Drum Lessons in Seneca Castle, NY

Instruments: Drums Djembe

Chris finds immense purpose behind the drum kit and strives to spread positivity through his music. He has been drumming for over 10 years and has been gigging professionally for over 6 years, performing in a variety of contexts, including both large and small jazz ensembles, funk bands, hip hop groups, singer-songwriters, and pop bands. He cultivates a unique sound at the drums, combining elements of African, Caribbean, and South American rhythms with traditional Western grooves to create something entirely fresh and powerful. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Music Djembe

I graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Jazz Studies: Drum Set from the Eastman School of Music, studying music theory (aural and written), music history, and composition in addition to drum set and Jazz vibraphone. During my master's degree, I taught two courses taken by Eastman and University of Rochester students (drum set lessons, and also a basic drum set class). I have worked at American Music Centre (a music store/ school in Rochester) as a drum set and percussion instructor, and have multiple years experience teaching students from ages 3 to adult. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Acoustic Guitar

I craft a music program based on every individual's strenght, weakness and most important: interests. Having taught music in public schools for over 30 years, I am familiar with almost every pedagogical method. Whether it is Suzuki, Gordon, Kodaly, Orff or Barry Harris, I draw from all the methodology to help all students reach their comfort zones. I will also teach how to practice your instrument-something that is often neglected. Most important,I can teach how to actively listen to music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Yes for teaching piano I use Nancy and Randall Faber's books. I have used all of them. For guitar and mandolin I generally do not use a "book". As the lessons progress I might introduce a book if that is what is called for. All orchestral instruments call for the structure of a book and I augment that with my own explanations. This is true for all ages of learners. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I love to see progress and excitement in my students. This shows that I am doing my job as a teacher! I always have a plan for the start and end of each lesson where we will discuss what we'll be doing during the lesson and then discuss what is to be practiced for the next lesson. I try to make lessons as fun as possible so I incorporate some games to make practice more exciting. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

The most important aspect of music, for me, is to enjoy what you are doing. I entered the world of music as an escape from my rigorous Engineering curriculum. The last thing I want is for my students to become too stressed or frustrated with their learning. Therefore, I ensure that all students go at a comfortable pace while setting challenging, but realistic, goals for themselves. I will work with my students to set a list of goals and push them in that direction so they can experience the satisfaction that comes with such accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

It is not necessary, however, to learn chords or grooves specifically from a book for these instruments. Depending on the desired style, there may not be much use of notated music, guitar tabliture, etc. But as already stated, this does not excuse a good foundation in reading music and understanding music theory. For more advanced players (who would most likely be percussionists if working with me, though I am willing to work with any instrument at a more advanced level), we would work out of books I and the student(s) find fitting for their skill level. Read More