Experience
I am a 25 year old performer and teacher currently accepting students in both the Manhattan/Brooklyn area and the Morris County, NJ area. I offer both hour and half-hour lessons, as well as the option of taking lessons at my loft in Brooklyn or by me coming to your home. I focus on Rock/Pop/Funk styles but also believe in the interconnectedness of all styles of music- that they are all made of the same building blocks when we look close enough. You'll learn to read music and to have good hand technique, but in the process you'll learn to rock out to your favorite songs and find that they're not as complex as they seemed once we go over them together.
My musical journey began when I was 10 years old. I grew up in Randolph, NJ, playing in school bands as well as a rock band I formed with some friends in high school. I studied for several years with a fantastic drummer named Joe Bergamini, who can be currently be heard in Billy Joel's Broadway musical Movin' Out. Joe always emphasized the importance of correct, fluid hand technique, which was one of the most valuable things I ever learned as a drummer, and is something I try to pass on to my students.
After high school I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA for four years and earned a Bachelor of Music degree. During this time I performed extensively and recorded CD's with bands such as No Michael No, Copperpot, and singer/songwriters John-Flor Sisante and Mieka Pauley. At Berklee, my musical knowledge grew exponentially as I was exposed to all styles of music and took classes in music theory, ear training, and composition. I studied the drums privately with Dave DiCenso, a New England based-drummer and clinician whose incredible groove and zen-like approach to drumming left a profound influence on both my playing and my approach to life in general. Like an Obi-Wan Kenobi to my Luke Skywalker, Dave opened my eyes to things that most drummers don't pay attention to, but make a world of difference in how one can sound- things like proper breathing, concentration, and overcoming self-consciousness to allow greater range of emotion. He pushed my musical chops to the next level, yet always emphasized humility and restraint; that the song as personal expression should always take precedence over showing off fancy musical ideas.
After graduating Berklee in 2002, I continued to perform and teach in Boston until I was ready for a change. In December of 2004 I relocated to Brooklyn, NY, where I divide my teaching schedule between northern New Jersey and New York City. I continue to perform and record with various New York based bands and singer/songwriters.
Drummers that most influenced my playing: Matt Cameron, John Bonham, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Chamberlin, Steve Gadd, Carter Beauford, Joe Bergamini, Dave DiCenso
Favorite all-time albums:
Joni Mitchell, "Blue"
Pearl Jam, "Vs"
The Beatles, all
Ron Sexsmith, "Retriever"
Paul Simon, "The Rythm of the Saints"
Smashing Pumpkins, "Siamese Dream"
Led Zeppelin, "III", "Houses of the Holy"
Jeff Buckley, "Grace"
Wilco, "Summerteeth"
Iron and Wine, "Our Endless Numbered Days"
Radiohead, "The Bends"
Where are Lessons Given
New York , New York and Morris County, NJ
Cost of Lessons
I charge $50/hr or $25 half-hour for me to come to you, or $40/20 at my loft. Lessons with me are both fun and interesting, informative yet easygoing and relaxed. |
