FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I typically teach one lesson a week to each of my students. I book by the calendar month, but can be flexible on this in some cases. I do not charge any extra fees or provide any discounts.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first lesson is always free! I prefer to have a talk on the phone before the first lesson (but email can work too) to get some background information on my new student (what kind music do they like, what musical experience do they have, etc), as well as to discuss any gear (drums, stands, sticks, pads, etc) that they might already have or will need. During the first lesson we will play some rhythmic games, try out some different rhythms and styles on the drums, review the basics of technique, and maybe listen to some music together. All of this is so I can get a better idea of who my new student is, what they like, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what are the best ways to approach their lessons. I am able to adjust this process to fit any age and experience level. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, so this is an important step. If our first lesson goes well, then we can talk about booking more.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated with a Bachelors of Music from Berklee College of Music. I have been performing and teaching professionally since I was 13 years old. I have played with many groups in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Colorado, Mexico City, and Havana. Since the age of 11 I have been studying drum set, Afro Cuban percussion, Arabic percussion, Classical percussion, Afro Brazilian percussion, and North Indian percussion. I have been very lucky to study with some of the greatest drummers and percussionists in these different musical worlds, including Manley Lopez, Samuel Ruttenberg, Pablo Batista, Joseph Tayoun, Marcus Santos, Mikael Ringquist, and Jerry Leake.