Drum Lessons in Verona, NJ

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I have been lucky enough to have been teaching for 45 years I have taught privately for a short period of time I also taught at Plainview high school as a drill instructor working with the students in the marching band and helping some of them prepare for nysma solos I really had a great time doing that for about a year and a half I taught at Sam Ash for group lessons for promotion the main thing that I like to do is get students to be proficient enough to be able to play two songs to be able to play in a band also too to be able to prepare for playing the band in whatever school they happen to be in college preparation audition preparation auditioning for America's got talent anything the student wants to do but the main thing that I really like to emphasize is having them be able to play to songs I like to teach all styles of music really working around with a student wants to do it's been really rewarding for me and it's always a great experience many of my students have gone on to play professionally and have achieved great technical skills it's great to see that happening. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching methods vary depending on the student and what skills and weaknesses they might have. There are many methods I use, but I will not name them all for time sake and just name a few. Students in schools playing in concert band i will start them with some fundamental rudiment books such as "Stick Control" and "150 Solo Rudimental Solos". Students who come to me that want to learn Jazz, I start them with the" Allan Dawson Method". Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students, I will introduce the basics of drumming techniques as this is the most important step in becoming a proficient drummer. Once the student has progressed and shown me that they can play simple beats with the proper technique, I will begin introducing them to repertoire appropriate to their skill level to get them to be able to play drums in a more musical manner. If the student is older and/or more experienced, I will likely start with exercises and ideas to build their level of skill within areas of their interest or what I think would benefit them the most. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I would start off with form, posture, and technique. These point are extremely important and sometimes skipped over so developing good performance habits right away is essential. I would also start them with the basics of reading treble clef and learning where the notes on the staff translate to on the neck. They would be walking away from their first lesson with a one octave C major scale and some short, repetitive exercises to get them ready for their first song. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students, I usually work with Hal Leonard's essential elements as well as use the piano as a tool for them to hear the pitches they are playing. Once the fundamentals are grasped we can work on introductory solo repertoire. For children I'd like to make this a bit more fun as well, introducing some easy tunes they will be familiar with or excited to play. (for example, Jason Derulo's song "Trumpets") For adults, I think its best to find out what their interests are and we can target what to work on from there. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching for eight years, I have taught privately, in group settings, and with students of all ages. I have found that one of the most important things to have in a student teacher relationship is trust. If a student does not trust his or her teacher than they will be less encouraged to learn and practice. I have also found that building this kind of relationship will also help students to develop a love for music, maybe not in the way that I did, but in a way that is over all beneficial to their character and life philosophy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have always found great joy in student success. I have dedicated my career to the cultivation of my teaching style and methods. I have coached students for auditions into the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College division among other prestigious honors. I find that seeing the joy my students take in performing their hard work has come to define my approach. I center teaching on a goal oriented system that allows students to make progress toward small and large goals. Read More