FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
There is tremendous value in my lessons!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My role as a teacher is to be a mentor, and a coach. I see each student as unique and different. Lessons are customized to a student’s pace of learning and are typically for 1 hour. However, depending upon a student’s level of ability a 30-minute lesson may be recommended. I individualize materials and exercises for students. I use classic drum method books, many of which were authored by my own teachers. I have more proficient students play along with recordings and be recorded. The key fundamentals of excellent time and excellent quality of sound are developed as the foundation for whatever style of music a student plays.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied for many years with my principal teachers: Roland Kohloff, timpanist (New York Philharmonic) Charles Smith, percussionist (Boston Symphony Orchestra) Sonny Igoe, drummer (Benny Goodman/well known drum teacher) Tommy Igoe, drummer (the Lion King, the Birdland Big Band, drum educator) Bob Meyer, drummer (John Abercrombie/Joe Lovano) Ralph Pace, drum teacher (author of drum books) I studied for sequences of lessons with additional teachers: Joe Morello, drummer (Dave Brubeck/renowned drum teacher) Mike Clark, drummer (Herbie Hancock) Pablo Rieppi, percussionist (New York City Ballet Orchestra) Buster Bailey, percussionist (New York Philharmonic) Saul Goodman, timpanist (New York Philharmonic) Norbert Goldberg, percussionist (Brazilian/Afro-Cuban percussion) I was featured along with Ed Shaughnessy (Tonight Show Band), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (Jay Leno Show), Jaimoe (Allman Brothers Band), Jim Chapin (renowned drum teacher) and others in “the Legends of Drumming,” a tribute concert and video, which paid tribute to the old time jazz drummers such as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, etc. I performed alongside members of the New York Philharmonic at the Waterloo Music Festival with conductor Gerard Schwarz (Seattle Symphony Orchestra). I recorded with keyboardist Clifford Carter (James Taylor/Idina Menzel) and with guitarist David Spinozza (Paul McCartney/Ringo Starr).