Drum Lessons in Middlebury, CT

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

My approach to teaching is to try and understand each students level of musicianship and evaluate their weaknesses and strengths. I believe that repetition and the reduction of speed are essential for learning, mastering and remembering technique and the nuances of music. I encourage each student to explore the style or genre of music that is most appealing to them. As well as experiment and persevere through new challenges of unfamiliar works or styles, such as classical, jazz, African and Latin/Cuban. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have experience teaching on both a private lesson and public school environment. I started to teach private lessons shortly after my undergrad career and during my grad school career. During my grad school program I had the opportunity to teach both at a elementary and high school level in General Music and in Strings. I during these placements in the public school I wrote out lessons plans and taught music theory and instruments to the students. Read More

Instruments: Drums

We start by doing proper warm up exercises followed by learning or practicing rudiments. We work on our grip of the sticks and our movements while drumming. In other words, I teach economy of movement for maximum energy. If a student is flailing their arms, we talk about a more fluid movement by utilizing the wrists and incorporating finger control. Then we move on to reading out of instructional books which is then followed by practical application on the drum sets.With a beginner student I find Basix Syncopation for Drums by Alfred Publishing to be a very effective tool. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students I start with an Alfred's beginning drum method to help with reading. We also start on the basic understanding of musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics and so on.  While reading is important I do also include learning by wrote or by ear.  A good ear is just as important as good reading skills for the complete musician.  I always include music that the student is interested in to keep the lessons fun and engaging! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Most of the private lessons that I have taught since this time have been for drum set, as that is the more commonly desired area of study for many students seeking private lessons. Of the group lessons I have taught since high school, all of them have been in a school environment, yet have spanned every age and ability of music student. In my career thus far, I have worked with students who were just entering kindergarten, and students who were already in college for percussion, and I have enjoyed each situation equally. Read More

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

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experience is based on the 16+ years I have playing. I was based out of a gospel environment, and moved further into almost EVERY other genre. I have been teaching for about 7 years now. Most of my many accomplishments, and stages include the Prudential Center, Radio City Music Hall, and more! I have had the pleasure to accompany Pastor Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Lady Temaine Hawkins, Bishop William Murphy, Bishop Albert Jameson, and many more! Read More