Drum Lessons in Central Islip, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When it comes to teaching, the one constant look for in all of my students is a budding passion for music. For some, it may take more time to develop said passion, but that is okay! Everyone moves at their own pace, and it differs from person to person. I firmly believe everybody has things they are good at, regardless of skill level, and I do everything in my power to hone in on those skills to make them the best they can be. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time over 20 years ago. 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 teaching a combination of various musical styles can go a long way in helping students thoroughly enjoy drumming and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

I have recently relocated back to NYC and love it here. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of UGA. I have been fortunate enough to record on tons of records and tour the world many times over. My work has kept me super versatile as I have done everything from big band and small group jazz to rock and funk. I have performed at some of the great rooms, including, the Sydney Opera House, with the ASO at Atlanta Symphony Hall, The Apollo, Paisley Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Getty, National Sawdust, Birdland NYC and countless others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For beginners I usually begin with Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone and Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley. Once the student has a good grasp on basic reading and technique, I usually introduce rudiments and start working on solo or play along repertoire. I also like to use The Drum Set Musician by Rod Morgenstein. Besides book work I also like to bring in things that I am working on either with bands I play with or personal projects. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

The best way for students to improve their proficiency on an instrument is through consistent, weekly practice. In our lessons, we will discover overall musical goals and then weekly goals to help us achieve our dreams. Yes, the dedication must be put in by the student, but organized practice is the quickest way to truly improve. In my lessons, we will work on technique and sight reading as well as improvisation and learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with simple chords and teach them a few fun songs. If the student is interested in learning how to read music, I will use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance if they are interested in performing live. For adults, I like to find out what they are most interested in, whether it is a specific genre, (jazz/classical) or if they are more interested in learning songs (classic rock/pop/etc.) or songwriting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone Drums Synthesizer Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

After receiving my doctorate in music from the University of Miami I started to teach at a neighborhood music school in Queens, New York. It's there that I fell in love with teaching. There's nothing greater than sharing my knowledge with the next generation. Hopefully you will become one of my students we can go on a musical journey together. We can learn all the styles that I have experience in including jazz classical and popular music. Read More