Drum Lessons in Terryville, CT

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Flute Drums Orchestral Percussion

I believe that the key to a student's success in music is being motivated by passion. That is why I like to tailor each student's learning experience to their own individual interests, allowing them to press forward with the particular source of inspiration that motivates them to learn. It is a healthy combination of focus and enjoyment that results in the most enriching learning experience, which is why I make sure every exercise I assign a student comes with an understanding of the distinct purpose and goal of the exercise. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at MSM, Ryan worked at Motts Hall II as a percussion teacher for their outreach program. After graduation, he would perform with Phil Markowitz, Jimmy Bruno, Zach Brock, and John Escreet and become a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Notable past performances include a month-long residency in Shanghai for Lincoln Center, Boston Celebrity Series, Jordan Hall, Umbria Jazz, and EFG London Jazz Festival. Ryan is currently working as the primary drummer for the New York-based improv group Altus, and leading his band, the Ryan Sands Trio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will always listen to what students want to learn and play but at the same time will introduce them to music they aren’t familiar with. To be a great musician you have to be well rounded in different styles of music. I will also encourage students to express their emotions through what they play because I believe music can be very therapeutic and sometimes people have a hard to expressing themselves through talking. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

2011-2012: Teaching Assistant, San Jose State University 2010-present: Piano, percussion, and voice teacher with Musika 2010: Substitute accompanist at Willow Glen United Methodist Church 2008-2009: Accompanist for James Lick High School 2007-present: Organist/Pianist for Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church 2006-7: Accompanist for Scotts Valley Unified School District 2005-2006: Accompanist and Teaching Assistant with Cabrillo Youth Choir 2005: Composer and Percussionist for "Oedipus Rex," Cabrillo Stage; Substitute Accompanist at St. Joseph's Church in Capitola, California 2004: Accompanist with the Santa Cruz Summer Singers 2003: Teaching Assistant for History of Western Art Music, University of California, Santa Cruz 2000-2001: Teaching Assistant and Tutor in music theory, musicianship, piano, and world music studies at Cabrillo College 1998: Began working as a freelance piano teacher and keyboard player Read More

Instruments: Drums

For Beginners, the rudiments are essential. We start with that and don not even concentrate on learning how to read drum charts. We concentrate on STICKING and coordination and proper grip, without paying too much attention to a " proper grip". Everything is evaluated from stick size to hand size to hand form to posture. Posture is essential in this instrument as one is typically SITTING. We move onto the student's musical preference, so as to keep interest at its peak. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

It is great to see the joy on students faces when they realize how good their progress is. I always knowledge their success in overcoming of obstacles they find on their way. It is also a joyful challenge for both, student and me, to find the way through greater difficulties when they arise. Then the success is even sweeter. Read More