Drum Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students, I will start off with some basic rhythm sheets that I have created, and begin to asses the competency and understanding of basic rhythm. I firmly believe for any instrument that everyone needs a strong foundation of rhythm in order to progress into more advanced levels of playing and reading. At this point, I will begin to use Alfred’s Drum Method Books 1 and 2 interchangeably, eventually leading to Podemski’s Standard Snare Drum Method at the advanced level along with Rolls Rolls Rolls. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I custom tailor my lessons to each individual student so that they are inspired and equipped to develop both their love and ability for playing. Balancing this with the proper techniques, understanding and exercises affords the opportunity to assimilate the material on a practical, useful playing level. The Joy that the student experiences in their playing as they develop gets transferred to the listening audience and is a very rewarding experience! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants/needs and strive to make the experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard

When I was 16 years old I became band leader in my after school orchestra. It wasn't because I was the most technical player, but because my love and affinity for music allowed me to communicate about it clearly. Since that time I have taught the piano in private and professional settings in Madrid, and more recently in New York. Here I have expanded to teach voice, guitar and drums after spending a decade studying while teaching piano. 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 methods of teaching have been refined over the years and I've found it that methods of teaching have to be tailored to each student. For every lesson I develop a lesson plan that organizes the lesson so there is no time wasted. As I get to know the student more, I develop a lesson plan specific to the student and work on the things that need work but as well as to keep the student motivated by performing and memorizing. Read More

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

The most important thing is that the student should be having fun, because music is fun! There is work involved, but at the end of the day, music should bring a smile to your face and if you are not having fun with music, then I am not doing my job. It is extremely important to me that the student grows, not only in technical ability, but in their love and enjoyment of music as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

I believe in encouragement and positive reinforcement at every lesson. I feel that patience is an essential tool in teaching -- every student is unique and proceeds at his or her own pace. I also like to briefly demonstrate the exercises and techniques we are studying, so that my students can see and hear what they are working on, but the student does most of the playing. It gives me great joy when my students are accepted into their school bands and jazz combos as a result of my instruction. Read More