Drum Lessons in Valhalla, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach from a flexible curriculum depending on the student's goals and interests. If someone wants to learn technique, music theory, songwriting, how to play Taylor Swift songs, arranging, composing, confidence, et cetera we will work on what is driving them to take lessons and learn! If the student is younger I will provide them with an organized syllabus and “fun” damentals! If they are older, I will help them find a way to stick with the music and accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I'm a dedicated and passionate music educator with over twenty years of experience teaching students of all ages and levels. In 2011, I graduated with honors form the Aaron Copland School of Music, City University of New York at Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and was the recipient of the Lawrence Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music Achievement Award. State certified in music education in New Jersey and in New York, I have experience teaching one on one and in the classroom. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching style adapts to the necessity, interest and pace of the students. If you are more interested in building a technique playing we can get very methodical studying from the books but if you really want to play, we are gonna play! A big part of my teaching is playing with the students or creating sequences (play alongs) so the student practices music in context. It could be frustrating and boring when technique is de-contextualized. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

It's all about the student's interests. I first gauge what styles they are interested in performing, and then implement the proper methods of teaching those styles. Depending on their ability level, I will simultaneously implement necessary techniques while generating the repertoire so that when it comes time for a recital, they will be ready. Lessons will generally begin with warmups, followed by choosing pieces to perform or developing pieces that have already been chosen. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students we usually start with sitting at 2 drum sets and learning to hold the sticks. It's then about trying to get the sticks to strike the drum and practice getting a nice sound on the instrument. Even at a young age, it's important to help the students to think about tone and how we are creating sound on these instruments. I use the same technique on the vibes, learning to hold 2 or 4 mallets and just creating simple sounds. Read More

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

I always find out what the student likes and use that material as a format for developing good playing techniques and understanding, For beginners it's important to get it right from the start so playing and enjoyment can develop naturally. By immediately choosing songs they love the inspiration and motivation to practice will grow along with there playing. For intermediate students we balance repertoire and practice of the essentials such as scales, arpeggios, chord scales, triads 7th chords , melodies and progressions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Music Djembe

I began my teaching career almost 20 years ago at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. While I was there, I worked with students of all ages and levels of playing ability. From that experience, I was able to not only develop a teaching method, but also to adapt and adjust that teaching method to accommodate for each student's unique personality and learning style. During my time there, I wanted to incorporate musical concepts that I learned from playing tablas in my lessons with drum set students. Read More