Drum Lessons in Merion Park, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I see teaching as a gateway to help students express their creativity, while incorporating a disciplined approach to help them achieve more from challenged in life in general. i don't simply field song requests, I also explain to my students the inner workings of why certain musical concepts work, why the artist may have chosen that and how you as the student can incorporate these creative ideas into your own compositions. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I can still remember the joy I felt when I first started playing drums and my passion is helping people experience that joy. In my musical career, spanning 38 years, I have performed with varied groups including: drumset with The Road Runners Blues Band, Catfish and Paul Plumeri Blues Band; West African, Middle Eastern and Afro-Cuban percussion with Groove Merchant Drum Dance Ensemble; bodhran and bones with traditional Celtic bands Kintail, Cwn Annwn and Browne Jenkyn; and snare drum with The First Highland Watch of Pennsylvania and Rev War Re-enactors First NJ Volunteers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

I am adaptable to what interests and clicks with you as a musician, so if you want to dive deep into music theory, including music notation, harmony, advanced rhythms, awesome. If you would rather learn by ear and reading basic chord charts and lead sheets, no problem. Regardless, I like to start with establishing good form and a basic understanding of musical terms. From there, well look at the music that inspires you and craft a strategy to increase your comfort and proficiency in that area. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My methods are going to be based off of their level of experience and their ability to grasp concepts. I would teach through books and other tools I have taught myself with and help my students gain knowledge and helpful tips to gain them a better idea on how to practice and play what they want to play. I will put together ideas for a lesson plan and if needed change it up a bit as I see fit for each individual student Im working with cause some will learn different then others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

For all students, I eschew learning specific beats of specific songs, and instead teach them to hear/play/read/write beats from generic forms to specific variations. For this, Ive adapted my system of Seven Shapes for rhythmic permutation. For beginner students, we focus on hearing pulse, counting meter, and simple rudiments for basic stick control. Beginners learn basic rock beats, first one limb/voice at a time, then combing all parts into the complete drum set rhythm.. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students who are children I like to start to start learning rhythms through common children’s songs to show how easy music can be. Depending on the instrument, one of the many Hal Leonard books is always a good option. If they are a little older, I will use music that they like to teach how music theory and fundamental skills makes up all the musi they enjoy. We will often learn songs that speak to them and I will use their favorite genres to curate new songs to teach and show them new material and how it relates to their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! My teaching style consists of instilling a passion for music, and creating enthusiasm to learn in a safe, nurturing environment that welcomes participation, practice and music exploration. I believe that making emotional connections with the students helps to foster motivation and personal accomplishments. I think it is very important to make sure that learning the fundamentals is fun, and intriguing for the students. Read More