About
There are a lot of drum instructors out there, especially in the New York Metro area and finding the right fit can be challenging, even before the real work of improving your drumming skills actually begins.
A lot of us can tell you about the time we've spent on the road, in the studio, and of course those rockstar moments, but fewer can actually help you get there. I've had that experience, and I also have two decades of experience working with students from all kinds of backgrounds ages 5-75 and it's truly one of my favorite parts of being a musician. If you choose to work with me, I'm not guaranteeing success by any means, that part is up to you, but I offer technique, inspiration and motivation to improve. I do believe in reading music so that we can understand a common language in a rhythmic sense, but I have worked with many first-time readers and I have a pretty awesome system of teaching reading that isn't challenging to learn or retain. It's not a main focus of most of my lessons, but it is important. I also believe in learning good technique and forming good habits.
Something that's unique about working with me is that you'll be in an actual, fully-functioning recording studio, surrounded by tons of drum gear that you'll have the opportunity to play and learn about. We can record our drumming to analyze, to improve, to learn more about recording, etc. You can learn and play along to your favorite songs at high volume, track pro quality drums on your own recording projects, create demos, critique your own playing and more, please feel free to inquire about custom requests and accomodations.
Finally, students always leave lessons with me feeling accomplished, and often inspired and motivated. Not only is it educational, but it can be cathartic as well.
PLEASE NOTE: My studio is in the eastern part of the Bronx, the red marker on the map is not the studio location, it is the center of my travel radius.
I feel very lucky to be able to share the pleasure of rhythm and drumming with others. But beyond that, watching people learn a new skill in real time is a really exciting and special experience that not everyone gets to have, and seeing people succeed, especially when you've guided them, is one of the best feelings ever! I also really like that though there is some overlap between what I work on with my students, every student is different, so all of our lessons are different The diverisity of the challenges and triumphs and what I learn about myself and teaching and music through the process, these are the things I love most about my job.
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
james K.
jack R.
Hewitt K.
goktug S.
Jennifer O.
Douglas J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When starting to work with a new student, I like to get to know their musical interests and passions and see what appeals to them. Some basic coordination exercises follow and eventually technique, creativity, improvisation and philosophy as the student progresses.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching since 2002 and working full time in the music industry since 2012 touring and recording and teaching. I've co-founded/own/manage/lead several bands and worked in multiple capacities within the entertainment and live music industries.
B.A. Ithaca College 2010
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
In-Person: 30min/$60, 45min/$80, 60min/$100
Virtual: 30min/$50, 45min/$65, 60min/$80
How did you get started teaching?
My elementary school teacher asked me to come back and work with some younger students and it blossomed from there.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have a wide variety of experience with students of many ages and backgrounds from 5 to 75 years old and I treat every student I work with as a unique individual with different wants, needs, interests and challenges.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try a few teachers, see who you feel good about working with.