Nezih A
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe
Styles: Pop, Folk, R&B, Latin, Funk, Flamenco, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul
Nezih A
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe
Styles:
Pop, Folk, R&B, Latin, Funk, Flamenco, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Bachelor Degree: University for the Arts (CODARTS), Rotterdam, Netherlands
2012- Winner West Philadelphia Orchestra – Best Wedding Band (Best of Philly, Philadelphia Magazine)
2007- Finalist w/ Lori McKenzie Group, Prix du Port, Rotterdam, Netherlands
2007- Winner w/ Natalia Rogalski Quartet, Concourse de la Chanson Francaise, Amsterdam, Netherland
My name is Nezih A., I am a passionate percussionist and instructor with a wealth of international experience. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of performing and teaching at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to participate in numerous festivals around the world, where I have shared my love for percussion with audiences from all walks of life. One of the highlights of my career was being a percussionist for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "The Band's Visit." The opportunity to contribute to such a renowned production was an honor, and I am grateful for the experience. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Percussion Performance from the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands (CODARTS) in 2004. Since moving to the United States in 2007, I have been an active member of the World Music scene in the wider New York City area with a focus on Middle Eastern and Latin percussion. I am deeply committed to sharing my knowledge and passion for percussion with my students, and I take great joy in helping them discover their own musical voices.
My teaching experience began when I was a student at the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and has taken me all over the world, from schools and universities to music festivals and workshops. I've had the pleasure of teaching students from various age groups, backgrounds, and skill levels. One of the things that I've learned over the years is that teaching world percussion is not just about imparting knowledge; it's also about creating a sense of community and encouraging students to embrace and appreciate different cultures. Teaching world percussion has been a fulfilling journey, and it's one that I'm still on today. While the world music scene has evolved significantly over the years, my passion for teaching and sharing the beauty of world percussion remains the same. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have taught so many students over the years and look forward to continuing to do so for many more years to come.
As an instructor, I take pleasure in teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Each student is approached individually with personalized attention based on their abilities and needs. My approach emphasizes intuitive learning while also incorporating technical analysis for a well-rounded education. For those just beginning with drums, I like to start by introducing basic sounds and specific exercises to build a strong foundation. As their skills develop, I gradually introduce more intricate patterns and variations, helping them transition between patterns and create drumming arrangements. Along the way, regular exercises will help to strengthen their timing, sounds, and overall playing abilities. The range of instruments I teach includes congas, cajon, darbuka/doumbek, bendir/frame drums, djembe, pandeiro, and bongos. With extensive experience in drumming traditions from around the world, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle-East, Flamenco, pop, rock, folk, and jazz, my students benefit from a well-rounded and diverse education.
As a music teacher, I am constantly reminded of the wise words of Yoga Master B.K.S. Iyengar: "To do is hard, but to teach is still harder. Do not teach only to teach. Teach to improve the pupil. To be a teacher requires tremendous, vigorous discipline on oneself. We are teachers because somebody demands it from us. But the teacher should first rub his own self, and teach afterwards." It's not just about imparting knowledge and skills to my students, but also about inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential. I firmly believe that every student is unique, and therefore I strive to tailor my teaching style to meet their individual needs and goals. By providing a supportive and nurturing learning environment, I am able to encourage students to progress at their own pace and set realistic goals for them. It's not just about teaching music, it's about inspiring students to fall in love with it, and to use it as a means of expressing themselves. I approach each lesson with enthusiasm and dedication, and constantly seek to improve my own skills and knowledge to be the best teacher possible. Ultimately, my goal is to help students not only become skilled musicians, but also to develop a lifelong love for music.
Susan Frank
If you love hand drums, don't miss the chance to study with Nezih A. When I first met Nezih, I was a late-onset student of Middle Eastern percussion coming from no music background at all. All I knew is that the music made me want to dance and beyond that-I wanted to be in the band! I met Nezih by happy chance in Philadelphia while he still lived here. A dancer friend had told me about a percussion workshop he was offering in a nearby music store. During that workshop I realized I had met a performer and teacher I would be fortunate to learn from. Right here in Philly! For several years Nezih met me weekly. His warm reception, his ability to help an aspiring student feel happy to be taking on the challenges of exploring this new frontier opened worlds for me. I would describe Nezih as ambitious on his students' behalf --ambitious to find the best ways to guide them in their quests, ready to search out the best approaches to help them on the way. I had superb exercises to work with between meetings. At each encounter I could look forward to caring attention to my playing. When I think how easily I could have been discouraged from even trying, I am grateful all over again to have met Nezih at this important stage of my own learning. I got to the point where I was no longer shy to pick up a darabuka or a riq or bendir. These days I look forward to any opportunity to make music with local friends. Nezih made it possible for me to take a role, participating in the music I love.
Stanley
I can recommend Nezih without reservation. His teaching style in methodical, patient, effective and fun. His is very willing and able to tailor lesssons to the student's particular preferred genre. His teaching took me from absolute beginner to the ablity to participate in several middle east drum ensembles.
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