Middle Village Drum Lessons

ans, he started playing cello at age 6 and he's been playing drums since age 8. After an extensive classical tutelage at the Music Conservatory in Esch/Alzette (Luxembourg) and at various music workshops throughout the world, he completed both undergraduate and graduate studies at Manhattan School of Music, learning from the likes of John Riley, David Liebman, Samir Chatterjee & Michael Abene.
Paul has since been able to make a name for himself among the local and international music industry as an accomplished drummer and forward-thinking composer. He has performed at several international festivals (North Sea Jazz Festival) and at some of the world's most prestigious jazz clubs in the US and overseas. Paul has appeared alongside such emerging stars as David Binney, Linda Oh, Ambrose Akinmusire, Will Vinson, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lage Lund, Mike Moreno and Tim Collins.

*** Lesson Details ***
Whether my students are young or old, taking lessons as a hobby or wish to pursue a career in music, I tailor my lessons to meet each individual student’s needs and expectations.
I have a lot of fun teaching and I want you or your child to have fun during our lessons.
My students learn music in the most natural and intuitive way possible. I try to build on what the student already likes, listens to and has a passion for. I encourage students to bring their favorite songs and we usually end up working with those. I also like using songs by The Beatles as they provide a perfect (fun and familiar) platform to learn many different aspects of drumming and musical performance.
In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, I have a strong background in music theory and I want to make sure my students not only know how to play their instrument, but also become familiar with reading and writing music.
After a few months in the studio, you or your child can expect to have a better understanding of music and have acquired the basic tools and techniques which will allow you to play your favorite pieces of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drumset, Cymbals, Practice Pads, Audio Equipment for Play-Along, Electric Piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
Practice Pad, Cymbals, Laptop, Recordings, Headphones and necessary cables, sheet music, .... .

*** Specialties ***
All styles of drumming

udy technique and gain knowledge about music with really only one goal in mind: To have all the tools necessary to express ourselves adeptly through music. All the technique in the world will not make you a great musician. Similarly, you can be extremely creative and knowledgeable, but if you don't have the technique and vocabulary needed to express your ideas, you will find yourself very limited and suppressed musically.

My philosophy about teaching follows that I am here to provide you with those tools in a fun, exciting way. When I say "tools" I mean the whole toolbox. This includes giving you the technique, correcting bad habits, providing listening material, finding holes in your playing and much more. A good music teacher must be more than an instructor, but a mentor and an inspirational guide. My best teachers were the ones who could cultivate my playing not just through the physical aspects but ESPECIALLY through the cerebral. We ALL need encouragement and inspiration to get the best out of our natural talent. I love to encourage my students to do their best. To strive to not only complete exercises, but to execute them well. Every student is different, and therefore I will tailor their education with me on an individual basis. I expect a lot out of my students because I strongly believe in my teaching ability as well as their ability to learn and feel good about their progress.

My approach to providing all these things is modeled around my best experiences in learning and performing. I've studied under some of the absolute best players and teachers in the world. Here are just a couple:

World renowned drummer and educator

TOMMY IGOE from
The Lion King on Broadway
The Birdland Big Band
Numerous instructional books and DVDs.

Highly sought after percussionist

TOM KOLOR
Graduated from William Paterson as well as with a Masters from the Julliard School of Music
Professor of Music at the University at Buffalo.

IAN FROMAN
Professor of Drums at Berklee School of Music
Professional, world renowned Drummer

I've also graduated Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Music Performance, Dean's List and Honor Roll awards.

Some of my experience includes being featured in Tommy Igoe's "Great Hands For a Lifetime" DVD which received 5 stars from Modern Drummer magazine in 2010. I've also played great venues like Gramercy Theatre and Central Park in NYC among others. I've played in Big Bands, Symphony Orchestras, Klesmer and Percussion ensembles, and more.

I really could go on forever talking about music, what it means to me, how I approach teaching, etc. When you love music and teaching as much as I do, you really can't help it. It's ingrained in you. Precisely as ingrained as I like to think being a fun, caring, disciplined, attentive teacher is in me. Whether it be for you or your child, I can easily promise that I will deliver the same success-bound mentoring that I have to my students for over 10 years running.

Can't wait to hear from you!

-Asaf

*** Lesson Details ***
-I am here for you.

I would not teach if I wasn't very interested in the progress of my students. I want you to be the biggest, baddest, awe-inspiring drummer/percussionist possible. I want to ultimately end up at your shows and concerts and be able to say "That's MY student." You can always be guaranteed that when studying with me everything I assign has precisely that goal in mind.

-Strict or Laid Back?

Many people might ask if I'm strict, or laid back. My response is that I am excited and driven to help you reach success. I will never scold you because that sort of practice has no place in teaching. I also understand that learning isn't just a straight upwards incline of progression. We're all humans. Sometimes we progress astronomically in a short period of time and sometimes we have to fight hard to nail something. Sometimes we have a lot of time to practice, and sometimes we simply don't. My job is to make the most out of every situation and help you learn no matter what. That being said, I will still hound you to practice as much as healthily possible!

-What do you want out of music?

Probably the most important question I will undoubtedly ask you upon meeting you is why you are taking lessons. There is no way to formulate a tailored lesson plan if I don't know what it is you're working towards.

-Expected Material

Like I said, I can't tell you very specifically what your lesson plan will be, but I CAN give you examples of what I almost always assign. Individually written out exercises, exercises from books, assigned reading/listening, song covers, chart writing/reading, improvisational exercises, rudiment study, warm-up routines, among others.

-Don't be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process! If you aren't making mistakes then I'm doing something wrong. Never be afraid to make mistakes.

-You Get What You Give

I promise I'll be there for you. I'll be there to give you the material and show you the path, but you're going to have to be there for yourself as well. The more prepared you are for our lessons, the more you will grow from the time we spend together.

Mastering an instrument takes time and effort both by student and teacher. The sooner we get started the sooner you get on that path. I'm ready whenever you are.

*** Studio Equipment ***
detached studio 3 professional drum sets seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Numerous practice pads and snare stands. I expect my students to only provide their own Drum Sticks and books.

*** Specialties ***
I pride myself on being as versatile as I possibly can be. I can aptly teach most styles including Jazz, Rock, Funk, Latin, Hip Hop\R&B, Classical, and more.

ht, the more I found sincere joy in teaching. As I was was getting to know each of my students better, I realized that I was doing more than just teaching music lessons. I was acting as an example, a friend, and a counselor of sorts. I realized that each lesson was an opportunity 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 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 love to work with all ages.

*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons, students can expect to have lots of fun, and learn a lot. I like to think that my students always enjoy their lessons with me. I am friendly, warm, personable, caring, 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 consider myself to be 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 would 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. 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.

g while attending Saint Petersburg College for Music Performance. I have had the pleasure to have performed, toured internationally and recorded with many diverse bands from the year 2000 to 2016 (see Experience) In 2008-09, I performed with Australia'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!

work
3- Rudiments
4- Rhythm
5- Reading and writing
6- Analyisis of different Video and audio recordings
6- New homework

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have one drum set fully equipped, plus cajon and some folkloric drums from Colombia.
I write the examples using Finale.
I have a complete collection of books and videos to support the lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my books, metronome, sticks, etc.
I expect the student provide the drum set

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Pop, Latin, Brazilian, Caribbean, Andean, Latin American , Colombian, etc