Drum Lessons in Port Washington, NY

Instruments: Drums

I started playing drums at age 11. My father played trombone in the NY Philharmonic, so I was fortunate to study with the renowned Elden "Buster" Bailey. After high schoolI attended the Juilliard School. Later I began teaching at a couple local music stores. That is when I discovered my love for teaching. It's very rewarding to see a student develope into a fine drummer and musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My methods vary. For piano, we start with simple technique exercises to make sure a student is making every note count. For younger students- like 6 and under- we'll nickname everything to make it easier. An example- the fingers should always be curled when playing piano, not flat. There should be enough space under their palm to hold hold a golf ball, so when they are playing with flat hands, I'll say 'golf ball' to remind them of the correct way, instead of being 'that mean old lady' type. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a laid back teacher, but I make sure all students behave and learn. I love when the students enjoy what they are doing, and when I enjoy what I am doing. It's a relationship that you build. I expect the students to practice their craft. I continue to learn as I teach as well. Inspiration is very important. The inspired students are special for they know what they want to accomplish. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I draw attention to the importance of listening and help the student identify what to listen for. There is nothing more frustrating than practicing a particular fill 1000 times, only to later realize you've been practicing it incorrectly. This is very common among drummers young and old, but is easily dealt with by simply cultivating a sense of listening and apt imitation. However, I do not endorse perfectionism as a means of effective learning either, and I also will remind the student of the fact that sometimes when you're jamming,even if what what you're playing is not perfect, it's "good enough for rock and roll." This is part of the attitude of rock and roll that I feel is conducive to better, faster learning: a willingness to make mistakes, acknowledge them, learn from them, and move on. Read More

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

Nothing is more rewarding to have students develop a compassion for the music that is played. Whether it is for family, friends or playing in front of a large audience. I think it is important for students to practice what is taught but not to overwhelm them. Music that they play whether it is for a recital or an audition should be an exciting and fulfilling experience and not feel like it is something that is overwhelming. Read More

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

All I want is to know that my students are enjoying music more deeply, and that they gain the self-sufficiency to learn between lessons. I make sure to point out milestones that a student has achieved to encourage that innate human drive for improvement, and always keep looking for what is exciting and inspiring for the student at a given time. I make sure each student I work with knows what elements to include in their practice, how to learn a piece of music from scratch, and how to break things down into manageable, learnable chunks. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I really like to work at the pace of my students, letting them to take time to digest the information that I give to them. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to help you develop not only as a drummer but as a complete musician. Everything I teach is focused on the ultimate goal of playing music and developing your technical ability with the instrument. Read More