Drum Lessons in Avon, CT

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching high school band and percussion for the last 15 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

As an educator, I have 10+ years of teaching experience in voice, drums, composition, music theory and ear training. Currently, I teach privately in my home studio and for several local music schools. Starting in the Fall of 2014, I'll be an adjunct professor in Composition, Music Theory and Music Fundamentals at Housatonic Community College. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Born and raised in Connecticut, Ryan Sands began his musical journey in 2012 and is working to become one of the top on-call musicians in his area. Growing up between New Haven, CT, and Orange, CT, Ryan received his formal training at Neighborhood Music School and Educational of the Arts. Later he would study at Manhattan School of Music's Pre-College Division. It was at these institutions that he learned his fundamental musical values. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The way I learned is the way I teach. I was taught the same way multiple ways and because of this I can give students different avenues to learn the same thing. So if they don't understand it in A, or B, I still have C, and D as a back up. I try to include the student to help navigate their own lesson plan and figure out what they want to focus on. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Through my time both as a student and educator there has always been an over arching philosophy to balance out priorities of progress and achievement with fun and sheer enjoyment. I can remember times where music for me, became not what it is intended to be because of the stress and anxiety that I would sometimes encounter in practice and performance settings. Now, I don't mean to say stress and added pressure is never a good thing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have experience teaching on both a private lesson and public school environment. I started to teach private lessons shortly after my undergrad career and during my grad school career. During my grad school program I had the opportunity to teach both at a elementary and high school level in General Music and in Strings. I during these placements in the public school I wrote out lessons plans and taught music theory and instruments to the students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More