Stuart N
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Stuart N
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
A.A., Community College Baltimore County (Catonsville Community College), DP Certificate/Mentorship Program,
Village Music Circles, Hawaii Drum Circle Facilitation Playshop, 2001, 2004-2006 Certificate, Village Music Circles, East Coast Retreat, 2005-2007
Percussive Arts Society, Attendance at numerous PASIC Annual International Conventions including workshops, seminars, and symposia
Seattle World Rhythm Festival - Attendance at numerous SWRF events, seminars, workshops, and courses.
Private study throughout my entire life with many phenomonal teachers, masters, and mentors
2013 - Performed with resident Cuban orchestra, Villa del Palmar, Cancun, Mexico
2006 - Performed for opening of National Speakers Association East Coast Workshop, Washington, DC
2004-2007 Village Music CIrcles, Drum Circle Facilitators Workshops, Mentor Program, Darlington, MD and North Shore, Oahu, HI
Many more
This will evolve, but for now, I can say that I am a passionate player, teacher, and coach/mentor of anyone at any age with an interest or commitment to play drums or percussion. I will meet you where you are in ability and instruments owned and we will run from there. I am not tied to any particular teaching method, curriculum, or style. Reading music or not. Standard grip or not. I adapt to the student and find the best way to reach and teach. PLAYing is much more important than reading, in my opinion. PLAY is one of my teaching models.
I've been playing music my entire life (my mom claims she had me playing 9 months before I was even born!) and I started playing professionally when I was 14. To say I love drums and percussion would be a profound understatement. I've played professionally at many times throughout my life, but I really don't differentiate my professional experiences from all of the musical experiences I've had. Some gigs are wonderful and some not so much. Same applies to playing music for enjoyment, rehearsals, band practices, show rehearsals, get togethers, jam sessions, and every other opportunity to be playing music. I just love the opportunity to play music with other musicians and for an audience. It's that simple. I love to give that gift to others just as much.
As stated above, I adapt to each student and each type of music's needs. Orally, aurally, and any methods visually, including reading music, drawings, etc, I teach in a way that reaches the student at their level of ability or aptitude. I usually do NOT use books, sheet music, or anything written, other than the notes and illustrations I provide and any notes that the student wishes to take. Reading music is not necessary to be able to play music. Learn the instrument, learn to play, and then use sheet music to both learn other pieces of music, rhythms, AND to communicate the music you want others to play. Music is a language. I believe in speaking before writing.
Whether in a group or individually, I teach in a relaxed, interactive, and respectful manner, allowing students to progress at their natural rate and using their and my enthusiasm to propel us, rather than any requirement for content or material to be covered. Lessons become retreats rather than drudgery. As I said above in "Methods", I do not start with books or sheet music. I consider myself a Pied Piper, there to inspire the love of music, love of playing, and love of the many different instruments a drummer and percussionist can play. That includes "found sounds", the many different objects that resonate, ring, buzz, pop, and provide some other when struck that allows for spontaneous music making. Said in another way, my teaching style is ALL ABOUT IMPROV. Improv in the teaching itself and conveying the notions of improv to the student, so even when you're reading the music that they're playing, they improving to whatever degree the situation allows. Improv means to make it your own. Even when playing verbatim parts, you can STILL make them your own in many different ways.
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.