Jake R.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: Yes
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion

Education

Manhattan School of Music - Jazz Performance - 2008-2010 (Master's degree received)
Oberlin Conservatory - Jazz Performance - 2004-2008 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

Came through the Alan Dawson method, a full-drumset approach to technique and improvisation. Specialize in Jazz, am extremely fluent in Pop/Funk/RnB styles.

Lesson Details

In the past, hard work was believed to come heavily from strict discipline. I believe that encouragement is an equally valuable tool and creates a more positive environment, making the experience overall a more satisfying one. My first 6 years of lessons were only with the nicest, loving teachers, and they instilled an attitude important for the musical lifestyle.

None of this is without a sense of structure. Whether he or she is picking up sticks for the first time or already 4 years in, ... students always have goals to be met. My main goals with students are to advance in

1) improving technique - learning rudiments and vocabulary
2) mastering styles - a good musician is a versatile one
3) knowing the history - where is the music coming from?

I came up through the Alan Dawson method of learning the drum set, by which I stand. It focuses on proper technique and playing the basic patterns but involving the entire drum kit. This method heavily relies on Ted Reed's book 'Syncopation,' an inexpensive tried-and-true book for any drummer. Beyond that, I have numerous recommendations for instructional books covering whichever direction a student craves, which supplement my own teachings.

Much ground is covered with a simple pencil and notebook. I have a vast amount of exercises, concepts, and other musical information imparted aurally, and students must never be without a notebook of staff paper as we discover exercises together.

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About

My students are always shown that playing the drums are downright fun. Every time I sit at the kit, I still feel like a little kid who finally gets to hit 'those big things on the stage,' and that enthusiasm is imparted to everyone I teach. Music encompasses all aspects of art: expression (improvisation), entertainment (performance), craftsmanship (technical skill), and enjoyment (having fun). Nobody should miss out on any of these, and a positive attitude helps students be eager to work hard ... and achieve their goals.

In 6 years of intense degree work, I earned my B.M. and M.M. from two of the most highly acclaimed jazz programs in the world, Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music. Studying with living legends has given me not only information but perspective on music, something not many receive. History and knowledge of the music and the instrument are strengths of mine, and they are balanced with correct technique that transfers to any style.

Don't let the 'jazz' label fool you. I am a lover of all styles of music, everything from Prince to Soundgarden to The Beatles. I even have my own Funk band in NYC for which I do most of the original writing. Good music and good drumming is simply that, and there is not always a need for labels.

So let's hit some drums, chip some wood, and have a great time!

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