Drum Lessons in Stony Brook, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For beginners I usually begin with Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone and Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley. Once the student has a good grasp on basic reading and technique, I usually introduce rudiments and start working on solo or play along repertoire. I also like to use The Drum Set Musician by Rod Morgenstein. Besides book work I also like to bring in things that I am working on either with bands I play with or personal projects. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love teaching drums. As an educator, my greatest joy is sharing in the success of my students, whether it be grasping a new concept, or mastering a particularly difficult technique. I believe in positive reinforcement, and acknowledging success. It is important for me to develop a trusting, encouraging relationship with my students, and I am often inspired to improve my skills and teaching techniques to better serve their needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Seriousness and also keeping fun and interesting. Being serious to understand music is a science, and fun not to let it become tedious. Most music students don’t stick to practicing for the mere reason nobody has ever showed them the right way to practice, practice with the mind and not as a robot, and keeping it interesting and challenging. You need to challenge yourself, put yourself to the edge. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I first like to see what music the student is into. Most of the time students who take up drums want to learn a groove from their favorite band or song. It helps get them engaged immediately and want to play. It's good to take the first couple of lessons to gauge my students pace and see how they progress. At the beggining of each lesson it's good to just warm up with some simple playing excercises and lossen them up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The way I learned is the way I teach. I was taught the same way multiple ways and because of this I can give students different avenues to learn the same thing. So if they don't understand it in A, or B, I still have C, and D as a back up. I try to include the student to help navigate their own lesson plan and figure out what they want to focus on. Read More

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

I teach to each students style of learning and thinking, and approach my job from a place of complete respect for the students. The most fundamental quality of my teaching style is my desire to make everything I teach relevant and personal for the students, so that they truly connect to what is being taught, rather than simply learning facts and assimilating information. My ultimate goal as a teacher is for my students to be complete, well-rounded players, able to approach any genre with a complete understanding of the depths of music. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

Practice is ideal for each student. I encourage my students in their practicing. Progress will be made most quickly by those students who maintain the recommended practicing time (1 hour per day). Parents are also encouraged to be involved in their students practice. Taking the time to listen to your child play their weekly songs, or creating a set time for practicing in the students daily routine are good ways to become involved. Read More