David S
4.0
(7)
Instruments: Piano, Drums
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
4.0
(7)
David S
4.0
(7)
Instruments: Piano, Drums
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Online
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
B.A. SUNY Purchase- Percussion & Piano...Have also studied privately with several nationally-known musicians
Awards:
.
Overview:
A 20-year veteran musician, I was working in Los Angeles performing with such people as Gregg Wright (Michael Jackson's former guitarist), Spencer Davis, and many other high-profile names. I performed all over the Southwest, from San Francisco to San Diego to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I've done weddings, clubs private parties, recording sessions, drum circles...you name it. I'm also friends with famous drummers you've heard of, and relay stories of the life of a musician that you won't hear in any music school.
EXPERIENCE
I've been teaching all kids and adults for over 15 years. I 'm awesome with kids (so the parents have told me!)... I don't adhere to any rigid format. I work with what level and progression suits you, and I'm super-easy to get along with. Also, I believe in positive reinforcement. There are some old school teachers who sometimes degrade a pupil when they're not doing an exercise correctly. I don't teach like it's the ancient Roman Byzantine era, where teachers would slap a student's hand with a riding crop! There has to be an element of entertainment to music lessons, or the students will pull their own hair out.
METHODS USED
My methods vary. For piano, we start with simple technique exercises to make sure a student is making every note count. For younger students- like 6 and under- we'll nickname everything to make it easier. An example- the fingers should always be curled when playing piano, not flat. There should be enough space under their palm to hold hold a golf ball, so when they are playing with flat hands, I'll say 'golf ball' to remind them of the correct way, instead of being 'that mean old lady' type. From there, I use the John Thompson books, which have been used by everyone from Liberace to Billy Joel. As for drums, it's the same idea- start with technique, then ask the student what style of music they like most, then we head in that direction.
LESSON STYLE
I always tailor my lessons to the needs of the student. Sometimes students just want to get into learning specific songs, while others are interested in theory. Also, there is a massive backlash against the pharmaceutical industry for over-prescribing drugs for things like ADHD. Instead, doctors are now recommending music lessons to burn off that excess energy a child may have. Also, a teacher has to be able to have the social skills to 'read' a student. Sometimes, a 30-second break during a lesson can have all the difference, while they absorb what they just learned. Sometimes it's good to talk about where the lessons are headed. Many times, a student will ask "Why am I learning this?"...to answer their question, I'll play them something advanced that will make them go 'Wow!", and that generally motivates them.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
Julie
We just started with Dave - he is working with our 6, 8 and 14 year old each week during three individual lessons. He is great at adjusting the lesson for their needs and interests and has a great rapport with kids!
Michelle
David has been teaching my six year old daughter for about six months, and just started teaching my four year old son. He is very patient, has an easygoing nature, and is a skilled teacher. Both of my children look forward to their lessons with him.
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