Drum Lessons in Darby Township, PA

Instruments: Guitar Drums

My methods are in service of the cultivation of interest. Mainly I want the student to focus on learning how to play the music they want to play. The key to cultivating interest is to nurture the social, communicative and fun elements of playing music; associating the laughter and exhilaration with learning. I'm a self taught musician - I know that music is intuitive enough to learn without getting overly text-book about it, and I think focusing too much on the book at an early age can turn away potential musicians. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

After graduating in 2010, I spent another year in live sound. Seeking new music to challenge my ear and muscles, I joined doom-metal band WormRider, learning to at the extremes of loud and slow. During my 2 recordings with this band, I assisted w/ studio production of not only my drum sound, but guitar and vocal production, and mastered our final mix for release on cassette tape. I spent 2011-2017 as a professor in the Audio Production (and other) department(s) at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, teaching courses in electronics, acoustics, live sound, editing, and sound design. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

Every drum student is different so I customize each lesson to fit the particular students needs and goals. I always start out with fundamentals and rudiments on the snare drum, Focusing on stick position posture and proper technique. Once these basics are established we move onto a basic drum set method book covering notation, basic drumbeats and drum fills. From there we branch out into various styles of drumming, very often we move to jazz drumming from there as that is usually the first time students are offered to play drum set in their school music program. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My teaching experience began in 1980 while still in high school teaching private lessons. Since then Ive taught at Westminster Choir College, Rutgers University, NJ State and County Teen Arts Programs as well as private and group lessons in my own studio. My casual approach allows students the relaxation and freedom necessary to learn at their own pace. With a strong focus on fundamentals and using those fundamentals as building blocks, my goal is to help students become musical and creative and find their own unique voice on their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

This is my job; to teach the instrument with enthusiasm, passion, & an enjoyable, fun filled approach. We will be working towards a rudimental & fundamental based understanding of the drumset through traditional technique, theory, books, along with fun, modern songs. My goal will be to teach how to practice independently. I recommend setting up a practice schedule so that he knows when he is supposed to practice. If there is struggling with any of the weekly assignments, that is ok! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

As I said above, my biggest priority is to guide the student on their journey to discovering the music that they would like to play and create. When I was first learning, it was a struggle to unlock my own creativity and become daring enough to play my own music in front of others. Luckily, I had amazing instructors who helped me break out of my shell and find my confidence. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach my students to read music as well as to play by ear. I host 2 recitals each year. We learn one song start to finish and I hire a professional band to learn and perform the songs with my students at a local establishment or at my studio. I encourage all of my students to perform with our recital band. As far as books, I prefer to use the "new Breed", by Gary Chester, the ''Art of Bop Drumming'', by John Riley , and the ''encyclopedia of reading rhythms'', by Garry Hess, but there are many other books I recommend for specific needs. Read More