Drum Lessons in Cedar Brook, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! My teaching style consists of instilling a passion for music, and creating enthusiasm to learn in a safe, nurturing environment that welcomes participation, practice and music exploration. I believe that making emotional connections with the students helps to foster motivation and personal accomplishments. I think it is very important to make sure that learning the fundamentals is fun, and intriguing for the students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I can still remember the joy I felt when I first started playing drums and my passion is helping people experience that joy. In my musical career, spanning 38 years, I have performed with varied groups including: drumset with The Road Runners Blues Band, Catfish and Paul Plumeri Blues Band; West African, Middle Eastern and Afro-Cuban percussion with Groove Merchant Drum Dance Ensemble; bodhran and bones with traditional Celtic bands Kintail, Cwn Annwn and Browne Jenkyn; and snare drum with The First Highland Watch of Pennsylvania and Rev War Re-enactors First NJ Volunteers. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always enjoyed the art of teaching. I find it personally rewarding because when you effectively teach something to someone, you simultaneously learn something yourself. Speaking from experience with my current students, there are pleasant challenges in teaching, like discovering what works and what doesn't with a particular student. Trial and error, positive reinforcement, witnessing progress. Teaching even allows me to express myself creatively because I get to find the best way to explain or communicate a concept. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've discovered over the years that every student is different and require a custom approach tailored to what method works best for them. Some students do very well working through publications of lesson books, while others seem to do better with a less structured approach driven more by listening and muscle memory. In both methods, I find it important to lead by example, not only to be able to show them correctly, but also to inspire them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

My teaching is very student-driven. I try to keep the students interests as a primary goal in keeping their interest level and so that they can progress in a musical situation. When they are interested in what they are learning, they strive for success. I try to acknowledge their successes and accomplishments which helps keep them learning and wanting to learn more. The best way to learn music is to teach it effectively, and I ALWAYS am learning from my students in a variety of ways, whether it be a new group that I'm not familiar with, or another style or genre that is new and fresh. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

For very young guitar students I use Dick Bennett's books 1,2, 3 to start and then as the students progress we will continue to Mel Bay books 1, and 2 then proceed to chord books and charts, some knowledge that i will personally pass on such as finger exercise's and scales, use of the I pad and some guitar apps as well. I will also share my library of songs with them and show them how to play songs they enjoy as requested. Read More