Drum Lessons in Washington Heights, NY

Instruments: Drums

For beginner level students I start out with learning how to strike the drum as well as simple coordination exercises and intro level drum beats. After the student can grasp basic exercises, I introduce learning how to read music which will lead to reading out of various drum set instructional as well as technique books. For more advanced students I work out of books focusing on furthering coordination and technique, widening the ability to play different styles, chart reading with play alongs, soloing as well as the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced apprenticeships. To me it is extremely rewarding to see a person take their love of music with them into their life. Whether or not a young person decides to pursue a career in music, the skills learned in playing an instrument are helpful in virtually all aspects of life. I have experience with music school's and with teaching privately and have found a delicate balance of hard work and fun that I can tailor to any students needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at school, I had the priviledge to study under some of the world's greatest instructors. They helped me not only as a player but as a student. They were great at breaking down any problems i came across by teaching me new strategies and approaches towards learning a foreign peice. It's their approaches and strategies as well as my own that I intend to share with my students. I Highly recommend to all of my students in taking part of any additional activities beyond private lessons such as Bands, School Orchestra, Recitals, Competitions, Nyssma,ect. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Robbie is a multi-instrumentalist performer, teacher, and composer from Somerville, NJ. He actively plays out with the bands Ross Griswold and the Second Line, Woke Robot, Wig Party, Castle Lane, and more - spanning genres from rock, funk, New Orleans and R&B to Afro-Peruvian jazz fusion and electronic music. He’s also the music director for Antioch Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. Actively using Ableton Live to perform and compose, he is a sought-after music programming guru, able to teach and solve complex audio and midi setups for live bands and music producers. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I've also found that some students have a knack for playing "by ear" and others by the book. Allowing those student to learn and explore "by ear" can provide winning results and allow then to progress faster over time. Others students learn better by understanding notion and sheet music. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students (when ready) are encouraged to enter competitions, auditions, make videos and more, so they feel good about their accomplishements and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Although I have my own methods and "prescribed" teaching materials, I love to keep a dialogue with the student. I always ask what their goals with music are, as I will then tailor the lessons accordingly. If a student says to me that they want to work towards an audition, I know that I can push them harder in terms of expectation and material. Or, I've had students who want to learn how to play a specific style or song, and those lessons can be much more mellow. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love teaching drums. As an educator, my greatest joy is sharing in the success of my students, whether it be grasping a new concept, or mastering a particularly difficult technique. I believe in positive reinforcement, and acknowledging success. It is important for me to develop a trusting, encouraging relationship with my students, and I am often inspired to improve my skills and teaching techniques to better serve their needs. Read More