Drum Lessons in Sea Cliff, NY

Instruments: Drums

I teach all of my students how to read music as well as play by ear. I think both things are important. I focus on both technique and playing musically. Dynamics are something that many drummers ignore. To truly be a good drummer you must listen to the other instruments around you. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Patience is the most important element! It is not easy to try to get another person to understand something you have been doing for 40 years. It takes time. Starting slowly and methodically and keeping things simple in most crucial. I will change speed and difficulty based on the skill level that I notice. Another important factor is to determine what drove the student to want to learn how to play drums. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

For beginners I usually start them off with two books, Stick Control and Funky Primer. I then pair what they learn from those with real world examples and try to incorporate that into songs that they want to play. For more intermediate students we focus more on developing their musical vocabulary and all around versatility. We go more in depth on rudiments and using them around the kit. We also start covering music industry fundamentals and the skills they need to market themselves as a musician and how to put together or find a band to start gigging with! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I use all types of books including Syncopation, Stick Control, New Breed, Advanced Funk Studies. Also I like to use other media where possible to teach different styles. Once the beginning student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce more musical applications related to real music. Preferably music the student is interested to learn to play. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I do my best at motivating students and tell them, however much time you put into the instrument will always translate into what they can get out of it. I am very laid back but also very realistic. Setting short term and long terms goals will be the key to improvement. I believe in playing with music when you are learning as well. Instead of a metronome, you can practice exercises/rudiments to a song you like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

The best way for students to improve their proficiency on an instrument is through consistent, weekly practice. In our lessons, we will discover overall musical goals and then weekly goals to help us achieve our dreams. Yes, the dedication must be put in by the student, but organized practice is the quickest way to truly improve. In my lessons, we will work on technique and sight reading as well as improvisation and learning songs. 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