Drum Lessons in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums

I tailor my lessons around the student's interests while balancing this with basic general technical foundations. Dividing the lesson between hand technique and performance, this allows for a balanced and inclusive teaching experience for both the teacher and student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am an active performer and educator in the NYC area. I graduated Cum Lade from The City College of NY and received a Bachelors degree of fine arts in Jazz performance. I love sharing my enthusiasm for life and music and teaching is my way to give back to future generations who will shape society and culture. I have been fortunate to travel the world playing music in places like Denmark, Finland, Cape Verde, Colombia and all over the United States in places like The Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage in Chicago and the Lincoln Center just to name a few. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Hi, Im Francesco, or just Cesco behind the drums. I touched my first drum kit when I was 14, starting out with the energy and drive of rock music. Over time, that passion expanded into the world of jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, where I fell in love with groove, feel, and the deeper musical conversations that happen on the drums. Along the way, Ive studied with incredible teachers and mentors: Bobby Thomas Jr. (Weather Report), John Cutrone, and currently Rick Dior, whose influence keeps me grounded in both tradition and the joy of drumming. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The main books that I like to work on for a beginner student are stick control by George Lawrence Stone Realistic Rock written by Carmine Appice I also do a lot of work with the 40 drum rudiments also I find it very enjoyable to use books by Chaz w i l k o z I have also written a book which has many many contemporary drum pills about time and many of the Great drummers styles which I will use to teach I also like to use transcriptions from some of the favorite recordings of all time led Zeppelin Rush and many other popular bands of our time you can ask you as a student can decide on which bands and which drummers that you want to cover I also enjoy working with great play alongs music minus one tracks that are very very cool to play without the drums so you can get an idea of how to actually play with a band Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

First of all, theory is extremely important to learn music. By learning and understanding theory you will realize and appreciate music as the amalgam between art and science. Music is heavily influenced by math. Music is science of the soul. Secondly, I make a lot of emphasis on improvisation as well. As soon as you understand the fretboard and your finger get used to playing, then improvisation connects your fingers with your soul, your muse, your inspiration. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 15 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 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 jazz and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the drums and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I started teaching drums back when I was in High School, in France. Since then, I have had the chance to teach students from all ages and background. I love to adapt the different goals that different people can have. As long as my students are willing to have fun and open their ears, everything is achievable. I really encourage students to find out which songs/genre they enjoy and make them play along with music to recreate a live band playing experience. Read More