Drum Lessons in Newtonville, MA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I use a wide range of teaching materials for my lessons, and customize my lesson plans based on the skill level of the student, instrument of choice and areas of interest. I prefer a multi-faceted curriculum of method books, reading materials, listening assignments, stylistic studies, and live performance. This kind of balanced diet will help the student develop rudimental, technical, and reading ability, along with creativity and musicality. Read More

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

It really depends on needs and desires of student!  I create custom lesson plans for each student depending on their current ability level, age, and future goals. For drums -topics include: various Snare books to teach students sight reading basics while focusing on technique, transcriptions of drum grooves and solos, learning and playing along to recordings, etc.  For Piano, I combine a traditional note reading approach/music theory with the "by ear" Suzuki Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

Having said that, possibly an even more pressing skill would be to be equppied, physically and intelectually, to play along with an impromtu music session, or "jam." If, say, a former clarinet student of mine should find him or herelf in the company of a strumming acoustic guitarist, it is my hope that they will be condfident and able to contribute musically and sensibly without the need for sheet music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion

My first priority when I meet a student is to nurture and begin to stoke their own fire and love for rhythm, music and the drums. I want the student to be happy, and to have fun. Progress is obviously one of my primary goals as well, however I don't believe a student can begin to make valid musical progress if they are not enjoying themselves. I belive I have crafted a perfectly balanced approach to teaching - I know exactly how to tailor to the needs of each student, and exactly how to work at their rate of learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Euphonium Tuba

Currently I use the Hal Leonard series which I believe is best for beginner and intermediate students. I typically give advanced students a variety of choices that best suites their playing style. It is important to keep the student focused while making lesson time enjoyable as well as educational. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students, I begin by introducing proper technique and the most basic rudiments, start George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and introduce basic rock beats. When the student has the fundamentals mastered, we'll begin working on more advanced rudiments and work from Ted Reed's Syncopation. For more advanced students, we will cover odd time signatures, latin grooves, jazz concepts, improvisation, and ways to compose grooves and fills. I encourage students of all skill levels to set goals and bring me materials they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Music

I taught my first lesson in Sudbury Massachusetts 19 years ago. I spent 16 years, teaching people of all ages seven days a week. Being able to teach music is a gift. I feel very fortunate. It’s some of the most rewarding work I could ever do. Over the years I’ve learned that recitals on a regular basis are crucial to a students progression. Some of the greatest time of my teaching career are watching the parents of that students faces while child performs something we have worked So hard on. Read More