Drum Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students I start them on practice pads so they can get used to holding and playing with drum sticks. From there I teach the fundamentals of drumming, which are rudiments and reading while also teaching them easier songs on the drum set that they love. I can guarantee that within their first two lessons they will be able to play "We Will Rock You" by Queen and also play a basic beat on the drum set. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The electric guitar quickly became a part of my identity, a part of my security, and has remained as a stable force in my life. I've been lucky to have a diverse professional musical career, studying jazz at SUNY New Paltz, nationally touring in a Zydeco Punk band, fronting my own band of originals, singing and playing guitar in rock musicals, and composing soundtracks. All while keeping up my teaching practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very unique and I call it the chameleon music style. Just like the chameleon changes color to his surrounding environment, I like to be open for change. According to the students needs and convent from the parents I can push the students to excellent technical abilities, but I can also be fun and not make the lessons boring. In my music studio there are no judgements and no shaming. Read More

Instruments: Drums

There is nothing more rewarding than to see a student develop a passion for music! This is something that takes time to develop. I encourage students to set goals, both short and long term. I have found that one of the best ways to teach, is to teach a student to teach themselves. Then they will work to broaden their own horizons, introduce the teacher to new material that they might not have heard about without their students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

Like stated above, I strive to make my lessons fun and engaging above all else. Of course we need to also learn in the lesson, but I typically gage lesson plans around a student's areas of interest. Some people really enjoy learning from books and exercises, while others are more engaged learning songs and music that they listen to. Whatever your preferences are, we can tailor our lessons around them and find new ways to get you practicing and learning new material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching private lessons since 2006, and have been fortunate to gain experience with all age groups and skill levels. Coming from a unique combination of genres, I am able to bring the complete spectrum of music into my playing and teaching. My experience with improvisation and learning by ear enables me to take a more intuitive and sensitive approach to classical notated music, and my experience with classical music gives me a complete understanding of the theory and harmony that crosses over into non-classical genres. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga

One of the many ways I begin a lesson with a student is by asking them what type of music they enjoy listening to and playing. Once we have this initial discussion, I begin to build the foundation for the lesson plan and my teaching. For example, if a student mentions they enjoy playing Rock and Roll, I will begin with that particular style and simplify it for them. As a music instructor, I like to listen to my students play and then address the areas that need to be addressed with them. Read More