Drum Lessons in Westwood, NJ

Instruments: Drums

Chris Dorn is a professional drum instructor located in the Dutchess County area. He has been playing drum set and percussion for 30 years, and has taught in the Dutchess County area for 15 years. In 2007 he was the drum tech for Jessica Simpson setting up drums, percussion and recording gear all across the US. In 2008 Chris founded and built Ghostgate Studios, a lesson and recording studio in Poughkeepsie designed specifically for drummers. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style focuses on meeting you where you're at and helping you grow into the exact type of drummer that you want to be. I am also well versed in music theory and music history, including rock and pop history and I believe that exploring these things along with the lessons can be so helpful! I respect all students moving at their own pace. If you are struggling with something in between lessons, you can contact me and I will try to respond as soon as possible to help guide you through the exercise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

Although it is important that my students progress at their own pace, I suggest practicing as many 20 minute sessions possible daily, for research has shown that the mind can concentrate most clearly for that length of time. My lessons include Music Theory, Ear Training and Rhythmic Studies in order to save lots of time, by nurturing excellent Musicianship, in addition to learning the instrument, through practicing correctly. I am also an expert at introducing correct playing habits, by instructing students with regards to proper embouchure, breathing and Circular Breathing techniques, as necessary. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience started while in college. I began teaching a couple of students and friends private lessons. It was sparse but definitively gave me an good idea of how it was to be some sort of a coach to help find the "inner drummer" in my students. After graduating from Berklee, I stayed in Boston and taught drumset, percussion, and piano at the Boston School of Music. It was a much more formal way of teaching, and I enjoyed that experience very much, and it made me realize even more that teaching is very natural and rewarding to me--from the early stages of developing a curriculum, to carrying it out while making it fun and accessible,to seeing the students having fun playing live shows. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. For my more advanced students, I work with them on musical concepts to develop strong practice habits and scheduling. Read More

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

My method of working with drums and percussion is to first get a sense of what the student's goals are. These include both goals involving general drums/percussion and career/performance goals. We will then work together to form a plan to achieve them. This will include exercises tailored directly to the student's needs and desires within drums/percussion as well as overall musical standings and guiding the student to repertoire that will both be fun for them to play and will teach them more about the concepts we are working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I realized the power of music at a very young age, when I first started singing in a musical theater workshop. I was incredibly shy up until I got to sing as someone else. The music transported me from my rather hectic childhood to a place beyond trouble, and only to freedom and expression. I was lucky enough to continue on this magical track when I was 10 with piano lessons, and then when i was just 13, one the most lively and angst-filled ages, with private guitar lessons. Read More