Middle Village, NY Drum Lessons

By listening to + watching my students to determine where they're at musically, I try to help develop their skills through custom tailoring each lesson based on the education and experiences I sought out.

If you're interested in learning to become a musician through the many instruments that make up your drum kit - send me a message.

My influences include Buddy Rich, Animal from The Muppets, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, John Bonham, very recently Keith Moon, and my mentor & favorite person in the world, Normie Wayne.

I've been performing for 10 years with drums. It's my passion instrument. It's what I wanted to play when i was a kid.

I have been playing drums for 15 years. I teach drum set up to an intermediate level, covering fundamentals, music theory, reading, and performance.

I prefer to work out of method books that take instructional material from well known pieces of music, primarily from the broad scope of the rock and roll genre. This ensures introduction and reinforcement of music fundamentals while maintaining the ever-important fun factor!

My goal is to take a beginner and create a capable drum set player who knows music fundamentals, and has been given a strong foundation for performance technique and capability.

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.

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Release your inner rock star or Nick Cannon with fun, modern, and progressive lessons in percussion from a professional musician with a Bachelors in Music Performance and expertise in Steel Drums, Marching Percussion, Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Concert Percussion, and Front Ensemble. Dru has experience teaching students ages 5 - 22 and can help students of all ages reach their goals -- whether that be learning to read music, learning to play well enough to impress your friends, or preparing for an audition to music school or high school band.

Learning drums is extremely fun and satisfying! It involves the entire body and the mind, challenging in many different ways and extremely rewarding.

While it can be demanding to learn an instrument, it can be as easy as you want it to be. Our lessons can be designed to fit your personal goal. In the lessons we will play songs, study technique and reading and learn different genres of music - all while having fun!

I have been teaching for over 10 years, with experience in all levels (Beginner to Advanced) and in every age group. I am very passionate about teaching music, I believe it has the power to change lives, and also helps with just putting a smile on your face :)

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.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the sheer joy on my students' faces after they, by the end of their first lesson, are playing a full on Rock Beat! Getting my students ready to start a band or preparing them for a major audition, college, conservatory or even a lucrative job, is very rewarding.

Unlike most other music teachers, I believe the student should set their own goals. If you want to play in a band, I can give you the tools you need. If you want to learn to read and write music and be the virtuoso you can be, we’ll work towards that. If you want to learn a few chords or melodies for your own enjoyment, that’s fine too. I’ve learned in over half a lifetime of playing and through teaching students of all ages and levels in both private and group lesson environments that no two people are the same. That’s why I work out a personalized curriculum to help make the most of our time together and help you achieve your goals.