Drum Lessons in Weehawken, NJ

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience began in 2001, during an after school program. I facilitated a drum circle and taught lessons to kids from ages 8 to 15 years old. This lead to several parents of the students requesting private drum lessons. I have been teaching privately in student's homes over the last 15 years.  I find that defining the student’s goals, and centering the lesson around those goals keeps the individual inspired to progress forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

it is an honor, always, to teach music, to be a medium for what truly is a magical force -- the universal language. I believe that music would be nothing with out the individual touch -- so every student of mine must progress at their very own pace, in their very own way, thus to truly become a musician - and not a carbon copy of what we think music might be. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Music Djembe

This classic method helps students develop precise control and coordination, essential for any percussionist. Understanding that each student is unique, I create customized exercises tailored to their individual strengths and areas for improvement. These personalized exercises address technical challenges and encourage creativity and self-expression, allowing students to develop their distinctive musical voices. Additionally, I integrate a blend of traditional rhythms and contemporary flair into my teaching, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Music Djembe

I'm a dedicated teacher with a lifetime of experience studying and performing all kinds of music. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I learned to play drums from my dad, an important figure in the music scene there, and by listening to and copying the drummers on my favorite records. I began playing drums professionally when I was 14, first with my dad on his gigs, and then with other musicians in Milwaukee. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For my younger students who may not have musical goals I keep the instruction very easy going and well rounded. For my advanced and more focused students I let them set their own goals and then help them in every way I can. I want my students to learn how to play like themselves and not like me so if a certain aspect of the lessons does not work for them I make adjustments and we keep moving forward. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Head, Hands and Heart: ( example given below) Week 1: Learn To Play Your First Song Head: A Time, A Place and The Parts Of A Drum Set Hands: Your First Drum Beat (No Drums Required) Heart: Move Before You Groove Week 2: Playing with Sticks Head: How to Buy and Hold...Drumsticks Hands: Play Your First Song with Drumsticks Heart: Clap To The Music Week 3: Learn To Play the Parts of a Song Head: The Parts of a Song and What They Mean To a Drummer Hands: How To Play a Closed Hi-Hat Heart: Quiet Verse plus Loud Chorus equals Dynamic Drums Week 4: Learn To Play Drum Fills Head: Pracetice Without Drums - Think Before You Play Hands: What Are Drum Fills and How Are They Played? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For a beginning student on guitar, I have them learning notes from a Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, or Alfred starter book. All these books are great, but I believe it depends on the individual student and how they learn. I also teach tab to beginners. I feel it is important to read tabs these days as well as notes. I also work with music theory. It is also important to know what you are doing, not just putting your fingers on the strings. Read More