Springfield, MA Drum Lessons

Matthew has studied and taught drums for over 20 years. His specialty lies in drumset of all styles and rudimental snare drumming. You can expect a well rounded lesson covering all of the fundamentals to becoming a good drummer.

Beginner
I'm not currently taking beginner drum students. Please refer to my studio partner Melissa:
https://takelessons.com/profile/melissa-m62

Intermediate
Start to learn about polyrhythms as well as developing your ears and body to play songs more accurately. Start to spice up your playing with ways that are interesting, but not intrusive.

Advanced
Really push your polyrhythms and add asymmetrical meters to your repertoire to expand your grasp of complex rhythms. Also learn to use dynamics, cymbal work, and fills to effectively communicate and lead a band without words.

My basic approach is to foster the student in a relaxed but focused environment. Everyone has their own goals in mind when picking up the sticks. Whether you want to learn how to play your favorite song, brush up on your snare etudes or analyze an Elvin Jones solo, I am more than happy to offer guidance on your musical journey.

I am a percussionist/drummer located in Windsor Locks, CT. I have been playing drums since I have been seven years old and have been teaching for 11 years. I have played all over the world and have taught students as young as four all the way to fifty years old as well as teaching at Boston University. I have my bachelors in percussion from Indiana University, masters in percussion from Boston University, and graduate diploma in percussion from New England Conservatory.

Drum lessons with me will be fun, and at the pace of the student. We can learn specific grooves, fills, etc. from popular songs of any genre, or we can learn standard literature, rudiments, etc. I use Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials

Students can expect to will learn how to play drum set with proper technique, learn how to read music, write music, and transcribe by ear. Lesson curriculums are made to cater to the students goals and needs. My goal is to help my students grow as students, performers, and as people!

As an educator, I strive to provide my students with the tools that they will need to explore the direction that they want to take with their instrument. This can include from enjoying drumming as a hobby, performing in small jazz ensembles, recording electronic and acoustic drums in major recording studios, to performing with a full orchestra! There is literally no limit to what you can do.

My focus is to get hobbyists to enjoy performing drums in the comfort of their own home or with friends, and to have my professionally-minded students go out into the world of performing and recording music. All of these environments are where the ultimate joy of playing an instrument can be expressed.

As a gigging and studio musicians, I understand what it takes to get to the stage or studio, apply oneself in that environment, and come away with a satisfying experience that you can then build upon for the rest of your life.

I can teach you any style of drumming as well as rudiments, proper technique, and note-reading.

Rhythm is the foundation of any musical skill. What better way is there to learn about rhythm than with rhythm instruments? While lessons will mostly be taught on a traditional drum set, some hand percussion instruments may be used as well as anything on which we can play a rhythm. Lessons will be tailored to the students’ interests but they will learn to read and write drum notation, proper playing technique, the mechanics of a drum set, tuning, how to play their favorite songs, and how to accompany other musicians.