Drum Lessons in Montgomery Township, PA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In addition to my regular performance schedule, I also maintain teaching studio's that cover most of the Pocono Mountain area. As well as private lessons, my teaching resume includes Rowan University Prep School, Fergus and Clark Academy for the Performing Arts, Appel Farm Center for the Arts, and numerous music stores. Read More

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

Learning a musical instrument is very challenging and for most of us it doesn't come naturally. It's unfortunate when students become frustrated too quickly in the process and decide to quit out of frustration. In my style of teaching, it's very important that students feel some level of success no matter where they are in their own musical journey. Often I will perform lesson materials in unison along with students to help them if they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

In addition to drum set, I also teach djembe (West African), bodhran (Celtic), doumbek (Middle Eastern) and conga (Afro-Cuban). My favorite thing about teaching is watching students develop into creative musicians and finding their own voice. My playing and teaching has always been based in tradition, but not bound by it. I have found that keeping a relaxed, fun atmosphere during lessons allows students to learn at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners I like to use books and a few easy songs to get the student started. As skill level grows, I try to encourage students to form their own chord progressions as well as using songs that I choose or a song the students chooses that will encourage them to play and learn more songs on their own. I also encourage intermediate level students to explore their imaginations and create their own songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use a variety of methods for my teaching style. I usually have a few method books that I bring to a first lesson, and after meeting the student I will decide on the best one. Once the student has progressed and shows some motivation to be slightly challenged, I'll introduce "popular" music so that the student feels a sense of accomplishment! Music is associated with movies, radio, etc., so to be able to play something recognizable is exciting for the student and the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

Students are encouraged to say the play of each voice independently to foster coordination independence as conscious control. My Seven Shapes system provides foundation for the commonalities and distinctions across whatever course of songs they study. For more intermediate students, we take on more challenging songs, exercise greater stick control w/ compound rudiments, and chart entire drum parts of whole songs. Intermediate and Advanced students focus on the specific motifs and skills of more distinct and challenging drumming; speed/endurance for punk/metal, groove and phrasing for hip-hop and pop 4-way independence for latin and afro-cuban, shuffle feel open/improvisational song-form for blues and jazz, Advanced students also learn odd-meter, poly-meter, polyrhythms and ostinato from both traditional African/Indian musics and contemporary progressive examples. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always enjoyed the art of teaching. I find it personally rewarding because when you effectively teach something to someone, you simultaneously learn something yourself. Speaking from experience with my current students, there are pleasant challenges in teaching, like discovering what works and what doesn't with a particular student. Trial and error, positive reinforcement, witnessing progress. Teaching even allows me to express myself creatively because I get to find the best way to explain or communicate a concept. Read More