Drums with Laura J.

*** Travel Equipment *** Student should eventually, have a drum set at home for this service, or whatever percussion instrument they wish to learn. However, we can start the first 6 months with a pair of sticks and a practice pad (under $50). *** Specialties *** On drum set, I teach many genres, several world music styles, classical, rock, jazz, etc. I have a studio in Washington Heights as well as one in Yonkers that are equipped with drum set, hand drums, a 5 octave marimba, keyboard, snare drum, etc. I have a very prestigious marimba/vibraphone background. I teach four mallet grip- both Stevens (main) and Burton (secondary, but always for vibes). I have placed students at the Juilliard PreCollege, New School, LaGuardia Arts, Manhattan School of Music Precollege, NYU, among others. I specialize in special needs education, having had several students over the years with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, etc. (also group classes). I teach theory, and I can help with reading. All of my students, even those who claim to have struggled with reading, do read well after a few months with me. I also specialize in rudiments and healthy, efficient (speedy!) hand technique for snare drum. I've studied world styles including Latin/Brazilian Percussion, West African Music, Middle East Percussion, Irish Bodhran, and Indian Tabla. I have a rich and extensive educational background, but I focus on enjoyment of music making, and I have a firm, but very friendly approach. Fun is paramount, but you have the most fun when you put in the work to have the skills to excel. I am realistic and understand the demands of adult work life, so I help my adult students work out schedules to get results in the limited time available. I hold recitals twice a year for my students in a supportive environment. Children/teenagers especially, look forward and work hard towards this goal.