Jack Firneno - Private Drum Lessons
About
After establishing a student's basic techniques, I take a self-guided learning approach to lessons. My goal is to give you the tools to be the drummer you want to be - even if you're not sure what that is yet.
That could mean anything from breaking down your favorite songs to see how they're put together, or taking a rudiment and turning it into a unique beat, fill or solo together, based solely on your creative spark.
Whatever you're looking to do, my job is to find the right book, song, or exercise to get you there.
As a self-taught drummer for many years, I began teaching private students in 2011 after taking lessons myself.
Since then, I've also worked as the Director of Development for Share the Spotlight, a tuition-free summer music program for Philadelphia teens, while also playing in a handful of bands and leading two tribute acts.
I currently teach out of a music store in Northeast Philadelphia. You can read more about my experience and skills at https://dadwriterdrummer.com/drummer/
Everyone, whether they've ever played before or not, sit down at the drums and approach the instrument in their own way. One of my favorite parts of the job is looking for that characteristic move or motion that's unique to them.
From there, we work together to build that spark into a fire. It's invigorating to watch as a new musician develops their own style in real time, right in front of me.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin with basic techniques: How to hold the sticks and strike a drum to get the most action out of it. I warn people that the first two weeks are boring: You'll go home and slowly, carefully, tap out short patterns on a drum pad.
After that, I dive right into a handful of drum beats that are simple yet found in hundreds of pop songs. Getting the hang of just one means you can start playing along to songs you know.
The third step is learning to read music. All the "homework" up to this point doesn't require reading skills, although they incorporate standard notation so students get used to seeing it.
From here, the student has the skills and knowledge to take their lessons in any variety of paths: rudiments, beats, fills, breaking down songs, exploring different genres, creating their own parts, etc.