Drum Lessons in Oakville, CT

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

After graduating from college I joined the Peace Corps. I spent 2 years in Tehran, Iran playing in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. I returned to the U.S. and went back to school to get my Masters degree. I worked as a music teacher in the Bronx, N.Y. for several years. After that I worked at an electronic music studio in Hawthorne, N.Y. The studio eventually shut down and I began teaching Band at the Stamford Public Schools where I taught music at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For materials I use the following; Vic Firth Snare Drum Method, Rudimental Swing Solos, Art of Bop Drumming, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset, Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Syncopation, Rudimental Ritual, Tables of Time and Music Minus One. Each book focuses on sight reading, coordination and musical styles. Outside of reading materials, I always give my students music to listen to and recordings to play along to. Playing and listening to recordings provides a musical context for what we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I run through a personalized lesson plan that caters to the students learning abilities and their pace of learning. I strongly believe in the use of a metronome and the versatility of percussion rudiments so I usually have most beginning students start there. As they progress through their concept of time and technique has improved I will then suggest to parents (if the student is interested) that their child moves on to the drum set where I bring them through the Time Functioning book by Gary Chaffee. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

After graduating from the Conservatory, I taught privately and performed in the Boston area as well as touring throughout the United states. After moving to Maine, I was hired to teach private lessons and assist with faculty and student performances at Colby College. In addition to teaching at Colby, I performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, pop bands and African drum ensembles in Maine & Europe. Currently, I am living in Connecticut and teach at Miss Porter's School and privately at my home studio, as well as performing with a jazz group and a pipe & drum marching band. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

My teaching has enabled me to work with young musicians of all ages and skill types. The approach I take is technique driven, while at the same time, expressive, musically sensitive, and fun! Voice students will learn English and foreign language diction, ear training and sight-singing, proper posture, stage presence, confidence, and healthy vocal production suitable for all styles of singing. Drum students will learn the importance of snare drum rudiments, how to read drum charts, the nuances of various styles, as well as, develop dexterity and increase muscular function and independence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

With my educational background and passion for music it would be difficult to find another instructor with more depth.I have taught guitar for over 20 years to students ranging in ages from 6-60. I have performed with and coached multiple bands, ensembles, soloists, and private students and I have loved every minute of it. In my experience I have found that, with the right instructor, exploring a wonderfully dense topic such as music heightens discipline, motivation, focus, confidence, and sensitivity. Read More