James S
Instruments: Drums
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk
James S
Instruments: Drums
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 14-80
BA, State University of New York College at Oswego, Music
Hi! I have been a drumset educator for over 3 decades. I benefited from formal education on the drumset, and I want to pass that along to you so you can experience the full joy that this wonderful instrument can bring you! I understand that each student's journey is specific to them as an individual. As such I tailor my teaching to the direction that they want to go with drumming. As an educator, I strive to provide my students with the tools that they will need to explore the direction that they want to take with their instrument. This can include from enjoying drumming as a hobby, performing in small jazz ensembles, recording electronic and acoustic drums in major recording studios, to performing with a full orchestra! There is literally no limit to what you can do. My focus is to get my hobbyists to enjoy performing drums in the comfort of their own home or with friends, and to have my professionally-minded students go out into the world of performing and recording music. All of these environments are where the ultimate joy of playing an instrument can be expressed. As a gigging and studio musician, I understand what it takes to get to the stage or studio, apply oneself in that environment, and come away with a satisfying experience that you can then build upon for the rest of your life.
I have taught students of all ages and experience levels. I am currently preparing multiple students for a graded solo performance that will be happening at the local NYSSMA festival this June at NYU. One of my past students had received entry into the Fiorello H. Laguardia High School Of Music & Art and Performing Arts. As a group percussion instructor for BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), I worked with students in a summer program who were in grades six, seven, and eight. I taught them hand drumming skills, and how to read basic music notation. At the end of the program, the group performed for all of the campers and the counselors.
For beginners, I start off by teaching the proper technique needed to achieve basic expression on the drumset. For more advanced players, I will help you explore tonal and sonic capabilities beyond what you may have achieved already. I have a background in teaching in New York City public schools, and as such I am very experienced in creating a lesson plan for the student if it is deemed by me to be helpful. This is also possible to do upon request by a parent of a student. For more advanced players, we can delve into additional styles of music that they would like to learn. For example, a student who is versed in rock drumming may want to branch out into jazz.
I understand that all students do not learn the same way. So, I am prepared to teach every student through auditory, visual, or written instructions, or a combination of those methods. I believe that it important for a student to learn how to read music, but I also understand that not all students will have this interest. I am a patient, encouraging, and fun teacher! It is very rewarding to me to see my students progress and build their interest in their instrument that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.