Drum Lessons in East Canaan, CT

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

I have been teaching since 1977. I have studied with the late, great Tony Williams and Alan Dawson, Fred Buda, Ed Soph and composition with Steve Grover. I have taught private lessons, small group ensembles, elemntary music theory, orchestral percussion and voice coaching. I have taught in public schools, private prep schools and college. I have performed in the United States and Germany and the Netherlands. I have recorded with Tiger Akoshi, David Mallett and The Novel Jazz Septet. 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

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

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Matt has recorded three albums with Joel on Ride Symbol Records alongside producer, Donald Elfman. Matt is also featured on pianist Clay Giberson’s newest album, "Spaceton's Approach" on Origin Records. The CD has been getting radio play on jazz stations all over the country. ALL ABOUT JAZZ calls it "One of the top piano trio efforts of the year." 

 Garrity recently recorded his debut album as a leader on Steeplechase records due to be released in early 2026. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style focuses on meeting you where you're at and helping you grow into the exact type of drummer that you want to be. I am also well versed in music theory and music history, including rock and pop history and I believe that exploring these things along with the lessons can be so helpful! I respect all students moving at their own pace. If you are struggling with something in between lessons, you can contact me and I will try to respond as soon as possible to help guide you through the exercise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Flute Drums Orchestral Percussion

I typically teach based on my own custom lesson plan, which consists of a combination of exercises and working on specific pieces, as well as listening and sometimes composing. For online classes, I find it is useful to give students things to listen to outside of the lesson, and even for students to record themselves playing sometimes. I try to find out what the student is interested in, and tailor my instruction based on the goal of the student. Read More