Drum Lessons in Somers, NY

Instruments: Drums Conga

One of the many ways I begin a lesson with a student is by asking them what type of music they enjoy listening to and playing. Once we have this initial discussion, I begin to build the foundation for the lesson plan and my teaching. For example, if a student mentions they enjoy playing Rock and Roll, I will begin with that particular style and simplify it for them. As a music instructor, I like to listen to my students play and then address the areas that need to be addressed with them. Read More

Instruments: Drums

In my experience teaching for the past twelve years I have realized a few things including the fact that my methods work. I teach my students to read drum music well enough that most of the younger ones end up playing in the school band. We also play along with real music which I believe is a totally important part of my lesson schedule and it's fun for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, regardless of age or skill level, I like to gauge their musical interests (i.e., what music they listen to, what inspired them to pick up the guitar, etc.), and then work from there. For someone who has never picked up an instrument before, I generally work out of Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book 1. Once we're past that, I'll start showing them some basic songs, as well as seeing what kinds of songs they would be interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

I make sure that my students go at a pace that works for them. I try to find out what kind of learner they are and then I tweak my curriculum to best accommodate them. I always do my best to make sure that my students are having fun over anything else. Incorporating songs from both my library, and ones that the student already knows, we develop ear training skills by playing along and trying to copy the pros! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Steve has been working as a professional musician since 1990. He has performed all over the northeastern United States, and especially in the New York City area. Steve has performed at numerous music festivals and toured Europe.  His playing encompasses a wide range of musical styles including funk, rock, blues, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, big band, small group jazz, and world music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Latin Percussion Keyboard

If the student relates to the material, everything will come much easier. I usually begin with music the student likes, and often use that same piece to pivot into learning drum notation. Once the student grasps the concept behind rhythmic notation and subdivision, presenting them with additional, more complex material is simple and becomes increasingly more rewarding! For younger students presenting them with drum notation as simple number counts and times where 2 or more instruments play simultaneously has worked wonderfully in my experience. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner level students I start out with learning how to strike the drum as well as simple coordination exercises and intro level drum beats. After the student can grasp basic exercises, I introduce learning how to read music which will lead to reading out of various drum set instructional as well as technique books. For more advanced students I work out of books focusing on furthering coordination and technique, widening the ability to play different styles, chart reading with play alongs, soloing as well as the students interests. Read More