Kissimmee, FL Drum Lessons

ian and I'm proud to call him and his manager my friends. His new album coming out is nothing short of amazing.

In fact everyone I've mentioned above are pro all the way and great guys as well. I"m honored to have played with them.

I challenge my students to view music more than just as a "skill", but also a tool to communicate effectively and to combat life's obstacles.

I have had many guitar teachers myself including one true Famous Rock Star legend here in Pacific NW. Congrats Rog. U Earned It, & inspire myself, & others everyday.

You got to know the rules 1st, before you can then break the rules. This is how you develop your own unique style. And it's what separates the Pro Players from the rest of the pack.

But even if you don't want to play professionally, maybe you just want to learn a few chords, licks, songs, for yourself, or to impress friends. That's okay too!

I welcome every level and style. I always learn something from my students.
That's what music is all about. Learning & trading tips and licks from other musicians.

Bottom Line Is... I can help you learn and progress on your instrument faster...

Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!

*** Lesson Details ***
The most important thing in a lesson with me is to learn while having FUN! I am a very laid-back teacher who wants to focus on music making you smile. We will choose material and a pace of learning that will keep you excited to rehearse and return the following lesson improved!

PERSONALIZE your guitar lessons by learning techniques used by your favorite artists in "their" songs.
FEEL FREE learning in a comfortable atmosphere where you can excel successfully as a musician!
CONQUER shyness and insecurities by unleashing the dynamic performer in you!

Most All Styles/Genres/Experience Levels Taught - We go over everything systematically. Music Theory, Songwriting, Chords, Scales, Determining Key Of Songs, Performance, etc

After 3 to 6 months, you should expect to be playing some of your favorite songs and artists accurately

Be sure to check out some of my you tube demos. Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Sound Proof Pro Recording Studio, PA System, guitars, basses, amps, drums, recording gear, mics, mic stands, strobe & lights, fog machine, seating for parents.

Sorry No Disco Ball Yet.. You Can Bring Your Own If You Want Though.
I've Got Some Bell Bottoms Somewhere Around The Studio Here.

*** Travel Equipment ***
*** Brand New*** Now Offering Music Lessons Online (From My Recording Studio To Your Home via Skype)
I'm really excited to add that to offer lessons online through TakeLessons! It's a great thing to get to work with students all over this country and I'm looking forward to help pioneer the future of music lessons!

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

My Unique Specialty - is teaching students the rudimental basics 1st, & then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD, radio or iPod, almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. You just have to know what to listen for..

Brand New - MEASURE your success by recording your music progress along the way. I do own a recording studio, so we can record students progress via audio or video and then post to my YouTube channel.

faces often conveys pride over their achievement, and I can often sense a boost in their self-esteem. This is why I teach.

I began playing drums when I was around twelve years old, and played throughout grade school, high school and college, in school jazz bands and musical pit bands, as well as playing in many rock bands over the years. I began teaching drums shortly after graduating from college, eventually relocating to New York City, where I lived for 12 years and where I continued playing and teaching, as well as taking lessons on and off. I was very fortunate to study with Joe Morello - famous for his tenure with Dave Brubeck and especially on the classic recording "Take Five." I have also played on several recordings, toured throughout the Northeast and Midwest, and have performed at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, the Miami Music Festival, and have been overseas a few times for some European dates. Since moving to Orlando in late 2009, I played with a cover band, played drums and percussion in the orchestras for musical productions at community theaters, and currently play with a local Orlando rock band called the Cosmic Roots Collective.

To me, teaching drums is more than simply writing notes on a page of manuscript paper and having students practice and perform exercises. It is about connecting and showing them how expressing themselves musically can be one of the most fulfilling activities one can pursue. It is also about helping them really get in touch with their own sense of rhythm, the foundation of all music. When I take on new students, it is always my goal that I can help foster in them the same passion for and love of learning to play drums as the great teachers who taught me.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lesson plan will be based on the student's level and goals. If the student is a beginner, we will start off with basic hand technique, rudiments, reading, etc., before moving on to the drum set. Playing along with a metronome will also be a regular part of lessons and should be with practice as well.

At the drum set, I will give students exercises for developing coordination and independence. They will also learn to play basic beats for different music styles, e.g. rock, jazz, funk, latin, with a focus on execution, time and feel. I have a wide assortment of drum books spanning all levels from which we can work out of or use examples. I also ask my students what songs they want to learn to play on the drums so that together we can figure out the beats to them. I ultimately want them to be able to transcribe the beats to these songs themselves, as well as create their own beats.

I may also talk a little about the history of drumming and the pioneers of the instrument, and we may also listen to records and watch videos of some of the masters in action.

I also occasionally like to "jam" with my students. as I have a piano and a few guitars in my practice room and a modicum of ability on both instruments.

As far as expectations, I assume my students are taking lessons because they want to learn to play the drums. And, as with any learning endeavor, practicing is very important. That said, I won't demand they practice a certain number of hours per week, as they need to decide how much time they have or are willing to put into it, and I expect this will vary from student to student. I realize that everyone has his or her own aptitudes and situations, so we can work together to determine the appropriate pace and amount of material to cover per week. However, if it appears to me that the student has not practiced the lesson, or is not putting in the time necessary to make progress, I will politely point it out and ask how I can help.

I am laid back and very patient. I never want my students to feel pressured or anxious about coming to lessons; I always strive to create a comfortable and relaxed environment in which they can learn and have fun at the same time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A designated music room with an electronic drum set (Roland V Drums), digital piano, and a couple of guitars and amplifiers

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a practice pad or snare drum and sticks to the first lesson, if he or she is a beginner, although I prefer them to have these already if possible. After that, I expect the student to buy sticks, a pad and if necessary a stand to mount it, a metronome, music manuscript paper, and have a comfortable seat to sit on, if not a drum stool. If they are at the intermediate level and/or have already started on the drum set, then they need to have their own set in their home.

*** Specialties ***
Basic hand technique for beginners, eventually incorporating an extra limb, usually the bass drum first.

Rock and basic funk, jazz, and latin. Also basic musical notation. Ultimately, I would like the student to be able to transcribe the beats from some of their favorite songs, as well as write their own!

related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

Besides touring internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist, I am a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs. So, if you are a songwriter, we can polish up your approach!

If you would like to learn how to compose a Solo, a Duet or Ensemble, I can get you started in a low-stress, one-step-at-a-time procedure. As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co. I am Composer and Conductor for New York City's first full-on Saxophone Orchestra; a 13-member ensemble.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

ns.

a student in a school band or marching band, I know exactly what is needed to succeed in that environment.

Let's get started!

erformed, and/or produced on over 100 recordings.

To date Nick serves in the following positions: lead singer and drummer for St. Louis band Fresh Heir, percussion and drum kit instrumentalist at Salem United Methodist Church, the Program Director and Lead Instructor for LINC to Music, LLC, The Music Director at Sacred Heart School in Valley Park, the Lead Drum Instructor at Kirkwood Music Institute, the drum kit and percussion instructor at De Smet Jesuit College Prep High School and the Lead Consultant for Diamond Empire Band St. Louis.