Drum Lessons Bergen County, NJ

Instruments: Drums

I believe a strong working knowledge of rudiments is fundamental to establishing good hand technique. I create arrangements combining rudiments to promote memorization and musicality. In addition, I teach four way coordination exercises, to develop bass drum consistency and promote general coordination skills. Students will also be introduced to different types of drum fills that progress into more challenging combinations using both hands and feet. Once a basic foundation in technique is established the student will be introduced to new music styles using pre-recorded play along tracks. Read More

Instruments: Drums

    I usually let the students play first and then I evaluate the level of instruction needed from the initial lesson. I get them playing a beat right away and also some basic snare rudiments. The idea is to have fun while learning and avoid pressure on the students. I usually ask the student what style they'd like to learn or what songs they want to learn also. Playing along to your favorite songs are one of the best ways to learn drums! Read More

Instruments: Piano, Drums, Bass Guitar, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard

I begin with building a strong foundation with the basics; -counting -internalizing the tempo with your feet -isolating limbs -basic grooves We then graduate to novice material; -performing songs with hits and breaks and form -reading lead sheets and counting -internalizing tempo with grooves -3/4 meter -blues/shuffle/swing patterns For intermediate; - we learn 4-way coordination -review reading skills from books such as stick control, syncopation and and 23 drum rudiment etudes -we will learn three camps -we will work on advance songs with hits and develop comping and soloing Advanced; -we will learn the rudiments ritual -we will learn to ready drum sheet music - we will learn jazz Melodies and common improvisation for jazz and Rb shows -we will learn odd time meters, metric modulation and imposition - we learn advanced grooves from different regions Read More

Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synthesizer, Latin Percussion, Keyboard

I have used all of the store brand version of piano books, and find a preference in the ones I was taught in from the 70's which are too many to mention; but depending on the student, I will find a book that is age appropriate and go on from there. I also do different ear training activities using apps on my phone. I start with nursery rhyme type music for children because that is what is ingrained in their mental ear. 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