Drum Lessons in Washington Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Music Djembe

For beginner students, I typically start with the book Syncopation by Ted Reed. From this book, students learn basic rhythmic concepts and how to read them, and they develop the coordination to play them on snare drum and drum set. Then, I teach my students the 26 basic rudiments that all drummers must know. After that, I teach my students different types of ethnic musical traditions from all over the world. 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 Music

I have always taught in one form or another over the past 56 years, but spent the last 15 years honing my teaching skills and working with as many students at every level to ensure that what and how I teach is easily translated into plain language for the students. I've played drums and percussion in bands across many genres including Jazz, Rock, Soul, R & B, and Country. But I love to teach, which I do privately out of my home studio in Northern Westchester County, NY, as well as one-on-one lessons in your home. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My teaching style is based on few important axioms such as getting a proper technique and posture, expanding musical awareness and creativity, and having an open mind to different music and cultures. From that, I love to set goals with the student and work towards it. I will usually bring some work each lesson, and always leave space for something that the student wants to explore. I really want the student to be engaged and to be inspired. Read More

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

My method of working with drums and percussion is to first get a sense of what the student's goals are. These include both goals involving general drums/percussion and career/performance goals. We will then work together to form a plan to achieve them. This will include exercises tailored directly to the student's needs and desires within drums/percussion as well as overall musical standings and guiding the student to repertoire that will both be fun for them to play and will teach them more about the concepts we are working on. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am a B.F.A Jazz graduate from the City College of New York who has performed with 50+ artists with over 1000 gigs to date, has toured internationally, and recorded as a side man on multiple projects as well as a self lead band. I have studied with some of the top drummer/educators including Nate Smith, Adam Cruz, Michael Carvin, John Reilly and Joe Carozza and want to pass on the 25+ years of knowledge and regimented practice routines that I have gained through them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For beginner students on drums I use Ted Reed's Syncopation and Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. These books provide a great foundation for every drummer and once we put together a great foundation our potential greatly increases. I also assign a great deal of listening for my students from all areas of music. For more advanced students we do use Syncopation and Stick Control as well but there are a number of other great resources such as The New Breed by Gary Chester or Creative Coordination by Keith Copeland. Read More