Drum Lessons in West Brookfield, MA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I strongly believe that everyone is very different.  Learning styles and musical goals are very much a part of this.  Some find reading from a book helps them, so for most students I begin by recommending "A Modern Method For Guitar" from the Berklee Press, however for others a book is not as helpful as listening to some music and watching someone play.  I like to introduce as much theory as is desired from the student because theory is a very important part of the musical process, but if the student prefers to get playing first and understand the “why” later then we can work something out in that regard.  Depending on musical interest, we can work with different genre's and pieces to promote specific techniques and practice routines. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

My lessons for vocalists are divided into two sections: technique and repertoire. For singers, breath management skills are of primary importance as this directly affects intonation. I like to begin with Anne Peckham's The Contemporary Singer. My students can choose any songs they would like to sing while we work on musicianship skills including expression and lyrical phrasing. Singers who want to study jazz and improvisation use one or more of my pedagogical texts on scat singing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I really look forward to starting my teaching career with private lessons. I believe that it is necessary to really listen and communicate with the student about his/her goals and the techniques/exercises that I utilize to help them achieve their goals. In private lessons I think that each student requires a individualized practice scheme, pace, and form of encouragement to achieve his/her goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Currently, I am a member of the Raider's drum and Bugle Corp's (Burlington, NJ) percussion staff. The raiders are an open class DCI group that competes in the summer against other open class groups. My job duties include running rehearsals, providing weekly assignments to members, and providing individualized critique and information for students. This ensemble meets once a month from November to April then moving to every weekend, and then eventually a 3-4 week long tour over the summer. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Fresh Approach. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I also develop individual curriculum based on student's short and long term goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

Nothing is more rewarding than helping someone discover their musical personality. Again, my style of teaching is partially dependent on what a student hopes to gain from lessons, but I first like to develop a rapport with the musicians I work with in order to foster a comfortable environment and healthy ambition. I think it is also necessary to set realistic goals to allow students to actively see their own progress. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With students of any age, I consider it my number one priority to create a learning environment that is both encouraging of their growth and passion for music, and supportive/safe for them to take the risks and meet the challenges necessary for that growth. I always work to maintain a dialogue with students about their interests and ensuring that our work includes and stimulates those interests, while also finding ways to make our work on fundamental techniques and building blocks as engaging and fun as possible. Read More