Drum Lessons in Rutland, MA

Instruments: Voice Drums

I have been teaching vocalists and instrumentalists around the world for over 40 years. During my 27-year tenure as Assistant Chair of the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, I instituted courses for teaching singers all styles of jazz and contemporary music. I teach technique and style interpretation to all ages and levels of proficiency. I have a positive attitude and encourage my students to practice hard to reach their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Recorder Orchestral Percussion

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time about 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years.  Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of different styles of music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the drums, and motivate them to practice and continue 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar French Horn

I find that it drives the student to learn the instrument for himself. And as the student wants, more and more, to prove that he can "beat the instrument," he begins to work at it in ways that I can't teach. Learning an instrument is more than showing up for one hour each week. Practice is everything. I feel that my methodology encourages students to take on the instrument head on and learn how to solve problems on their own so that they can practice and improve more quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

This is why I try to not ignore the deeper, more holistic aspects of the art, which is why I emphasize composition in my lessons. I will compose for my students pieces that highlight something they are working on, but I will also assign compositions for my students because kids love it and creativity yields a deeper connection to any given subject than, say, rote memorization. I love kids and do not stifle their creativity, without steering too far away from the task at hand, I like to listen to what they have to say because you never know what valuable information you may learn about their present perspective. Read More

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 Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I cater my teaching style to each student's age, skill level and personality. I have a patient, relaxed teaching style but I'm always ready and willing to push the student as far as they want to go, encouraging them to try their best. Lessons are usually organized into a section focused on technique and music theory followed by a period dedicated to playing songs together, polishing up repertoire and focusing on playing music in real time, together as an ensemble. Read More