Drum Lessons in Watertown, MA

Instruments: Drums Recorder Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

I've had a lot of opportunities to sort my teaching out. I realize that if the student doesn't get it, it may be that I'm not putting it across effectively. So I had better try to slow things down or speed them up, model rather than explain, or vice versa! And always try smarter before trying harder, even though harder may be the right approach. Because in addition to teaching music I'm teaching approaches to learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I strongly believe that everyone is very different.  Learning styles and musical goals are very much a part of this.  Some find reading from a book helps them, so for most students I begin by recommending "A Modern Method For Guitar" from the Berklee Press, however for others a book is not as helpful as listening to some music and watching someone play.  I like to introduce as much theory as is desired from the student because theory is a very important part of the musical process, but if the student prefers to get playing first and understand the “why” later then we can work something out in that regard.  Depending on musical interest, we can work with different genre's and pieces to promote specific techniques and practice routines. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I believe I am unique musically, in the sense that my passion for performing is rivaled equally by my passion for teaching. I love to share what it is that I have spent the majority of my life honing, and working on; in fact I feel that it is my responsibility as a contemporary musician to relay all the good things I have learned on to others within mine and the next generation of musicians. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I began teaching in 2009 while I was attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell. While I was a student I began to study with some truly great musicians who really helped me realize my potential. I got some jobs teaching area high school drumlines and marching bands and really enjoyed the experience. When I first started playing I was mostly interested in marching bands and drumlines. I marched multiple seasons with the Boston University Winter Percussion Ensemble while in high school and then held the center snare position with the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps.. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I use a wide range of teaching materials for my lessons, and customize my lesson plans based on the skill level of the student, instrument of choice and areas of interest. I prefer a multi-faceted curriculum of method books, reading materials, listening assignments, stylistic studies, and live performance. This kind of balanced diet will help the student develop rudimental, technical, and reading ability, along with creativity and musicality. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I really look forward to starting my teaching career with private lessons. I believe that it is necessary to really listen and communicate with the student about his/her goals and the techniques/exercises that I utilize to help them achieve their goals. In private lessons I think that each student requires a individualized practice scheme, pace, and form of encouragement to achieve his/her goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students, I begin by introducing proper technique and the most basic rudiments, start George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and introduce basic rock beats. When the student has the fundamentals mastered, we'll begin working on more advanced rudiments and work from Ted Reed's Syncopation. For more advanced students, we will cover odd time signatures, latin grooves, jazz concepts, improvisation, and ways to compose grooves and fills. I encourage students of all skill levels to set goals and bring me materials they would like to learn. Read More