Bongo Lessons in Severance. Amazing Teachers.

Dave Y. studied Afro-Cuban Percussion, Percussion and Drums at the University of Northern Colorado, the nation's 3rd largest Jazz school. He brings 17+ years of education and teaching experience to the table.

I have a 100% rate of getting my students into their school of choice as of yet. Although I don't guarantee it, I will work relentlessly to make sure you are well prepared though. I will also lend you PDFs of books to help you save a buck.

I am a well-rounded drum teacher, meaning I have learned and studied genres ranging from blues, jazz, rock and indie rock. I will give you tons of music to listen to and interpret and teach you how to learn tunes by ear. You will understand the forms of jazz tunes such as aaba Aba and abc. You will learn how to play the tunes you listen to and take the concepts of drum beats and drum rudiments used within them o make them your own and use them in your original playing. I also teach how to read standard drum notation, and can teach you how time signatures work and the values of notes if you don’t already know.

Give anyone a drum and they will instantly know what to do. Drums are meant to be hit, and for those who love to hit things and make loud noises. Bongo drum lessons are an easy way to introduce students to the world of drumming, rhythm and music.

The goal is listening for cues, hearing patterns and feeling rhythm and beat. Ideally, each student has their own drum. Begin with a simple repeat and answer pattern. You hit the drum two times, they repeat. Gradually add to the complexity of the patterns, so they must listen intently. Add some simple rhythms, such as 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1, with a strong emphasis on the 1.

I follow a mindfulness based approach to teaching which includes breathing techniques, body connections and fluidity with all aspects of drumming. Finding how each student learns most effectively, i.e. auditory, visual, kinesthetic, hybrid I develop a range of practice techniques to being each student to their maximum potential. Rooted in classical and world music I have the tools to teach any style of music on drum kit or hand drums. In addition, I have over 15 years of experience working at the United Nations International School in New York City.

Bongos are a great way for young students, even young children 4 or 5 years old, to develop coordination and strong sense of rhythm. I've played drums and percussion for over 15 years, in many different bands, styles, and genres. I studied music (classical guitar) at University of Central Florida and I've picked up many other instruments since. I love teaching instruments to students young and old.