North Haven, CT Drum Lessons

was principal percussionist and drumline captain throughout my high school career participating in the concert, symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. I was selected for All-State Jazz Band during my senior year and went on to study music education at the University of Georgia while being selected for a slot in the Redcoat Marching Band and the University Steel Drum Band during my freshman year. I completed my music business degree from Georgia State University, while studying under world class teachers like Jack Bell, principal percussionist for Atlanta Symphony for over 30 years.
Throughout my career, I continue to be influenced, inspired, and taught through private lessons, master classes, videos, books, and recordings from David Garibaldi, Simon Phillips, Rod Morgenstein, Neil Peart, Gregg Bissonette, Jerry Fields, Jim White, John Lawless, Billy Degnats, Eric Darken, Gary Chaffee, Kim Plainfield, Chuck Silverman, Steve Houghton, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Porcaro, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Tito Puente, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Vinx, and Zorro.
As your drum teacher, I can help students excel in school music programs to pursue scholarships, transform the garage band into a gig-ready act, bring laughter and joy for special needs, encourage senior citizens trying something new with music in their golden years - all of these scenarios and more with the ultimate goal to coach you to becoming the creative musician you dream of becoming based on the musical artists that inspire you. Let's get started today.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'll have you playing and understanding rhythmic concepts right away. I love to start lessons off by learning from my students who their favorite drummer is or what music track inspires them. Then we turn "I wanna do that!" into "I can do that!"
I customize each lesson to each particular student's goals, although I have many solid foundation concepts and exercises that I employ at the appropriate times. I keep the lessons extremely positive and encouraging, but I will drive and challenge my students to help them find joy in pushing themselves through a difficult new concept or overcoming a physical hurdle.
I try to broaden my students' appreciation for multiple genres of music with a lot of historical or anecdotal stories which fit within the context of whatever contemporary methods we are actually studying. As much as possible, I incorporate technology into our lesson time with click track (metronome), play-along music, and other developmental tools.
Listening is a critical skill that I constantly emphasize, and yes, I do assign "homework" between lessons, but I make the assignments fun and they usually help to quickly unleash the creative spirit of each student!
My greatest joy is when a student has a band performance I can watch or a positive audition experience I can celebrate with them after having helped them prepare for the event.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drum kit, multiple hand percussion instruments, PA system, practice pad kit, dry erase boards, and multi-media.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students should have a new three-ring binder or a spiral notebook to track weekly lessons and assignments. Ideally, students should have sticks/mallets, a snare drum, drum set, hand percussion (bongos, conga, djembe, cajon), or perhaps a school-supplied instrument. If none of those items are owned or available, that's not a problem. I can provide practice pad(s) and or small drum and percussion supplies to help us get started until students/parents can invest in their own gear later on based on their specific interests.

*** Specialties ***
Drum Set - Musicality & playing drum beats from day 1. Also, reading music & rhythmic training.

Percussion - School band and concert percussion (such as bells, xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone). Prep for auditions. Drum maintenance, tuning, and various hand percussion (conga, bongos, cajon, djembe, tambourine, etc.).

tal oversight.

I have produced 10 personal instrumental projects, and I have produced and recorded over 40 projects for other local, regional, and international artists. I currently travel with national, jazz, recording saxophonist, Joseph Vincelli, and my personal band Zamar. We have performed with a number of acts from Kirk Franklin, Darren Rahn, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Fred Hammond, and many more.

As an instructor, I have been blessed with an ability to be relatable, relevant, musical, creative, fun, and engaging. I understand the language of music as a performer, and instructor, but most importantly, I value the ability to help the student find their own path of learning the joy of making music vocally and instrumentally. With over 18 years of private teaching experience and 30 years of group experience, I have gained a wealth of knowledge on how to be instructive and personal with the young or older beginner, intermediate and even advanced players. Let's grow together musically.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is very laid back, although goal-oriented. We have fun while seeing progress. For piano, I typically use the Alfred Series "Alfred Basics 1 - 6" or the Adult All-in-One for the Older Beginner. In the first 3 - 6 months, one will become familiar with basis technics and concepts behind creating music. These concepts will be the foundation behind learning how to read music, play by ear, and create your own songs in any style.

We would move a little faster for the older beginner and work through the Alfred's All in One in conjunction with introducing my 5 steps to performance for any popular style. These steps have been very valuable for those that are wanting to play piano, guitar, bass, or even sing.

For vocalist, I work through Estelle Liebling, Vocal Course, Alfred Piano (as an instrumental reference) and a number of practical performance techniques that I have gained over the years to sing in more of a pop, jazz, gospel setting. We will work on performance techniques and develop the ear to gain confidence to perform in various popular settings. I will also introduce creative ways to make up original music using basic theory and ear training.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic Piano, Yamaha MOXF8, Roland Fantom, Protools 9, Logic ProX, Midi Keyboards, Bass Mod 5 String Bass, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, and Tama Drum Kit.

*** Specialties ***

*Teachers
marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and
have received the highest feedback rating from students.

I specialize in gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, Blues, jazz improvisation, arranging, lead sheets, rhythm charts, and music arrangement theory

sconsin School Music Assoc.) for many years which taught me a lot about performing for judges, being relaxed, and the importance of preparation.

I started playing the guitar and bass guitar when I was 13 and have never stopped practicing and performing since. I also have done a lot of writing, recording, producing, and have a Pro Tools Studio for students to use.

***College and Teaching***

I began teaching music lessons in college and enjoyed it very much. I received my B.A. in Music from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. There I was very much involved with guitar, piano, voice, trumpet, and being in bands and writing music. After receiving my B.A. I also took 3 years of Education classes at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. I write, produce, and perform my music along with performing with bands around the Midwest.

***Life in Music***

After receiving my B.A. in Music, I continued teaching and opened up my home studio. After a year and a half I had enough students that I was able to quit my factory job and teach music full time. I've been teaching, performing, and writing music ever since.

***Performing and more***

I have been on stage performing music since I was 11. In school band, marching band, competing in music competitions, and in bands touring the Midwest.

I have recorded many CDs with bands and on my own. My most ambitious project was a CD of my original music called, "Girls". I've performed my music and promoted it by being interviewed on Milwaukee radio stations along with internet music sites such as CD Baby. It is very exciting talking on live radio about my music and my passion. It is also even more exciting, and scary, playing my music live on the radio, lol.

***Instruments Taught***

I have been teaching for over 2 decades. Students take lessons for:
* guitar (electric / acoustic)
* piano
* voice
* drums
* trumpet
* saxophone
* harmonica
* music theory / ear training
* studio recording / songwriting

I also give kindermusik lessons to 2-5 year old all the way up to senior citizens 70-93. I play parties, concerts, and Nursing Home performances.

I am experienced as an online (Skype) instructor, and I have taught online lessons worldwide. I've witnessed great results from my online students (both national and international).

I hope I can help you with all of your musical goals and get you going in a positive musical direction.

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l ages reach their musical goals and have fun while doing it!

I love to perform with other musicians! I have participated in many musical ensembles while at FHSU, including both jazz ensembles, both concert bands, marching band, pep band, both choirs, and the percussion ensemble. I have also been a wedding DJ for the past four years, and a radio station manager for the last two years. I sit in with a small jazz quartet when I am available and I frequently play with a country band around northeastern Kansas.

I truly love teaching one-on-one lessons. I especially love working with beginners so I can start them off on the right path!