Hollis, NY Drum Lessons

oe Morello), Neal Smith, Ian Froman (student of Elvin Jones), Kim Plainfield, among other high-profile percussionists.

*** Lesson Details ***
The way I teach is based on a student's skill level from the beginning. Depending on age and their attitude I will be more laid back or strict. When it comes to getting across a good practice routine and inspiring students to practice, I find it is important to make clear what they are trying to gain themselves and keep reminding them on how they must practice to achieve it. For beginners I make sure they understand basic technique and reading before even getting near a drum set. Making sure my students have a good foundation before playing the drum set is crucial. For intermediate to advanced players I like to teach in more conceptual ways based on their needs and genre they want to focus on. Of course most importantly is that my students have fun and really feel like they've learned something after every lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have two drum sets, I would just expect the student to have at least a pad as a means to practice at home, sticks, and a notebook.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have two drum sets, but I would prefer not to travel with them. I would just expect the student to have at least a pad as a means to practice at home, sticks, and a notebook.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Punk, Metal, Avante-garde, Latin and Afro Cuban, Fusion.

Y, and is a Conn-Selmer artist.

*** Lesson Details ***
In addition to the fundamentals (Tone, Rhythm, Technique, Ear-Training, Sight-Reading), I also like to tie-in music theory, composition, and improvisation along the way. I believe in setting short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals that are specific to the student and their needs and wants. I also believe in the benefit of having the student bring in songs or materials that they are interested in, and designing lessons around their interests. I am patient, creative, and willing to move at any pace that is right for you.

Through my experience as an educator I understand that every student is different, and therefore, my job is to guide and facilitate learning, while making the process as enjoyable as possible! My approach is customized to bring out your strengths and interests, while also ensuring that you have a solid foundation on your instrument. In addition, I am professionally trained in both jazz & classical music, and I perform regularly with working bands of all types and genres.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ drum set, piano, guitars, clarinet, sax, flute, amps, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students are expected to have an instrument, and eventually selected method-books which will be decided upon for each student based on their needs, goals, or level.

*** Specialties ***
I teach all levels of students, from beginner to professional levels of all ages.

Skills and teaching techniques vary specifically per individual, but may include saxophone technique (technical facility, tone, scales, overtones), improvisation (jazz as well as other styles), sight reading, music theory, ear training, transcription, composition, and repertoire development in all styles of music (jazz, classical, pop, funk, world, etc.)

ool, I continued through middle school. There I was placed on drum kit and thought I was the coolest. I didn't take it too seriously but serious enough to keep playing drum kit. When choosing high schools I wasn't interested in keeping with drums. I only took marching band because it meant no gym. After my first year I was placed in every band the next three years, having to learn timpani and marimba for concert band. I was also recommended to join a city wide concert band, InterSchool orchestras of New York, and haven't left since. I still coach the band and help tons of high school and middle school students hone their craft. Also that year, through ISO, I was given a chance to attend French woods performing arts camp on scholarship where I began my love of playing in musical pit orchestras. Through this time I studied with a couple of teachers and had plenty of coachings with professional percussionists. Upon graduating I have played well over 100 different musicals, played with over 25 different orchestras, and have taught over 100 students both privately and in coachings. I currently run a Drumline out of a private school, coach ISO band, freelance and have a studio of 8 students. That is a short sample of my journey and I hope it inspires you to study with me.

If you choose me as a teacher, I will shape you as an overall musician, not just a "Drummer". What this means is that you won't just learn beats from me, you will learn all the fundamentals of basic to intermediate music theory, from note reading and rhythm to chord changes and ..... You will start on a practice pad and quickly go to a drum kit. Lessons will be half and half, but more 75/25 drumkit, because everything you learn on a pad can translate to the kit! I would also teach you timpani and xylophone if you like so you can broaden your horizons and even get into the middle/high school or college you want. I have most of my books of pdf that I can give you to print or you can purchase your own copies. You would also need to purchase a practice pad and eventually a drum kit. If you don't want to purchase a drum kit then there is almost no reason to study it since you won't be able to practice between lessons. Practicing, let's talk about that. It is expected that you practice the material we learn in the lesson throughout the week. Now I know everyone is busy, but if you can put aside 25 minutes (a sitcom without commercials!!) a day then you will have a better understanding and better retention of the material. Doing this will let us just review the material a little bit and go on to learn new and exciting things.

The bottom line in choosing me? I am a professional musician in the trenches of the nyc music scene and know what it takes to make it.

ia's renowned dance company Burn The Floor at Bush Gardens Tampa. I moved to LA in 2010 to further my skills at Musician's Institute PIT. I toured with LA based bands The Red Elvises and Street Drum Corps in 2011. That same year, I received a call from Revolutionary Rock Band Outernational to tour Nationally and Internationally headlining and supporting bands such as The Wailers, Flogging Molly, Las Manos de Filippi and Manu Chao. In 2012, I settled in NY to establish myself and my musical roots in between time touring and also taught at School Of Rock Manhattan as a sub. Over the years, I've helped many students learn how to read music, establish proper technique, coordination and time skills, and how to play some of their favorite songs from some of their favorite bands! I'm excited to help you meet your musical goals and help mold you into a well rounded musician and percussionist! My teaching style can be best described as focused, energetic and fun!

each student individually, catering to specific goals and needs that we will decide upon and plan together. Some students want to seriously study a craft. Others want a hobby that will be fun and interesting. I have had success teaching to both, and will impart basic fundamentals and musicianship to all types of students.

I see my primary job as keeping the student inspired, intellectually fed and sprinting in the right direction. The student's job is to do the work. Daily practice is essential to move forward in any craft.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My Brooklyn studio is a dedicated music space with two drum sets, PA, amplifiers and recording capabilities.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide books, a drum pad, sticks or mallets, an iPod with two sets of headphones, and a metronome. Additionally, I can bring small hand drums, special instruments and percussion that might be needed for specialty lessons. I expect students to have some sort of pad or drum to practice on at home; a full drum set is not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Drum set (rock, jazz, R&B, folk, pop, electro, Afro-Cuban)
Snare drum
Timpani
Two- and four-mallets (marimba, vibraphone, xylophone)
Accessory percussion
Frame drums
Traditional samba
Afro-Cuban hand drums
Japanese taiko

that you can know a little bit before you go )
• Basic to advanced conversation ( so you can make french friends and understand what they say )
• Train your ear
• Grammar / Vocabulary / Verbs

BUT DON'T WORRY , IT WILL BE FUN !

After the first lesson , ALL my students realize that learning french isn't scary anymore.

So : qui veut apprendre le français ?*

(*who wants to learn french?)

Section about DRUM LESSONS:

On the music side of my studies: I attended the American School of Modern Music of Paris for 3 years and moved to Philadelphia to study with Joe Morello's former student Sam Ruttenberg at the University of the Arts in 2012.

I perform as a professional jazz drummer between Europe and America.

~~Teaching Philosophy~~

IF YOU CAN SAY IT , YOU CAN PLAY IT !

•I teach beginners to advanced students , all ages and styles are welcome

I can teach you ( how to ) :

• read
• improvise
• play with other musicians
• the history of the drums
• your role as a drummer
• make music with an instrument that at first doesn't seem very musical
• swing
• latin / afro cuban grooves
• rock
• correct your grip on the sticks
and everything else you may ask... the possibilities and endless

and make the sounds that they want to hear.

I have also trained in the Alexander Technique and in sports-focused physical therapy, which aids me in identifying and helping students solve technique problems that are causing issues with playing, or which could cause pain or injury down the line. So far (knock wood) I have not had any student suffer from the repetitive stress injuries which affect so many musicians.

I have been teaching lessons on multiple instruments for over 10 years, and my goal as a teacher is to help you reach your goals, and have fun on the way!