Drum Lessons in Wyckoff, NJ

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students, I start with a method book that provides them with both aural, visual, and kinesthetic instruction. In addition, I work with my students to develop a curriculum that is high individualized and caters to their needs and, more importantly, their interests. For intermediate and advanced students, I focus on repertoire, etudes, and coordination studies, in order to build technique while learning the standard repertoire pieces. All of my lessons are student directed, and thus each lesson is unique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I began music studies at an early age and quickly became an in demand musician among the local community of Jazz musicians in South Florida by my teens, performing often with Pianists Mike Gerber and Antonio Adolfo, and Multi-Instrumentalist and Be-bop great Ira Sullivan. Upon graduating high school, I relocated to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, where I studied with the legendary drummers Rakalam Bob Moses and Billy Hart, and studied composition and improvisation with pianist Anthony Coleman, Guitarist Joe Morris and composer Stratis Minakakis. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As I said before, I like to teach as I was taught and add things I've learned along the way. Learning any instrument, I was told, is like building a house; you need to lay a strong foundation upon which to add walls, doors, windows, and decor (styles, techniques, feels, and your own personal strokes unique to each individual....there's no roof because you can never finish learning!). Drums especially focus on the base, because of their role in any musical group. Read More

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 Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My teaching experience began after I graduated from college 5 years ago. I discovered a talented young drummer while working at a music store, cultivating and channeling his talent. I like to take the time and learn from my students what inspired them to want to learn drums, and what they wish to learn from the lessons. This information helps me to develop a unique lesson plan for each student.I have had experience working with both children and adults at all levels, and I highly encourage my students to enter any competitions, bands, or recital opportunities that are availbable to them, especially NYSSMA. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Over the years, I've taken lessons from instructors who had an array of teaching styles. While in high school, I was taught through intimidation and was scared into learning, which is something I was able to handle. This methods can actually turn students away from music which is the main reason dislike approach. Students should be comfortable and relaxed when entering a lesson. This not only creates a positive learning environment for the student but helps create a relationship between instructor and student that only helps the growth of both individuals. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at school, I had the priviledge to study under some of the world's greatest instructors. They helped me not only as a player but as a student. They were great at breaking down any problems i came across by teaching me new strategies and approaches towards learning a foreign peice. It's their approaches and strategies as well as my own that I intend to share with my students. I Highly recommend to all of my students in taking part of any additional activities beyond private lessons such as Bands, School Orchestra, Recitals, Competitions, Nyssma,ect. Read More