Hilltop Studios

Hilltop Studios

5.0Exceptional(7 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I have over 25 years of teaching experience, working with children and adults, from beginners to advanced students in individual or group settings. Personalizing an individual program for each students level, goals and desires to ensure a positive results.

Visit my website to see more at https://rickforzese.com/

(NOW TEACHING - ONLINE LESSONS)

No matter where you are in the world, you can study online with me. All you need is webcam, Skype, Zoom or Face Time software and a good internet connection. I would be happy to assist you with your online set up.

Drummers anywhere can schedule an online lesson or consultation, and pay via PayPal.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, I have studied with Gary Chaffee and John Ramsay and Ed Saindon.

Teaching topics include and not limited to the development of hands and foot technique, drum set independence/coordination, reading, rudimental snare drum development, grooves and fills, playing along to music, timing, sound quality, improvisation and how to practice properly. I teach a variety of styles including; rock, funk, jazz, R&B, latin. To help to teach my methods I wrote an instructional book called Building a Drumset Vocabulary.

An important part of the lessons is playing along to music. That’s also what’s the most fun. I get the student to start to play along with simple songs as soon as possible. For this we play along to the covers (MP3s) or I use music pieces without drums to which the students can play along! Nevertheless you are always welcome to come with your own music wishes or preferences.

My drum studio includes two drum sets for teacher and student to play alone or together, practice pads for hand technique, a digital recording system to record the lesson or to record the student playing along to tracks minus drums for self reflection and analysis.

I teach 1/2 or 1 hour lessons. I schedule lessons on a monthly basis throughout the calendar year.

I charge $30.00 for half hour lesson and $ 60.00 for 1 hour lessons.

For more information on my approach to teaching, and to discuss your goals and aspirations, email me at [email protected]. Or visit my website at www.rickforzese.com. I look forward to speaking with you.

Any good teaching relationship is a shared learning experience. For my part, I get to know each student’s 
aptitudes, interests, and aspirations, and I work to provide lessons, 
material, and assessments to meet each student’s unique capabilities and needs.


Highlights

Hired 6 times
1 employee
6 years in business
Serves Wakefield , MA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal

Details

Able to read music

Student can read sheet music, Student can read percussion notation, Student understands note durations and rests, Student can't read music

Musical styles

I can make recommendations, Classical, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Country

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Types of drums

I can provide recommendations, Traditional drum kit, Snare drum, Bass drum, Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.)

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Student have drums

Student already has drums, Student is planning to purchase drums and would advice

Photos and videos

  • The Party Factor band
  • Jimmy's Jazz Club
  • Frankie Boy
  • Frankie Boy

  • Reviews

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    MM

    Maria M.

    Very good teacher
    ... Show more
    January 26, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    JK

    Jon K.

    Rick is an excellent teacher who makes learning engaging and fun. He structures lessons in a way that make you feel successful and wanting to come back for more. Early on he gets you playing songs you actually know that are within your skill level which makes the whole process super fun. It feels great once you actually play along song you have heard on the radio. As a student starting out in my 40s, Rick made the whole process approachable and comfortable. He builds on each success every lesson to make you a more well-rounded drummer.
    I would definitely recommend Rick as a teacher no matter your age or skill level.
    ... Show more
    January 26, 2023

    PS

    Pamela S.

    Rick is a great teacher. He is patient and encouraging. He is open minded and interested in his students’ goals and progression. He’s also good at explaining concepts to a novice. He is also great at communication and creating lesson plans. I have been learning from him for only a few months, but I feel much more confident and proficient. I would recommend Rick to anyone looking for an experienced musician who truly enjoys teaching.
    ... Show more
    January 12, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    MM

    Maria M.

    He is a very good teacher I like the way he teach!
    ... Show more
    January 12, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    SS

    Stephanie S.

    Rick is a phenomenal teacher! I love that we work on learning songs I enjoy and exercises that help improve my drumming skills. Rick is a friendly coach with the patience of a saint!
    ... Show more
    June 30, 2021

    GD

    Greg D.

    My son (age 14) enjoys his drum lessons with Rick Forzese. Rick always takes input from my son on how to make his lessons more engaging. Rick is adaptable in real time and able to coach and teach based on specific needs shown in a given lesson. Rick has been diligent in teaching my son to read and write drum music, while also keeping it fun. We have seen a good deal of progress in over a year of (mostly online, one hour/weekly) lessons. I would recommend Rick as a drum instructor for any drummers just beginning to learn or wanting to take their skills to a higher level.
    ... Show more
    March 11, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    When working with a new student I first find out what there goals are and what they are interested in learning. If they are unsure, I evaluate their playing and start from there. If they are a complete beginner then we usaully teach how to grip the stick and how to hit the drum, coordinating their limbs and reading rhythms. If they want to play the drum set we start with basic beats and fills.

    I have a BA of Music from Berklee College of Music. I have been teaching drums and percussion for over 25 years, in my private home studio or at schools and universities. 

    I have been performing drums locally and across the country for over 25 years.

    I have made many recordings and have written and published a drum set book called Building the Drumset Vocabulary.

    I charge $30 for a 30 minute lesson and $60 for a 1 hour lesson. The lesson fee is charged by the month. You pay for the entire months lessons at the first lesson of the month.

    If you need to miss a lesson a 24 hour notice is required for a make up lesson to be given, otherwise the lesson fee is forfeited. You can stop lessons at any time, I would prefer a 2 weeks notice.

    I started teaching back my teen age years for a way to give back and share the join of drumming and music with others.

    I work with students of all ages and abilities. Beginers to advanced. As young as 6 or 7 all the way to 70 years of age. I have taught drumlines, group classes, workshops and individuals.

    Some of my students have gone into successfull careers in music as well as other endeavors.

    Try it out. You will know if this is for you. Not every student is loooking to make this his or her career. When I give a student a lesson, I teach them more than how to play the drums, I teach them patience, confidence, time management, work ethic.

    If the student is interested in playing the drums or percussion, they don't need to run out and buy all the latest gear and spend lots of money to start out. All they need to a pair of sticks and a practice pad at first. After a period of time you will know if this is something that really interests you and than I would be happy to recommend any gear you would need.


    Services offered

    Drum
    Music Theory