Drum Lessons in Kings Point, NY

Instruments: Drums

I learned a lot from the dozens of teachers I took private lesons with growing up. In 2010 I was a counselor for a music camp in Upstate New York. I worked with young kids and helped teach them pop/classic songs. I've had a Diaspora class in college on teaching drumset to beginngers. I learned quite a lot from that class- specifically teaching new beginners to drums.  Since February 2016 I've been teaching drums to a handful of students through Musika. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

I started studying and playing drum set when I was 12, helped form and perform with a swing dance band as a teenager, and went on to study as an adult with Charlie Tappan, who worked with the legendary drum teacher Henry Adler. Through the course of my career I have performed in just about every style of music. I have played in parades and processions, local childrens' theatre and school musicals, club dates, concerts, recording, and dances. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

I have been teaching since I was 16. I frequently ran sectionals in my high school as well as at multiple youth orchestras. I taught privately on and off throughout high school and college. I encourage regular practice and help build problem-solving skills because in the end, you are your own best teacher. I also believe that the student should get exactly what they want out of their lessons, so we can be as flexible as we want with styles and of course, have fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My two favorite books for all my beginning drum students are George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control and Ted Reeds Syncopation. These books, and the rudiments are a great place to develop the basics of the instrument. After learning the foundations, I develop an individual program to meet the students needs and desires, making the instruction both educational and fun. I learn from them what techniques, styles, and other drummers interest them, and tailor the lesson towards helping them learn the skills that will keep them interested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I tend to edit my teaching style based on how successfully my students meet their goals. I honestly love teaching young and beginning students because they're an absolute blank slate, something I do not take lightly. Having fun and establishing a strong practice routine is paramount with younger students. I emphasize listening to records/music with all students but especially with more intermediate to advanced students. If I have a student that wants to become a more competent jazz player I'll try to recommend some famous records with tunes that are commonly played. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For all my students, including vocalists, I always try to keep things enjoyable with mixed repertoire assignments. Even at beginner levels, I've seen some of my students cover the songs thattheywant to learn. I didn't learn to sing and play the piano by being forced to play songs I didn't enjoy as a listener. The key is finding music that is both challengingto create andfun as heck to perform. Specifically as a vocal teacher and overall vocal performance enthusiast, I rely on contemporary ear training as the key method to my teaching style. Read More