Ben Buono Drum/Percussion Lessons

Introduction: I teach drums/percussion of all genres (Latin, funk, hip hop, rock, experimental, fusion, reggae, country, metal, progressive, and creative). I also teach songwriting/ lyric writing. I have a unique approach to teaching/coaching. I am very patient, creative, knowledgable, open minded, fun, and some what talented ;). I want to provide lessons that, at some point, head in a creative direction and, ideally, grow our relationship towards a place where we can inspire each other! I am a strong believer in the fact that everyone is creative, and I will help you find your voice, and use it. Of all these, the main characteristic that I pride myself on as a coach is creativity. I have always practiced different and creative approaches to my students, which is mutually beneficial for both the teacher and student. It benefits the student because I, as the teacher, don't go off a "script" so to say, yet I have fun with it and take a real interest in the progress of the student. It also personalizes the lessons for the student so they can learn at their own pace and get what they want out of lessons while also obtaining an entire wealth of knowledge they didn't previously know existed, and it keeps the student invested and consistently interested in the instrument (because we all know how humdrum music lessons CAN be). I will learn the way you learn, and I will speak your language, and I will be creating ways that constantly improve your skills, increase your knowledge, and keep you constantly curious and full of wonder about the instrument. Who knows, you could revolutionize the instrument for the rest of time. It benefits the teacher in that I am practicing my creativity by seeing the student as a work of art to build, rather than just another person taking lessons. It also benefits the teacher by obtaining faster and more long lasting and rooted results, which is the most rewarding aspect of teaching in my opinion. I will teach you the basics and build a foundation. This will start with the different ways to grip your stick that is most comfortable to you. Then I will teach you rudiments, then beats, then fills and when to and when not to use them. I will teach you how to use space and how to use proper restraint to get the most out of your playing. I will show you all the tricks that will REALLY entertain. I will teach you how to flow through different time signatures. I will teach you 4 way coordination (every limb is playing a different rhythm). I will teach you how to be a player that gets asked to play the most gigs. I will teach you how to maintain your set and how to properly tune it. I will teach you how to get different tones and different sounds out of your drums. I will teach you the ins and outs of being a professional drummer. I will teach you how to improv with other players, and I will bring other players in for you to practice it with. But MAINLY, I will show you the beauty of this wild instrument and I will teach you how to have FUN playing. The part of teaching/coaching I enjoy the most is not just helping you become a true musician, or getting you where you want to be... It is watching you start to develop your own ideas from the formula I use which is taking risks and taking on challenges with a creative approach.