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.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
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.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching back my teen age years for a way to give back and share the join of drumming and music with others.
What types of students have you worked with?
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.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
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.