Drum Lessons in Kingston, NJ

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 Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Fiddle Double Bass Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The key to accomplished lesson program is to wrap the lessons around what a students interests are. For example, if you like rock, then you should study it intently, but also learn the theory of composition, scales, and chord patterns and progressions. Also, one should learn reaning note levels as tab has taken over the industry and while much easier, there always come a time when you may be required to read notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

My method of working with drums and percussion is to first get a sense of what the student's goals are. These include both goals involving general drums/percussion and career/performance goals. We will then work together to form a plan to achieve them. This will include exercises tailored directly to the student's needs and desires within drums/percussion as well as overall musical standings and guiding the student to repertoire that will both be fun for them to play and will teach them more about the concepts we are working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

While I have no degrees in music education, I believe, that my experiences as a professional musician have equipped me with the necessary tools to be a great teacher for any age or skill level. Being classically trained, I believe that a foundation in formal, classical piano is a great tool to not only teach technical proficiency, but also to instill an excitement and curiosity about music, and just how much it can make you feel. Read More

Instruments: Drums

One of the cool things about teaching is that every student is different and learns differently! I am usually able to assess each students level and pace within the first couple lessons. At the end of each lesson I will give them a realistic goal to achieve for the next lesson. Any improvement is improvement and I try and always recognize that. I try to inspire by example as well, showing the student where their practicing and hard work can take them if they keep working at it diligently. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

There's nothing worse than buying a drum set to start learning to play, only to have your teacher tell you, "You won't be ready for that for a year."  I like to get eveyone playing something fun and interesting as soon as possible.  Some examples of books I like to use with beginning students are the "Breeze Easy Drum Method," "Alfred's Drum Method," and Ted Reed's "Syncopation."  Songs we may often start lessons with would be "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin, "Back in Black" by AC/DC, etc. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For me, witnessing the "ah-hah" moment in a student's face is priceless. It means that a certain concept or idea has been understood by the student. I use the first lesson to find out what the student is inspired by and what aspect of their playing they wish to improve on depending on their age and skill level. Once I find out what inspires them, I'll be better informed as how to keep them inspired and moving towards certain goals. Read More