Drum Lessons in Manhattan, NY

Instruments: Voice Drums

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided I wanted to become a professional musician early elementary. I was always passionate about music but I originally wanted to become a drummer. Over the years I gradually grew into desiring other aspect of music.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
During my courses of music theory, I decided to take guitar and piano lessons to under stand chords and how to arrange properly.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
First step is to start out slowly, or in slow motion. Coordination is built with repetitions. Get it right at a slow pace and then work on increasing your speed while still practicing the music correctly. Second step is frequent repetition with allotted breaks. These are common practice habits of disciplined performers. Split your practice time into smaller, super-concentrated chunks, working multiple times a day. Finally, practice in your brain, in vivid detail. Visualize playing your music without actually playing it. Put yourself through the music, note by note. Imagine what it feels like to press that key, or take that breath, every step of the way.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My primary choice was percussion.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am proud to have worked on multiple platinum records, as well as working in the music department for TV and film.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I would say, the skill to create something on the spot with no planning while staying in time. Many people who are learning an instrumental have difficulties with incorporating improvisation while not faaling behind of going ahead of time in a music piece.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I got my inspiration for music from musicians in family. However, I had teachers that inspired me to musically evolve as a musician and branch out to other aspects of me. They inspired me by introducing me to various elements of music. One of my teachers demonstrated the duties of a composer; bringing all instrumentation together in one piece and arranging them into one piece. I thought it was absolutely amazing. Another teacher taught me that understanding other instruments like the piano will help my musicianship in ear training.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music runs in both sides of my family. Coming from an African American and Ashkenazic Jewish family I was exposed to different traditions of music. Many in my family are gospel singers, jazz and pop musicians. As for my Jewish heritage, there existed both traditions of religious music, as sung at the synagogue and domestic prayers, and of secular music, such as klezmer.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre of music to play is hip hop, rock and gospel because I can incorporate so many different styles to fit each and every genre. Playing these genres has helped me build a stronger ear for other sub genres.

When will I start to see results?
It depends on what your goals are for your instrument or voice, and how committed you are to getting the results you want. It also depends on what your playing or voice skills are like now, and where you want to be. If you’ve never played or sung before, then I wouldn’t expect you to be phenomenal after a few hours. Equally, if you’ve been performing for 30 years with bad habits, they won’t disappear in one lesson either. The goals you set and the results you experience will grow and evolve as you learn new skills, so really, it depends on you as an individual as much as the training you receive.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Informal activities with music should start soon after birth, followed by more systematic classes around age three, and lessons with the goal of learning the instrument should start between six and nine. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines; exceptions will undoubtedly occur based on the child and/or teacher.

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