Drum Lessons in South Orange, NJ

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I like to think of myself as a teacher that suits the student's needs. And since every one has a different way of playing an instrument, I will build a specific "curriculum" for each student. I am not a strict sort of teacher, I like to talk about what we are learning, show musical examples, play examples and generally just have a good flow in class. The most important thing is to learn that playing an instrument should be a fun, entertaining learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience started while in college. I began teaching a couple of students and friends private lessons. It was sparse but definitively gave me an good idea of how it was to be some sort of a coach to help find the "inner drummer" in my students. After graduating from Berklee, I stayed in Boston and taught drumset, percussion, and piano at the Boston School of Music. It was a much more formal way of teaching, and I enjoyed that experience very much, and it made me realize even more that teaching is very natural and rewarding to me--from the early stages of developing a curriculum, to carrying it out while making it fun and accessible,to seeing the students having fun playing live shows. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

I am passionate about sharing my gift love of music with students of all ages, especially school aged children. Currently I teach privately as well as volunteer with an afterschool program. I am also the musical director of my band. We perform corporate events and also have toured with RB and Pop artists such as Hi-Five, Robbie Nova, and Esnavi to name a few. I always enjoy giving back my gifts talents to the next generation and truly paying forward! Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I use many different methods but most importantly I tailor the lesson to fit the student's needs. I like to write out lessons, but I generally start my students off using Benny Greb's "The Language of Drumming." I like to teach the student how to play the instrument as if it were a language, in the form of an alphabet. It's a great method in building a strong foundation with the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a passionate and excited instructor who loves working with students of all ages and levels. I am currently in the dissertation phase of my doctoral degree at Yale and teach full time at the University of Bridgeport. I have played in several professional settings as a member of an orchestra, jazz band, concerto soloist, solo recitals and more! I specialize in classical percussion, but love teaching beginner guitar and piano as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My methods vary. For piano, we start with simple technique exercises to make sure a student is making every note count. For younger students- like 6 and under- we'll nickname everything to make it easier. An example- the fingers should always be curled when playing piano, not flat. There should be enough space under their palm to hold hold a golf ball, so when they are playing with flat hands, I'll say 'golf ball' to remind them of the correct way, instead of being 'that mean old lady' type. Read More

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

For instance a 5 year old might only be able to do 2 ten minute sessions a day whereas a student auditioning for a touring group may need several hours a day. Piano: - John Thompson books and Bastien are my preferred piano books. - Student will also need an assignment book and a metronome. - Eventually the student will need Alfred's Complete book of Scales also. Drums/Percussion: - Alfred's Snare Book 1 - Alfred's Drumset Method - Alfred's Drum book for Kids (younger age) - Sticks - Pad - Metronome -music stand Advanced Books: Piano - Hanon -Czerny Veolicty Drums - New Breed - Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley - Funkifying the Clave by Robby Ameen - Advanced Funk Drumming by Rick Latham - Exploring your Creativity on the Drum Set by Mark Guiliana Jazz: - Abersold - The Jazz Piano Book (Levin) - Real Book 1, 2, 3 Read More