they might have. There are many methods I use, but I will not name them all for time sake and just name a few. Students in schools playing in concert band i will start them with some fundamental rudiment books such as "Stick Control" and "150 Solo Rudimental Solos". Students who come to me that want to learn Jazz, I start them with the" Allan Dawson Method". Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My teaching style caters to each students needs. Exercises can be created and personalized to accomplish certain goals such as chop building and accuracy drills, or pattern recognition. My lessons are typically broken down into segments. Starting with ear training drills/music theory, warm up/scales, etude practice, and improvisation/free play at the end. The music theory will use "The Jazz Piano Book" by Mark Levine as a reference along with Berklee Theory 1-4 The songs that we learn can be picked by you! Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I am a professional drummer/composer/educator living in NYC. I grew up in Dallas, Texas and began playing classical piano at age 4. I was given a drumset when I was 9 and switched to drums full time when I was 11. After high school, I attended University of North Texas to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance. In 2011, I moved to Brooklyn to perform full time. I later decided to go back to school and completed my Master of Arts degree in Music Performance at City College of New York. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Although drumset was my first instrument, I firmly believe in developing ability and musicianship primarily with the hands first. This doesn't mean we can't play full drumset from the beginning, but I do incorporate the practice pad as part of lessons regardless of age and ability level. These students (and their parents) are paying good money, so I'm going to deliver a solid and well rounded education. We will always cover what the student is primarily interested in, but it's also important to expose him or her to new things! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Because everyone learns differently, I teach from a technique I've developed which I refer to as the blank slate method. Though I do utilize workbooks for their very informative and easy to understand nature, I prefer to teach each student based on what they know or what comes naturally to them. This involves you the student, your instrument, and a pen and paper. For beginner students who are children, we work together to learn a simple song so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment and be further motivated to continue their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For beginner students on drums I use Ted Reed's Syncopation and Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. These books provide a great foundation for every drummer and once we put together a great foundation our potential greatly increases. I also assign a great deal of listening for my students from all areas of music. For more advanced students we do use Syncopation and Stick Control as well but there are a number of other great resources such as The New Breed by Gary Chester or Creative Coordination by Keith Copeland. Read More