Drum Lessons in Suffield, CT

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With students of any age, I consider it my number one priority to create a learning environment that is both encouraging of their growth and passion for music, and supportive/safe for them to take the risks and meet the challenges necessary for that growth. I always work to maintain a dialogue with students about their interests and ensuring that our work includes and stimulates those interests, while also finding ways to make our work on fundamental techniques and building blocks as engaging and fun as possible. Read More

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: 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: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My methods for teaching are directly linked to the desires of the student and what they hope to achieve by learning how to play an instrument. If a student is particularly interested in songwriting and composition, I'd be more inclined to emphasize the principles or harmony, counterpoint, structure and written music, whereas if a student is more interested in becoming an instrumentalist for a band etc., I'd be more inclined to emphasize rudiments, scale exercises and a jamming mentality. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching high school band and percussion for the last 15 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I believe that every student should learn how to read sheet music for his/her particular instrument. I think that learning basic rudiments and basic beats of various styles is beneficial to the student. That being said, I think that the lesson should be based on the student's goals. 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

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More