Drum Lessons in Wading River, NY

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

A New York native and life-long professional drummer, I played Dvorak at Carnegie Hall, punk and ska music at CBGB's and classic rock at Wetlands in NYC all during high school. After furthering my studies in percussion performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, I founded progressive jazz quartet Schleigho, hit the road in 1991 and toured nationally until 2004 , releasing 5 CD's and playing over 3000 shows with the likes of jazz great John Scofield, funk legend Maceo Parker and rock icons The Allman Bothers Band, who signed them in 1998 to their record label, Flying Frog Records. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

The way I've always approached music and teaching is with a sense of humilty and thanks. It is a true joy to be able to pass on the knowledge and lessons I've learned throughout my experience to those who are excited and passionate. To communicate the artistry of great songwriters, composers and performers, past and present, is both a privilege and a challenge. With that in mind, I set realistic goals for my students by teaching basic fundamental techniques and applying them to repertoire that is fun, recognizable, expressive and practical. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first and most important thing that I like to do with the student is give them a general idea of how to basically read notation I then immediately get the student into basic coordination to be able to play basic beats so that they can eventually play to actual music the next important step that I like to accomplish with most students is to get them to actually be able to play some basic pills along with the rhythms so that I can prepare them to play music if their goal is to play in school band I immediately get them into the notation necessary to be able to audition for the school band 0 if they want to play in the dance band the goal is to get them to be able to play those rhythms to be able to perform in the dance band or the marching band if they want to participate in nysma I immediately get them into the exercises necessary to perform those types solos those are usually very challenging if they're in high school and want to go on to college to study music I also get them prepared for the necessary exercises and skills to be able to perform in the college setting as far as playing to music is concerned I love to work with a lot of pre-recorded tracks without drums many of the music minus one tracks are very effective to get a student ready to actually play in a band most students want to actually accomplish this goal the main thing that I like to emphasize is to have the student learn the things that they want to learn as far as styles is concerned for example if they really like Latin music all concentrate on that style if they really like rock music all concentrate on that etc etc etc. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Worked with musicians, bands, and artists such as: Hilly Michaels, Dave Hart, James Moody, Jeffrey Johnson, Justin Tierney, G. Bliz, Mike Godette, Patrick Smith, Kurt Coble, Chris Coogan, Jeffrey Jones, Kurt Smith, NP2, Proof of Purchase & others I've taught an online Music Theory course on P2PU.org with over 131 participants and 100 followers. I also taught at a private music school for 2 years before they had to downsize due to financial reasons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

It is great to see the joy on students faces when they realize how good their progress is. I always knowledge their success in overcoming of obstacles they find on their way. It is also a joyful challenge for both, student and me, to find the way through greater difficulties when they arise. Then the success is even sweeter. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

I have been teaching since I was 16. I frequently ran sectionals in my high school as well as at multiple youth orchestras. I taught privately on and off throughout high school and college. I encourage regular practice and help build problem-solving skills because in the end, you are your own best teacher. I also believe that the student should get exactly what they want out of their lessons, so we can be as flexible as we want with styles and of course, have fun! Read More