Russ S
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
Russ S
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BM, Berklee College of Music, Professional Music
Awards:
2009: Tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music
2006: Full Scholarship to Berklee College of Music 5 week summer program
2005: Downbeat Student Music Awards - “Outstanding Performance” for jazz
2004: Winner of the Downbeat Student Music Awards for Best Blues, Pop, Rock Performer
2003-2004: Music Merit Scholarship winner - French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Overview:
I am a recent graduate of Berklee College of music in Boston with 10 years of teaching experience, and 22 years playing experience. I have won multiple drum competitions and have experience performing in all styles from jazz (Phil Woods) to folk (Jay Ungar and Molly Mason). I first got excited about the drums from watching local bands play in my hometown of Ithaca, NY. From there I began to play in the jazz band at a community music school, and soon after that began playing in elementary school concert and jazz band. Soon after, I started playing in cover bands and expanding my repertoire. In high school I won two downbeat awards for best pop/rock drummer (2004) and outstanding performance for jazz drumming (2005). In high school I played in various touring groups, and started Berklee in 2009. Since Berklee, I have worked on Celebrity Cruise lines as a drummer for jazz and rock bands, as well as playing for the theatrical performances and musical reviews. I am happy to have my teaching studio up and running in Nashville! My influences are many, but if I were to break them into categories: Rock: John Bonham, Abe Cunningham, Abe Laboriel Jr Funk: Chris Dave, Ziggy Modeliste, Dave Weckl Jazz: Tony Williams, Max Roach, Art Blakey.
EXPERIENCE
“Russ is one of the absolute best students I have ever had in my long teaching career at Berklee College of Music. Russ is very talented, smart, highly disciplined and open minded as a musician. Having Russ as a teacher will be an experience where the student will receive an effective, focused, and open minded approach to the students individual musical needs and interests.” -Dave Weigert, Drum Instructor, Berklee College of Music. I started teaching in high school when friends would ask me questions about drumming techniques. From this I began taking on elementary age kids and grew to about 10 students a week in New York before leaving for Berklee. I have taught and performed for many Berklee Summer Programs including Basslines, Vocal Workshop, Stage Performance Workshop and Five Week. After graduating Berklee I took on 35 students a week from Jan-June 2013, before working as a musician on Celebrity Cruise Lines. I've been teaching privately for 10 years, and in that time have found that the best way to maximize each students success is to focus on the material that is most interesting to them.
METHODS USED
Beginning students can learn their favorite songs or styles of music, while getting a basic foundation in rudiments and syncopation. Advanced students can structure the lesson in a way they would find the most beneficial to their playing style and interests. I like to find out what a student's interests are and build off that. I love to go in different directions and I want to teach students what they want to learn! I am happy to recommend books, music and DVDs relevant to your interests. I have a huge collection of drum books, DVDs and music that I am happy to share!
LESSON STYLE
Technology is very important in my lessons: the studio is equiped with speakers so the student can play along to their favorite music. There is a also a printer so worksheets can be instantly made. There are drum mics and a mixer so the student can listen to their playing weekly and find ways to improve. I like to figure out what a students interests are and go from there. If they are interested in rock, we can focus on rock grooves. If they like jazz, we can focus on syncopation and independence!
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.