Drum Lessons in Upton, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My teaching experience began after I graduated from college 5 years ago. I discovered a talented young drummer while working at a music store, cultivating and channeling his talent. I like to take the time and learn from my students what inspired them to want to learn drums, and what they wish to learn from the lessons. This information helps me to develop a unique lesson plan for each student.I have had experience working with both children and adults at all levels, and I highly encourage my students to enter any competitions, bands, or recital opportunities that are availbable to them, especially NYSSMA. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have been playing percussion for at least 40 years and share my love for music through teaching and performance. I presently am a show group member of Samba New York where I am section leader for the third surdo section. I play many Brazilian percussion instruments as well. I am also the section leader of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra where I play timpani. And though I presently play timpani, I have extensive experience playing mallet instruments, drumset, latin percussion and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I have created my own method of teaching which I have perfected over the years. I create my own exercises and practice materials based on the level and interests of each individual student. I use the software program "Finale" in order to create the musical compositions that I prepare for my students. I always accompany my students on the piano. I am well versed in the various styles of music and am comfortable teaching students how to improvise also. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students we usually start with sitting at 2 drum sets and learning to hold the sticks. It's then about trying to get the sticks to strike the drum and practice getting a nice sound on the instrument. Even at a young age, it's important to help the students to think about tone and how we are creating sound on these instruments. I use the same technique on the vibes, learning to hold 2 or 4 mallets and just creating simple sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love to have fun in my lessons. No single student understands the same thing the same way so I take the time to listen/understand them as a person and as a musician. While it would be wonderful if all of my students became virtuosi musicians, I understand that sometimes math class may be at the forefront of their attention. That said, practice is still required. Like a doctor, I prescribe solutions to students to help them achieve their goals and will do everything I can to help them to succeed but if they dont take the remedy, success is can be quite slow. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For materials I use the following; Vic Firth Snare Drum Method, Rudimental Swing Solos, Art of Bop Drumming, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset, Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Syncopation, Rudimental Ritual, Tables of Time and Music Minus One. Each book focuses on sight reading, coordination and musical styles. Outside of reading materials, I always give my students music to listen to and recordings to play along to. Playing and listening to recordings provides a musical context for what we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My name is ERIK! But you already knew that from the top of the page. I've been playing drums for about 13 years (taking my own lessons for 10 of them) and have been lucky enough to learn under some great musicians who influenced greatly what I know and can do today. I've done Jazz bands, funk bands, rock bands, pit bands, marching bands, and even pep bands! In addition I learned some Japanese Taiko drumming while I lived in Japan for a few months. Read More