Drum Lessons in Southington, CT

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experience is based on the 16+ years I have playing. I was based out of a gospel environment, and moved further into almost EVERY other genre. I have been teaching for about 7 years now. Most of my many accomplishments, and stages include the Prudential Center, Radio City Music Hall, and more! I have had the pleasure to accompany Pastor Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Lady Temaine Hawkins, Bishop William Murphy, Bishop Albert Jameson, and many more! Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

The way I've always approached music and teaching is with a sense of humilty and thanks. It is a true joy to be able to pass on the knowledge and lessons I've learned throughout my experience to those who are excited and passionate. To communicate the artistry of great songwriters, composers and performers, past and present, is both a privilege and a challenge. With that in mind, I set realistic goals for my students by teaching basic fundamental techniques and applying them to repertoire that is fun, recognizable, expressive and practical. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As a educator and musician, I bring a lot passion and fun to everything I do. Knowing my students goals and helping them reach their goals are a top priority. As the great Muhammad Ali once said, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it - then I can achieve it.” Those words are something I instill in all my students. I believe in my students and, whether it's music related or not, I encourage them to be they best can be. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm (a good 1st book of advanced snare drum etudes, using all previously earned skills, but forcing new applications and challenging passages).   Rock: Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method Books 1 & 2 THEN, Rockin' Bass Drum by J. Lombardo (a very old but classic book of very common and useful rock beats). repeat this book at least 20 times, using the following Right Hand patterns on HiHat, paradiddle stickings and odd-meter variations in lieu of the provided 8th notes: 1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&a x--- x--- x--- x--- xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (all RH) xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (RLRL) xxx- xxx- xxx- xxx- x-xx x-xx x-xx x-xx -xxx -xxx -xxx -xxx xx-x xx-x xx-x xx-x x--x x--x x--x x--x -x-x -x-x -x-x -x-x  xx-- xx-- xx-- xx-- -xx- -xx- -xx- -xx- --xx --xx --xx --xx -x-- -x-- -x-- -x-- --x- --x- --x- --x-  ---x ---x ---x ---x Paradiddle variations (works for pages 6-28 only) RLRR LRLL RLRR LRLL RLLR LRRL RLLR LRRL RRLR LLRL RRLR LLRL RLRL LRLR RLRL LRLR Convert to 7/8 by eliminating the last 8th note in each example. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing excites me more than watching a student discover their own love for music and rhythm. I believe every drummer learns differently, so I focus on helping each student progress at a pace that feels both comfortable and motivating. My lessons combine realistic, achievable goals with plenty of encouragement, so that every milestone feels like a win. I also take time to understand what excites each studentwhether its jazz, Afro-Cuban grooves, or simply playing along to their favorite songsso I can tailor my approach to their unique interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I run through a personalized lesson plan that caters to the students learning abilities and their pace of learning. I strongly believe in the use of a metronome and the versatility of percussion rudiments so I usually have most beginning students start there. As they progress through their concept of time and technique has improved I will then suggest to parents (if the student is interested) that their child moves on to the drum set where I bring them through the Time Functioning book by Gary Chaffee. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Fresh Approach. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I also develop individual curriculum based on student's short and long term goals. Read More