Drum Lessons in Turtle Bay, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I have had a lifelong passion for music as far back as I can ever remember. I was exposed to a wide variety of different musical genres from a very young age, and developed an interest in percussion when I was 3 years old. Drumset is my main instrument, but I am also proficient in classical percussion, marching percussion, and mallets. in 2005, I studied at the BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset, and in 2009 Ireceived a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Performance from SUNY New Paltz.Iwas a member of my High School Stage Band, Jazz Band, and was section leader/head snare drummer of the Commack High School Marching Band. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I am in love with music and I believe that is the most essential thing to convey to the student. To show up with energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to share the knowledge that I have gained from others who exhibited the same enthusiasm towards me is beyond rewarding. I am very deliberate about what I assign for students to practice, and I like to make a timeline of where I'd like the student to be at certain points in time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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: Piano Drums

I like to start beginner students on method books, to help introduce the concepts of basic notation and musicianship. I like to reward students with songs that they can prepare and then perform for others. If a student is in concert band at their school, I also like to work with them on their percussion music and responsibilities. For my older students, I like to use method books and videos created by some of the best drummers in the world. Read More

Instruments: Drums

This is my basic approach for getting a new student started at the drums.  I like to start students out on the practice pad at first.  This gives them a chance to focus on learning good technique and understanding basic musical notation.  Starting out on a huge drumset is not only a little overwhelming, but there is only so much they can accomplish until they grasp the basics.  Below is a general list of the things that will be covered in the first month or so for a newcomer to the drums. -Proper technical approach (grip, hand/ arm position, stroke) -Musical notation, note values (basic reading- quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, rests, etc.) -Rolls (double stroke, single stroke, press) -Rudiments (flams, paradiddles, etc.) -Accents -Snare Drum Solos Various instructional books are used including- “Syncopation”, “Stick Control”, “Modern Reading, text in 4/4”, “Wilcoxin Book”, and more. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Djembe

For experienced drummers, I've worked with many different styles, soloing and transcriptions; from modern electronic music or metal to jazz or marching band books, every student will have a specific method depending on their own interest. Besides that, all my lessons involved a short part of my studies about Qi-Gong (Chinese Martial art discipline) helping us warm-up and heal possible problems related to overplaying, stress, bad posture, etc. Leading us to be able to meditate while playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

To become a better musician, we need to look honestly at where we stand in our development and do the work necessary to overcome technical issues. I believe that most issues are best addressed by carefully working on the instrument’s fundamentals. In my classes I focus on building up strong foundations and, from there, give the student the necessary tools to develop confidence in the instrument and the ability to perform any style of music. Read More