My lessons are very dynamic and are oriented to keep the students very motivated.
About Rafael L.
I have been teaching by more than 30 years, and with this experience,and the knowledge accumulated in those years plus my playing experience, I am able to teach my students in a very good way.
My lessons will be very dynamic by the interaction with my students, giving them the tools they will need to play in real situations. "Playing, listening, reading, and writing".
Always looking forward, never looking back, music is passion and joy.
*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson consists in six sections that can vary depending on the duration of the lesson.
1- Warming up
2- Review of homework
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
Reviews
Write a Review
I've known Rafael for over five years. He is an accomplished teacher and performer well versed in jazz, rock and latin rhythms. He's an easygoing and series-minded musician with a great rythmic feel. I highly recommend him!

I loved my first lesson with Rafael. He is great.

My family loves Rafael. My son (who is five) takes drumming lessons and Rafael is very knowledgeable, gentle and patient. We love how encouraging he is and my son says for me to make sure I say that Rafael is an AWESOME drummer and we also think he's an awesome person :)

im 23, been playing drums for 14 years,I had different teachers all growing up, but I realized that I had no real good knowledge of theory and '' why things works''.
iI've been taking classes with Rafael Leal for six months. During these six months there has been a lot of progress with the knowledge of music theory and my drums skills. There are a lot of music teachers out there, but Rafael's combination of knowledge and skills can not only craft you into a great drummer, but a great musician as well!I highly recommend you contact Rafael leal and pursue taking your music education to a new level.
A Great Teacher
My improvement in Playing Drums, has been really awesome after I took lessons with this great drummer....!!!
Drum lesson review
Very respectful and punctual teacher. He is very easy going and my daughter really enjoys her lessons.
Professional and competent...
I am a fellow musician, a piano/keyboard player. I first played with Rafael at jam sessions, where we met up several times before getting together privaetly for rehearsing and recording. Rafael is an easy going person who plays both comfortably and with conviction behind the drums. Literate in music notation, specializing in rhythms and patterns, Rafael plays many grooves from Jazz, Rock and Funk to Cumbia, Salsa and Brazillian rhythms for a nice, eclectic mix. Whether improvising or playing more in a tradition, exploring musical territory is a pleasure with Rafael, students can only benefit from his knowledge and experience. Enjoy the journey...
Photos & Videos
9 Photos & VideosExperience
Music Books writer
Jan 1993 - PresentIndependent
I am coauthor of a Drum Book focused on different stiles of music from Jazz, Rock and Pop to Caribbean, Brazilian, Cuban, Latin American and Colombian Rhythms. This book was named "Como tocar en Batería Ritmos Internacionales y Autóctonos" and was published by Planeta Colombiana Editorial S. A in 1998. At the present I am finishing my second Drum Book focused on Colombian Rhythms, this Book includes audio examples, and will be published in English and Spanish
Drummer/ Drum Teacher
Jan 1979 - PresentIndependient
I have been teaching for more than thirty years, mainly in my country Colombia, giving private lessons, and working as drum teacher at Music Schools and Universities in Bogotá. Since I arrived to USA, I have been teaching private music lessons in the New York City area and also working with some schools in Queens and Brooklyn. I have also presented workshops focused on teaching Colombian rhythms and their application to the drum set . These workshops have been presented at various places in the city of New York among which include The Queens Museum, The Flushing Town Hall, and the Colombian Consulate in New York City.
Education
I am a self-taught musician
Jan 1975 - PresentWorkshops with different drummers Like Dave Weckl, Ignacio Berroa, Russ Miller among others.
Languages
English
Professional Proficiency
Spanish
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
Gratitude
Dec 2008Consulado General Central De Colombia
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