Drum Lessons in West New York, NJ

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I firmly believe that, as a professional musician, it is obligatory to teach and pass on the knowledge of your craft to others who are seeking the knowledge. I have been a full time performing artist my entire working adult life (since 1995). I have traveled the world performing with artists in the worlds of Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Rock, and even EDM. I’m one of the lucky few who have been able to support a family as a professional working musician. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

As a recent graduate, I consistently taught many students throughout my experience studying higher education. During this time, I was able to teach 60-80 students both privately and within an ensemble setting. Encouraging students to become motivated and inspired in a variety of creative ways is one of my main key points that I love to emphasize for younger students, as it tends helps students to progress and gain a passion for the instruments they're working with. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Patience is the most important element! It is not easy to try to get another person to understand something you have been doing for 40 years. It takes time. Starting slowly and methodically and keeping things simple in most crucial. I will change speed and difficulty based on the skill level that I notice. Another important factor is to determine what drove the student to want to learn how to play drums. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Positive reinforcement is key. I never learned from the mean or the overly strict teachers. In fact those teachers pushed me in the opposite direction of wanting to pursue music professionally. By going at the pace that is comfortable to the student, and praising them at every hurdle they encounter, the progress made can be exponentially greater than if the student is rushed to prepare a piece of music they don't truly care for in the first place. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe in tailoring my lesson plans to individual students. I like to target a students musical goals and help them achieve them whether it be through method books or passing down techniques. I've been fortunate enough to have been around many incredible educators throughout the years and try to take the methods they've showed me and apply it to my own teaching style. For drum students I teach out of various books including Syncopation, Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Stick Control and Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've learned through experience that being too strict can contribute to a student loosing interest in practicing, so my teaching style is in the sweet spot. I push my students to always improve but I still remain patient and adaptable to different student situations. I'm always supportive and excited for my students as they grow and find their own performances and build a strong repertoire. A students happiness and success is most important to me so I'll always be a friend and make sure they're doing alright so that they can overcome obstacles and so that we can work around problems together! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach basic stick technique using George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and I have numerous hand exercises based on patterns from that book that I warm up with every lesson. Starting with snare drum and basic hand technique also will incorporate rhythm reading, and basic limb independence. When my students start behind the kit, they will start by applying some of those hand exercises to the drumset, and also learn how to orchestrate and play basic grooves. Read More