Drum Lessons in Summit, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums

I always tailor my lessons to the needs of the student. Sometimes students just want to get into learning specific songs, while others are interested in theory. Also, there is a massive backlash against the pharmaceutical industry for over-prescribing drugs for things like ADHD. Instead, doctors are now recommending music lessons to burn off that excess energy a child may have. Also, a teacher has to be able to have the social skills to 'read' a student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Drums Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

Erik S.s teaching philosophy centers on building a strong musical foundation first, allowing students to develop confidence, technique, and musical understanding that will support them as they grow. For beginning brass students, Erik starts with the Hal Leonard Essential Elements series. This method helps students learn proper fundamentals such as tone production, reading music, rhythm, and ensemble awareness. As students progress to an intermediate level, they transition into additional method books that continue to strengthen technique and musical development. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching career began nearly 20 years ago as the assistant director of a concert band for senior citizens! I was about halfway through college when a music education professor asked me if I'd like the opportunity. From there I went on to teach full time or as a clinician and many middle and high schools in the DFW area, as well as Baylor University. My time living abroad in Brazil and Korea gave me the opportunity to work with both younger (elementary) and older (adult) students in very diverse environments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

I grew up in a household that flourished with multiple music genres which led me to really try and be versatile in regards to creating music. I first played the drums in middle school where I never read music, only played back what was told. By the time I got to High School, I knew it was necessary to be able to understand theory and by practicing throughout my years in High School, I was able to sustain a successful audition with the school's jazz band. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Since I started working professionally as a drummer at the age of 17, I have had the chance to perform in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, in some of the most prestigious live music venues, festivals and theaters around the globe. I have collaborated on projects with many bands and musicians across all genres from jazz to funk, rock, pop, flamenco, tango, world music and classical music. Since 2005 I have been a percussionist with the National Dance Academy in Italy, and I am currently playing for the Juilliard Dance Department in New York and the Merce Cunningham Trust in New York. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I've been playing drums since I received a snare drum one Christmas as a child. Slowly but surely I started to teach myself how to play by listening and watching. As a teenager I began formal lessons and followed that up with a stint at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the performance program. After spending two years at Berklee I needed to get out in the real world and do some playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach basic stick technique using George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and I have numerous hand exercises based on patterns from that book that I warm up with every lesson. Starting with snare drum and basic hand technique also will incorporate rhythm reading, and basic limb independence. When my students start behind the kit, they will start by applying some of those hand exercises to the drumset, and also learn how to orchestrate and play basic grooves. Read More