Drum Lessons in Purchase, NY

Instruments: Drums

As stated above I believe that everyone learns at a different pace and through different pathways. I enjoy exploring different ways of thinking in regards to the instrument and music. As a master musician once told me I'm not your teacher, I'm just an advanced student. Every teaching situation for me is also a learning situation. As long as a student is eager and willing to learn and practice I will put everything I have into making sure they complete their musical goals! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Will is a graduate of the LA College of Music (formerly LA Music Academy) in Pasadena, CA where he studied with industry giants such as Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa, Dancing With the Stars, Family Guy) and Joe Porcaro (LA Studio legend). His professional career began at 14 and has been teaching privately since 2012 in the Los Angeles area prior to recently relocating to Maplewood, NJ. Outside of drums music, Will is an avid fan of film/television, pop culture, comic books, he enjoys cooking as well as spending time at home with his wife Sara and dog Rosie. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Head, Hands and Heart: ( example given below) Week 1: Learn To Play Your First Song Head: A Time, A Place and The Parts Of A Drum Set Hands: Your First Drum Beat (No Drums Required) Heart: Move Before You Groove Week 2: Playing with Sticks Head: How to Buy and Hold...Drumsticks Hands: Play Your First Song with Drumsticks Heart: Clap To The Music Week 3: Learn To Play the Parts of a Song Head: The Parts of a Song and What They Mean To a Drummer Hands: How To Play a Closed Hi-Hat Heart: Quiet Verse plus Loud Chorus equals Dynamic Drums Week 4: Learn To Play Drum Fills Head: Pracetice Without Drums - Think Before You Play Hands: What Are Drum Fills and How Are They Played? Read More

Instruments: Drums

I try to instill the positive qualities that come from music including the enjoyment of listening and the gain of focus and concentration when learning how to play. I will give each student material and set goals weekly at a pace that he or she is comfortable going at while still challenging the student. Teaching is something that is a passion for me because I understand how important that time can be in that persons life and I truly enjoy sharing the information. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching style focuses on learning and playing in a musical fashion. Whether the student is playing and exercise or a composition it always should sound musical. I want my students to internalize what they are playing so that it can become a part of them. They should become one with the music. I set realistic goals which will change along with the progression of the student. I believe in giving them positive feedback along with constructive critiques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For instance a 5 year old might only be able to do 2 ten minute sessions a day whereas a student auditioning for a touring group may need several hours a day. Piano: - John Thompson books and Bastien are my preferred piano books. - Student will also need an assignment book and a metronome. - Eventually the student will need Alfred's Complete book of Scales also. Drums/Percussion: - Alfred's Snare Book 1 - Alfred's Drumset Method - Alfred's Drum book for Kids (younger age) - Sticks - Pad - Metronome -music stand Advanced Books: Piano - Hanon -Czerny Veolicty Drums - New Breed - Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley - Funkifying the Clave by Robby Ameen - Advanced Funk Drumming by Rick Latham - Exploring your Creativity on the Drum Set by Mark Guiliana Jazz: - Abersold - The Jazz Piano Book (Levin) - Real Book 1, 2, 3 Read More

Instruments: Drums

Connection.  I believe having a connection with the student is the most important factor. I strive to become close with all of my students.  This way we can learn more efficiently while still having fun.  I spend a small portion of lesson time getting to know my students and talking about what interests them.  Sometimes, I'll take these interests and base the a lesson around it. While pushing the student to try new things, it's helpful to periodically take breaks and let the brain reset. Read More