Drum Lessons in Central Islip, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums

Upon graduating the Conservatory in the spring of 2014 I remained in the greater Boston area until the summer of 2018, during which time I both remained active in the creative music scene as a performer and became busy working and teaching. Over those years, I was a part of the bands Aykroyd, Letter Castle, Particulars, Ryan Power, Los Greys, Every Kim Parcell, Listening Woman, and Creative Healing, among others. I just relocated to the NYC area this fall, and I am a passionate, encouraging, yet engaging and challenging instructor who loves teaching and values every student profoundly. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For Beginners, the rudiments are essential. We start with that and don not even concentrate on learning how to read drum charts. We concentrate on STICKING and coordination and proper grip, without paying too much attention to a " proper grip". Everything is evaluated from stick size to hand size to hand form to posture. Posture is essential in this instrument as one is typically SITTING. We move onto the student's musical preference, so as to keep interest at its peak. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students who DON'T own or have access to a drum set I try to start with basic snare drum technique which can be played either on a snare drum or a practice pad.  For students who DO own or have regular access to a full set of drums I like to get them on the drum set as soon as posible playing along with songs they like, again encouraging personal discovery and fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Connection.  I believe having a connection with the student is the most important factor. I strive to become close with all of my students.  This way we can learn more efficiently while still having fun.  I spend a small portion of lesson time getting to know my students and talking about what interests them.  Sometimes, I'll take these interests and base the a lesson around it. While pushing the student to try new things, it's helpful to periodically take breaks and let the brain reset. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm (a good 1st book of advanced snare drum etudes, using all previously earned skills, but forcing new applications and challenging passages).   Rock: Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method Books 1 & 2 THEN, Rockin' Bass Drum by J. Lombardo (a very old but classic book of very common and useful rock beats). repeat this book at least 20 times, using the following Right Hand patterns on HiHat, paradiddle stickings and odd-meter variations in lieu of the provided 8th notes: 1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&a x--- x--- x--- x--- xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (all RH) xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (RLRL) xxx- xxx- xxx- xxx- x-xx x-xx x-xx x-xx -xxx -xxx -xxx -xxx xx-x xx-x xx-x xx-x x--x x--x x--x x--x -x-x -x-x -x-x -x-x  xx-- xx-- xx-- xx-- -xx- -xx- -xx- -xx- --xx --xx --xx --xx -x-- -x-- -x-- -x-- --x- --x- --x- --x-  ---x ---x ---x ---x Paradiddle variations (works for pages 6-28 only) RLRR LRLL RLRR LRLL RLLR LRRL RLLR LRRL RRLR LLRL RRLR LLRL RLRL LRLR RLRL LRLR Convert to 7/8 by eliminating the last 8th note in each example. Read More