Music Lessons in Bellerose, NY

Instruments: Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
As a musician, I have had the privilege of performing in some of the world's most esteemed venues and traveling to far-flung corners of the globe. However, the accomplishment that brings me the greatest sense of pride is the opportunity to now play alongside musicians whom I once deeply admired - a truly humbling experience. Even more than this, I find immense satisfaction in the joy that my music brings to my listeners. Witnessing the glimmer in their eyes and the happiness on their faces during a performance is a reward unlike any other.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor degree in Music Performance. I chose that because I was mainly interested becoming a performing musician. During my time at college I started to teach on the side and developed a passion for that as well.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
First, I try to disconnect from any outer factors and letting go of distracting thoughts by taking a few deep breaths. Then I usually like to check in with my instrument. Therefore I use some specific strokes and exercises that I found to work well for me personally, followed by warming up exercises and techniques I currently work on and rudimental timing exercises. Sometimes I have to learn new tunes for rehearsals or performances so I give them a listen and work on any breaks or transitions that might be happening.

When will I start to see results?
The time it takes to see results in instrument practice can vary depending on various factors, including your skill level, the amount of practice time you put in, the complexity of the music you are learning, and the quality of your practice. Generally, you may start to notice some improvement in your playing within a few weeks of consistent practice. However, significant progress often takes months or even years of dedicated effort. It's important to remember that progress is not always linear and that there may be periods of frustration or slow progress. Stay patient, stay committed, and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a musician.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Percussion instruments are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of techniques and styles to master. The hardest thing to master on a percussion instrument can vary depending on the instrument and the individual's goals and strengths. However, some of the most challenging aspects of percussion performance include developing precise timing, control, and coordination, as well as mastering complex rhythms and techniques such as polyrhythms, improvisation, and sight-reading. Additionally, for percussionists who play multiple instruments, switching seamlessly between instruments and maintaining a consistent sound and feel can be challenging. Ultimately, the most challenging aspect of percussion performance is subjective and depends on the individual's unique strengths, weaknesses, and musical goals.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Consistent and focused practice is key. Set specific goals, break them down into manageable chunks, and practice regularly. Record yourself to track progress and seek feedback from a teacher or mentor.

Read More