Drum Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

The most important part of a music instructors' job is to instill the principle that music is FUN! I hate when I hear people say that they studied piano when they were young, but their instructor made them hate it, for one reason or another. Just as importantly, I want to show that while anyone can learn to become a great musician, it doesn't come without the work. I feel that music study can be a great way to impart good habits of setting goals, and building and developing yourself to be something greater. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

Born in Bogot, Colombia, I started playing piano at an early age, but soon after I discovered my true passion for percussion instruments. After completing my studies at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogot, I won a scholarship to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I graduated from Berklee with a dual degree, cum laude, in Contemporary Composition Production as well as Jazz Drumset Performance. Since coming to the Unites States, I have performed in major venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; and the Detroit Jazz Festival, among others. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

As an educator, I have 10+ years of teaching experience in voice, drums, composition, music theory and ear training. Currently, I teach privately in my home studio and for several local music schools. Starting in the Fall of 2014, I'll be an adjunct professor in Composition, Music Theory and Music Fundamentals at Housatonic Community College. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My two favorite books for all my beginning drum students are George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. These books, and the rudiments are a great place to develop the basics of the instrument. After learning the foundations, I develop an individual program to meet the students needs and desires, making the instruction both educational and fun. I learn from them what techniques, styles, and other drummers interest them, and tailor the lesson towards helping them learn the skills that will keep them interested. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I am a musician and teacher from Nyack, NY and I have been teaching private and group lessons for 8 years. I am as passionate about teaching as I am about playing, and I am always high energy and motivated to help students achieve their goals. I graduated from Oberlin Conservatory in 2018, and in my years as a musician I have performed with the likes of Gregoire Maret, Steven Bernstein, Ingrid Jensen, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

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

I first started teaching in the summer of 2002 when a friend from church wanted his son to learn drums. His desire was for his son to play one day on the praise team. Thankfully he stuck with it and still plays for the church to this day. That moment made me realize I have a gift for teaching. Throughout college I continued to teach out of my studio and developed my skills even more when I moved back to Maryland in 2009. Read More