Mickey has worked as a private teacher for the last 5 years and taught over 40 students of varying ages and skill levels. She is an enthusiastic, warm, and lively teacher who is dedicated to helping her students find their own passion for the instrument. Her overall approach is to equip the student with the technical skills, personal motivation, and creative tools to discover and develop their own voice on the instrument. She guides students towards reaching their own musical goals while also helping to influence, inspire, & expose students to new ideas, techniques, & styles.
She is currently available for virtual lessons only. Outdoor lessons in the Brooklyn/Manhattan areas are also possible during Covid.
*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with Mickey will be simultaneously fun and challenging. Her interest is in helping the student reach their musical goals while also helping to expose them to new techniques, styles, and musical concepts. She does not believe in the old-school strict teacher approach, but she does take her work very seriously; if the student wants to work hard and learn fast, she will meet them on that level. Similarly, if the student wants to take it slow and focus on one thing at a time, she will move at their preferred pace. Her curriculum is based on years of private study with professional drummers such as Kenwood Dennard and Dean Johnston, as well as her studies at Berklee College of Music. She has a large book collection that she uses in lessons, ranging from snare drum reading to technique books to songbooks. Regardless of skill level, she always focuses on helping the student form a solid foundation as a drummer, which includes: sense of rhythm, musical ear, reading/writing skills, and technique. Beyond those core elements, she bases the curriculum on what the student is interested in. After 3 to 6 months studying with Mickey, the student can expect to have made significant progress towards their musical goals, and to be having fun in the process!
*** Studio Equipment ***
Two full drum-sets, recording gear, guitars, amps, books, and a stereo system.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Students who sign up for virtual lessons don't need to own a drum-set or any studio gear. All you need to get started is a drum pad and sticks! I recommend the Evans "Real Feel" 12" drum pad and Vic Firth 7A or 5A sticks. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss other / additional options for at-home setups.
*** Specialties ***
Mickey specializes in rock and jazz drumming; She has extensive experience studying Gary Chaffee's methods, as well as the Moeller Technique and playing styles pioneered by Steve Gadd. She has studied many books cover to cover such as: Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone; 4-Way Coordination by Marvin Dahlgren; Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin; Studio and Big Band Drumming by Steve Houghton; as well as many other books by drummers such as Buddy Rich, Garwood Whaley, Bob Moses, Stanton Moore, and Tommy Igoe. She is well versed in the following styles: Rock, Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Hip-Hop, Latin, and Classical.
***TESTIMONIALS***
"Berklee educated with the patience and understanding to find each students qualities and strengths; able to teach beginners and intermediate drummers at their own pace. After 5 weeks my daughter already sounds like a rock star and she couldn't be any happier! I'm impressed! - Albert P., Boston MA
"Mickey's fun and playful teaching style allows children to explore the world of music with curiosity and joy. Our (4 year old) son's interest in piano blossomed under Mickey's guidance. She helped him develop a connection to music by incorporating his interests into the lessons, and he always looked forward to their time together." - Heather C., Boston MA
"Mickey is a very good teacher and if I had a different teacher, I wouldn't be so psyched about drumming! She is very patient, especially when I try a hard drum beat. I wasn't sure if I would like drumming but when Mickey became my teacher, I loved it!" Juliette S., Brooklyn
“My overall experience is awesome! Great location, great price and the most important thing - a great learning experience. Mickey is a great drummer, patient teacher and a very cool person. I am definitely going back for more lessons. Highly recommend it to anyone interested.” - Sahin R., NYC
“I’ve been drumming since I was 12 (two decades now) and decided to get back into lessons to improve my chops and expand my repertoire. I’ve been taking lessons with Mickey for almost a year and have learned a TON. She is very thoughtful about the work we do when I’m in lessons and the work she wants me to practice on my own. Mickey also goes above and beyond and has come to one of my band’s shows to check out my drumming in a different scenario to better support me. I can’t say enough about Mickey. The environment is so chill and supportive. Check her out!” - Will R., NYC
"My thirteen year old daughter has been studying with Mickey for the past year. From working with her, her drumming ability has improved a lot. Mickey’s classes are challenging, fun and very inspiring. She’s a great teacher!” - Laura P., NYC
"When my daughter was 4, she asked me if she could take drum lessons. After almost a year search I finally found Mickey —- the only person I could find who would take on a kid at that age. I was apprehensive because my daughter is extremely shy around adults and had never taken a private one-on-one class of any kind. But Mickey was great! She makes my daughter feel comfortable and balances the lesson with the fun. It’s hard to get a kid that age to focus, but man when she does she is really getting it! - and that’s all due to the patience and encouragement that Mickey provides.” Karen G., NYC
“Trying something new at a not-so-young age can be very intimidating, especially if you have NO skills whatsoever. My instructor, Mickey, has been an inspiring, thoughtful and patient teacher and is all the reason I decided to continue with private lessons. If you are like me and personal hobbies take a back seat to work, Mickey is your gal. She gives you enough encouragement and practice material to work on in between lessons, and never makes you feel bad for not being able to keep a consistent schedule. Oh yea, and she’s an amazing drummer!” - Karen R., NYC
“Mickey gets it. She has that special talent of connecting with people. You might describe her as being an “old soul” but I think that’s too trite. Mickey has that marvelous blend of youth and zeal combined with compassion, attention and understanding. These qualities carry over into her playing which is vibrant and probing as well as her teaching which is subtle yet urging. Mickey is a truly modern musician with forward vision and a reverence for her roots.” - Dean Johnston, Boston-based drummer (Club d'Elf)
