Drum Lessons

in Jefferson Valley.

Amazing Teachers.

ils ***
I put my focus on inspiring students to explore their own creativity with the tools and techniques that I give to them and nurture.
I think it is very important to cover the basic skills that the school districts expect from their music students (sight reading, proper technique, note recognition, rudiments, timing, feel, etc.).
I also feel it is important for a student to find his or her style and an ability to use the fundamentals to create music that they enjoy.
He has written a method book based on the fundamentals of playing a rhythmic instrument with an emphasis on allowing the student to find their niche and lead a group through a piece of music or tastefully support it.

My studios are fully equipped with sound systems, the latest recording gear, acoustic and electric sets, hand drums and dozens of other percussion instruments. I believe that the more resources a person can draw from, be it intellectual or physical, the more fulfilling the learning experience will be.

Each lesson, my students will take at least a page of music that represents the concept that they are focusing on, and a goal set to accomplish by the end of the week so that they can build upon what they already know in an effort to put the big picture together. Ultimately the student will learn when and how to utilize the concepts that they are practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A Yamaha electronic drum set in my Mesa Studio allows me to control volume and dial up any sound imaginable. I have full acoustic drum sets in other studios that I use for recording and private lessons. Often I will integrate guitar, keyboard, or other instruments in to the lessons if needed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Sticks, Practice Pad, tuning kit, binder and books with teaching supplements.

*** Specialties ***
Music, Drums, Percussion, Theory, Composition, Piano and Guitar.
Drummers should be well versed in all genres of music. Rock, Jazz, Latin, Swing, etc.
Most of my students begin with concert and marching styles on a practice pad, then advance to the drum set.
I teach note recognition and placement, rudiments, linear playing, moeller method, rhythm theory, sub-division of notes and time, and the sight-reading to support these techniques.

and your family to achieve your music education goals!

portunity to influence each of my students in a positive way, however small or large. To be granted that opportunity was truly thrilling.

I teach guitar from beginner to advanced levels of performance, in many styles. I teach piano and drums up to an intermediate level. I specialize in Jazz, Folk, Blues, Rock, Funk, and pretty much any contemporary style a student might be interested in learning. Although not my specialty, I am capable of teaching classical styles as well.

I am very excited to teach anyone interested in learning about the wonders of music, and I work with all ages.

*** Lesson Details ***

WILLING TO TRAVEL EXTRA TO CERTAIN SUBURBS OF NEW YORK. Please note: Although my travel radius is set to (X miles-I would suggest 1 mile) I am still willing to travel further to certain parts of New York. If you live in (List of Suburbs/ Locations) I would be willing to work something out depending on what kind of schedule you need. Please use the “Ask Timothy a Question” button on my profile to get in contact with me and discuss your location and additional pricing for traveling out to you.

In my lessons, students can expect to have fun while learning. I am friendly, warm, personable, caring, patient, and fun. I strive to find the perfect balance between learning the important fundamentals of music, and just plain enjoying music. Music takes hard work, but music is supposed to be fun!

I am a laid back person, and I do not expect any strict formalities when interacting with students. I feel that the more comfortable a student is, the more easily that student can learn and have fun doing so. However, I do expect my students to thoroughly practice, to focus, and to strive to improve.

I tailor each lesson to a student's particular needs. Everyone learns and interprets music in different ways, so I strive to serve each of my students uniquely. From basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, I cover everything. I also give each student an opportunity to choose some music that they will enjoy learning.

My curriculum changes depending on the student's ability level, age, and instrument of choice. I typically use a method book for reinforcement of musical fundamentals, and a supplementary "project" piece of music that the student enjoys playing and learning. I do this so that my students can see direct connections between music fundamentals and playing music that they enjoy. My own personal knowledge and experience as a musician is always added to each lesson as well.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For guitar lessons, I provide my guitar and any equipment that the student may not have initially, like for example, their own guitar, or music stand. Piano students will need their own keyboard for the very first lesson. Drum students should have their own drum set or practice pad for the first lesson. I can assist in finding affordable options for instruments. The student should eventually provide their own instrument and equipment, such as their own guitar, music stand, and copy of the selected method book; all of which are things that they will need in order to pursue practicing on their own time.

*** Specialties ***
I am capable of teaching using many methods, styles, and genres, depending on the student and their particular needs. However, I specialize in jazz, folk, and rock styles, as well as improvisation.

ence in the coming years. I find playing music can be a great source of inspiration and release. But most importantly, everyone has a voice to be heard through music.

I have taught privately since I was in high school on my own. Over the years, I have also been affiliated with some amazing entities. Additionally, my work in arts administrative (Brooklyn Academy of Music -BAM, UVA Music) and my new affiliation with Zoo Labs translates into my ability to show you skills that will garnish success when you aren't playing music.

My students can expect growth in knowledge of rhythm, understanding of music and song forms. Your timing will improve! Your feel for styles (blues, rock, jazz, hip hop, EDM, etc.) will improve! Your technique will be through the roof!! I empower my students to do whatever they can dream to do with music, whether it is for personal enrichment or personal ambition.

I will demystify anything you feel is outside of your reach and grow you into the musician you want to be. My private studio is a fully equipped playground for the musically-minded with all the tools and materials you need to grow as a musician, so all you need to bring is your imagination. I look forward to the journey.

verse. Loving so many styles of music, I played professionally such diverse things as salsa piano, folk guitar, jazz bass, and funk drumming. I also love teaching and have developed curricula for several schools as well as guest-taught at numerous universities and conferences.

career highlights:
-international touring with multiple artists and bands, 45 countries
-record producer with 100+ projects and developed producer curriculum for audio trade school
-conference speaker and guest university instructor all over the world teaching music and creativity
-skill on multiple instruments and styles as well as extensive experience in the world of audio and teaching music theory

teaching highlights:
I traveled quite a bit as a guest teacher/speaker, so an exhaustive list is not practical. Some highlights include:

-Oral Roberts University - Tulsa (8 years in multiple roles)
-Southeastern University - Florida
-MediaTech Institute - Texas
-LPI Hernhutt - Germany (3 months)
-Created to Worship - England (2 years)
-and of course, numerous conferences, clinics, workshops all over the place

I've been asked numerous times "how many instruments do you play?" Well, I can get around on most anything. However, I don't play anything bowed (like violin or cello) nor the steel guitar. The instruments I teach are those I have the most background and have played professionally with.

Please contact me if you have any questions, I would love to talk with you!

lvarado with cellist Hannah Holman.
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Eric 's jazz band, The Eric Group, has released two critically acclaimed albums and his group has performed at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, among other venues. His albums have received international radio play and rave reviews in Downbeat Magazine, The Jazz Journal, Jazzwise Magazine, the All Music Guide and over a dozen additional publications worldwide. Brian Morton, publisher of the Penguin Guide to Jazz called his album Such Is Life “One of my favorite releases of the year.” Iconic drummer, Bill Bruford, called Eric “an extremely welcome new addition to the club [of percussionist composers]” and famed composer Steve Reich wrote, “I’m impressed with the directness of Eric’s music and the craft with which he has written it. His music would appeal to a wide variety of listeners.”

As an author and educator, Eric has written five books about music for Adams Media, Inc. Two of them have been translated into Spanish. In 2010, Eric was a featured speaker at Loyola University New Orleans' Beiver Guest Lecturer Series. Since 1995, he has also appeared as a guest artist and clinician at many high schools and colleges throughout the country.

Eric currently resides in the lower Hudson Valley where he also teaches private lessons to dozens of music students. Additionally, the Eric Music Studio hosts two student recitals every year at The Chapel Restoration in Cold Spring, NY.