Drum Lessons in West New York, NJ

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

I've taught in a myriad of environments. My earliest goes back to instructing marching band/indoor percussion programs. My most recent marching program was Fusion Drum Bugle Corps. My college studies helped me branch out musically, and thus I started dabbling in private instruction which I found very fulfilling. I was a graduate adjunct instructor at NYU, teaching primarily concert snare drum. Nowadays, I teach at private music studios (a la School of Rock) and am building up a studio of my own! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Thank you for visiting my page. I guess music found me. On a family trip to Mexico by way of Arizona when I was eleven years old I remember guitars seemed to be everywhere. I asked my mom and dad if I could have the toy. When we got home from the trip I registered for music lessons and the guitar soon became my favorite toy. Three things happened that changed my life - after a few months my lesson was "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and I remember that if I practiced it hard enough I could get it to sound right. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

While I have no degrees in music education, I believe, that my experiences as a professional musician have equipped me with the necessary tools to be a great teacher for any age or skill level. Being classically trained, I believe that a foundation in formal, classical piano is a great tool to not only teach technical proficiency, but also to instill an excitement and curiosity about music, and just how much it can make you feel. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

From then on, depending on the student's interest, I'll teach them how to play a very simple groove, and start from there. Sooner or later I definitely will focus on the hands technique which is essential not only to improve as a drummer, but also to make sure not to get hurt with unnecesary body tension. I always try to keep the lesson fun and engaging no matter the topic discussed. Read More

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

I have been playing percussion for at least 40 years and share my love for music through teaching and performance. I presently am a show group member of Samba New York where I am section leader for the third surdo section. I play many Brazilian percussion instruments as well. I am also the section leader of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra where I play timpani. And though I presently play timpani, I have extensive experience playing mallet instruments, drumset, latin percussion and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

Depending on the level and specific interests of the student, I garner my curriculum towards their needs. For beginners, I start with Alfred's beginning drum method, and as they progress I incorporate my own additions to the material, as well as digging into the interests of the student. I am big on sharing recordings with students and introducing them to worlds of music they have likely not heard before. Depending on which areas the student naturally gravitates towards, I adjust the amount of time I spend on different areas, while never compromising the fundamentals of learning an instrument. Read More