Drum Lessons in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Instruments: Drums

As I said before, I like to teach as I was taught and add things I've learned along the way. Learning any instrument, I was told, is like building a house; you need to lay a strong foundation upon which to add walls, doors, windows, and decor (styles, techniques, feels, and your own personal strokes unique to each individual....there's no roof because you can never finish learning!). Drums especially focus on the base, because of their role in any musical group. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Latin Percussion Keyboard

I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, I have a degree in Jazz performance from the City College of New York (B.Mus.), and recently graduated from a M.Mus. at William Paterson University on a full academic scholarship. My undying love for the music has taken me from Colombia to Canada, and to New York City, and granted me the opportunity to share the stage with world-class musicians like Al Foster, Will Vinson, Pat LaBarbera, Steve Wilson, Marco Panascia, and Jonathan Kreisberg among many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student learns at a different pace and many students learn differently. Music is an aural art form and I've found that many younger students haven't always heard a lot of music. I like to incorporate listening and appreciation in those cases. I like to encourage creativity and share ideas that show the student they can create music of their own. I like to see the student enjoy what they are doing and I like to point out their growth, especially when they feel frustrated. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching approach is very relaxed and focused at the same time. I always strive to make every lesson motivating and fun, depending on the level and the interests of each student. Often times I like to discuss and converse with my students about parallel topics of life as analogies to create a more comprehensive and cohesive understanding of any given assignment or concept that the students are trying to achieve or learn. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Drums Banjo Mandolin Fiddle Orchestral Percussion Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hi there! I am a live-long musician. I consider myself a student as well as a teacher. I believe that music has the power to create powerful community bonds and connections. My lessons are tailored to this philosophy, exploring the music that really moves my students and imparts the ability to actively participate in musical communities as well as communities that transcend music. It's all about unleashing the creative joy inside of us and expressing ourselves through music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've found that after the preliminary work of getting a base skill set and familiarity with the instrument, technically proficiency, etc, it helps to let the student guide me in how i aid them on their journey and find where their passion is, in the great world of music. The most rewarding thing that can happen as a teacher is to see a student develop their own musicality and achieve their personal goals. Read More