Drum Lessons in Saint James, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

The best way for students to improve their proficiency on an instrument is through consistent, weekly practice. In our lessons, we will discover overall musical goals and then weekly goals to help us achieve our dreams. Yes, the dedication must be put in by the student, but organized practice is the quickest way to truly improve. In my lessons, we will work on technique and sight reading as well as improvisation and learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

There's a ton of books about drumset out there. I like to use some of the best ones in my experience that offer us infinite possibilities to create our own individual practice routines. These include: - Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone - Syncopation by Ted Reed - Modern Rudimental Swing Solos by Charley Wilcoxon - The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught by Alan Dawson More than the books I like to focus on the desire, the flame in the student which drives them to want to play music in the first place... a favorite song or band, and then use these books in order to service that. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching drum set experiences started over 15 years ago when I was playing many different styles of music. I wanted to be able to assist and encourage my students to be able to play drums and vibes or marimba. Teaching mallet instruments to drum set students allowed me to help the student see why he or she played certain drum set grooves and fills at certain points. It always fascinates me when people see how chords (on a mallet instrument) lock into a drum set groove. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've been teaching since my first few semesters of college when my step-father (also a drum instructor) asked me to consult for him with his drumline at Arch Bishop Wood High School in Pennsylvania.  From that experience I began teaching private lessons throughout college.  Immediately after graduation I began teaching in a formal music school in Ardmore PA where I was able to teach students from ages 4-60 years old. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For beginning students I begin by talking to them about music and what songs they like. We start clapping along and picking out what the drums are doing and eventually begin playing along. A wonderfully laid out book for beginners that are interested in pop music is "The Funky Primer." I also like to teach the reading of rhythms out of a book by Ted Reed called "Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This is a great book that you can work out of for many many years to come. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love teaching drums. As an educator, my greatest joy is sharing in the success of my students, whether it be grasping a new concept, or mastering a particularly difficult technique. I believe in positive reinforcement, and acknowledging success. It is important for me to develop a trusting, encouraging relationship with my students, and I am often inspired to improve my skills and teaching techniques to better serve their needs. Read More