Drum Lessons in Westbury, NY

Instruments: Drums

I first like to see what music the student is into. Most of the time students who take up drums want to learn a groove from their favorite band or song. It helps get them engaged immediately and want to play. It's good to take the first couple of lessons to gauge my students pace and see how they progress. At the beggining of each lesson it's good to just warm up with some simple playing excercises and lossen them up. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching private drums lessons for more than 15 years now. My students have been from all ages and different proficiency levels, which has given me the experience of adapting myself to a variety of the students' learning approaches. My academic teaching experience also encompasses teaching as: *Assistant for Undergraduate Small Jazz Ensembles at The City College of New York 2012-2014. *Drumset/Ensemble Instructor at MM-Summer/ Winter Music Camp with students of ages 7-16 since 2014. *Accompanist/ Ensemble Assistant in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I provide students with some essential books that should be held onto for as long as they are playing. All of my students study some classical snare drum. This is because the techniques used on snare can transfer to every other percussive instrument. It also is a good warmup and sets us up nicely to continue the lesson on whatever the student's focus is While covering fundamentals I like to mix in solos and etudes that utilize whatever techniques we may be covering. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students, I will start off with some basic rhythm sheets that I have created, and begin to asses the competency and understanding of basic rhythm. I firmly believe for any instrument that everyone needs a strong foundation of rhythm in order to progress into more advanced levels of playing and reading. At this point, I will begin to use Alfred’s Drum Method Books 1 and 2 interchangeably, eventually leading to Podemski’s Standard Snare Drum Method at the advanced level along with Rolls Rolls Rolls. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Orchestral Percussion

My approach to teaching is completely different for each and every student. First and foremost, I first try to understand the student's pace and his/her previous knowledge in the respective instrument. That way, I can assign personalized practice routines to get them started. From there, I start to set goals, push their potential, and leap towards challenges that pushes the student's passion and curiosity. Ultimately, the goals I set for myself as a teacher is to provide the student with the ability to practice smart, diligently, and push their own creative minds into the music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

To become a better musician, we need to look honestly at where we stand in our development and do the work necessary to overcome technical issues. I believe that most issues are best addressed by carefully working on the instrument’s fundamentals. In my classes I focus on building up strong foundations and, from there, give the student the necessary tools to develop confidence in the instrument and the ability to perform any style of music. Read More