Drum Lessons in Whitestone, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

It's all about the student's interests. I first gauge what styles they are interested in performing, and then implement the proper methods of teaching those styles. Depending on their ability level, I will simultaneously implement necessary techniques while generating the repertoire so that when it comes time for a recital, they will be ready. Lessons will generally begin with warmups, followed by choosing pieces to perform or developing pieces that have already been chosen. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students I start them on practice pads so they can get used to holding and playing with drum sticks. From there I teach the fundamentals of drumming, which are rudiments and reading while also teaching them easier songs on the drum set that they love. I can guarantee that within their first two lessons they will be able to play "We Will Rock You" by Queen and also play a basic beat on the drum set. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Because everyone learns differently, I teach from a technique I've developed which I refer to as the blank slate method. Though I do utilize workbooks for their very informative and easy to understand nature, I prefer to teach each student based on what they know or what comes naturally to them. This involves you the student, your instrument, and a pen and paper. For beginner students who are children, we work together to learn a simple song so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment and be further motivated to continue their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

But once this stage is mastered, things become much simpler. I start off lessons slowly with simple technical studies where the student can focus specifically on technique to efficiently and confidently. To help support this stage I typically introduce basic note reading skills to acquaint the students with musical notation while introducing them to playing in time. Once the student reaches foundational proficiency we can finally start to have some fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching system is directly related to the student's proficiency level in combination with their musical goals. When it comes to entry level learning, I believe that music is a language, and as such it is very important to develop the ear (call and response, ear Training methods), along with the theory (Technique) in the most organic and natural way. In the other side of the spectrum at the advanced level, I like to personalize the material as well as the musical literature based on the topics, concepts and interests that the student is trying to achieve. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I am in love with music and I believe that is the most essential thing to convey to the student. To show up with energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to share the knowledge that I have gained from others who exhibited the same enthusiasm towards me is beyond rewarding. I am very deliberate about what I assign for students to practice, and I like to make a timeline of where I'd like the student to be at certain points in time. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I'm very passionate about music and sharing the knowledge I know to students. I was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and started playing the drums when I was 8. I started out playing rock/pop and then slowly went into jazz. Now I am interested in playing a wide array of genres. I graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor's in Jazz Performance. I have traveled to many places across the world to play music: such as China, Mexico, Hawaii, and here in New York. Read More