Please read through all these frequently asked questions. If you do not see an answer to a specific concern, feel free to email drumvic@yahoo.com
How much teaching experience do you have?
I have taught over 500 students in the last 20 years. I have also led marching band drum sections and coached rock bands.
What levels and ages do you teach?
Teachings are at all levels and at all ages. Adults are more than welcome to start lessons, it's never too late. Although some children do mature at a faster pace than others, it is still recommended that a young child be exposed to some type of formal schooling(e.g. preschool, kindergarten)in which they are used to being in a learning enviornment.
What is your educational experience?
I started taking lessons at the age of 11 from a Philadelphia studio musician for several years. After him, I was taught by one of Atlantic City's premier drumset players. I attended Glassboro State College(now Rowan University) where I earned my Bachelor's of Arts in Music Performance/Percussion. After Glassboro, I studied with a casino pit player for two years. Plus, being in the music business taught me many things you would not be able to learn in a classroom.
What is your professional experience?
After I graduated college, I played with a wedding band while putting together original rock bands. While teaching in one music store, I gained experience running a studio(prepping musicians, setting up mics, recording/mixing/mastering).Then afterwards I moved to Philadelphia and landed jobs with two rock bands and a funk band. I later became involved with the blues circuit in town where I am presently. Along with leading my own band, I book three other blues acts. I have played numerous recording sessions and presently have a CD.
What do you do in the way of ongoing professional development?
I attend the annual Philadelphia Music Conference to stay in touch with the latest music trends. I also attend clinics whenever I can. I read a LOT. I frequently go out to see different bands to check out the local music scene and occasonally sit in with a band. I still keep in touch with a lot of musicians in different styles to see how the music business is shaping up in the Philadelphia area. I'm also a member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Bucks County Blues Society...plus, I still practice.
What are your studio policies regarding fees, cancellations and make-up lessons?
Fees will be discussed once a student decides to start lessons. Each student is allowed 2 absences per year. I have found this policy is effective since lesson attendance is important for continous improvement. Cancellations MUST be 24 hours in advance or will be charged. Family emergencies are obviously not subject. Students will pay each week unless payment or attendence abuses occur, then all fees will be paid a month in advance. If a student has not shown up for thier lesson two weeks in a row without prior knowledge, that student is then taken off the schedule.
Do you periodically conduct parent conferences to evaluate student progress?
Evaluation is on an "as needed" basis. Parents are more than welcome to ask about the student's progress at any time. Also, discussions on progression are NOT just for when the student is doing poorly. They are meant to be a guide
for the parents and student to fine tune practicing methods and accelerate learning.
What instructional materials and methods do you use?
I do have a set of books that I use. I will not make copies from teaching material for copyright reasons and since they have a tendency to become lost. Each student will have a manuscript book for any special exercises tailored to a student's needs.
Do you teach any music other than popular music?
Yes, all forms of music will be addressed while concentrating on the style the student is most interested in.
Can you tell if a child is "gifted"?
I firmly believe that interest makes talent. I do not believe in the "child prodigy" idea. Some may show a knack in the beginning, however it is interest that keeps the student practicing and improving.
Are there certain levels that a student should master by certain times?
No, there is NO pressure put on a student in any form of timeframe. Plus, students are not compared to other students. This is not fair since each student progresses at different speeds.
Do you offer group lessons or master classes?
Group and/or master classes will be given if a number of students show interest in a specific topic. The fees will be reasonable if one is charged at all.
Do you teach students how to improvise? Memorize? Play by ear? Compose? Do you work on sight reading in the lesson?
All of these skills are important to being a complete musician. Excercises are introduced to introduce and/or strengthen these skills.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, as the student progesses melodic theory will be introduced. Rythmic theory starts with the first lesson. If a new student is advanced(and the student shows an interest),melodic theory will be introduced.
Do you use technology in your studio, such as computers, music instruction software, electronic keyboards?
I do some programming instruction....mostly on electronic sets and synthesizers. I tend to shy away from programming since there are just so many different electronic instruments out there with thier own programs......it's just difficult keeping up with ALL of them.
How much practice time do you require each day?
One half hour per day, more depending on the difficulty of that week's assignment.
Do you spend time during the lesson helping students learn good practice habits?
Absolutely.....spending time learning good habits takes less time than correcting bad habits.....and is less frustrating for the student.
Do you provide performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals, competitions, play-a-thons and so forth?
I do not directly provide these opportunities, however I do let the students know of any that I come across.
Do you require students, to perform a certain number of times per year?
Students are not "required" to play in front of people, however they are all encouraged to find musicians of the same level or above to play with. It is respected that some students are learning for thier own enjoyment and do not wish to perform. Even as this may be, if a student shows a proficient ability, they might be given incentives to join outside playing activities.
How do you make lessons enjoyable but still productive?
Music is supposed to be fun, I like to keep the lessons upbeat. I always try to gear the lessons to what the student wants to play along with other topics they need to know.
Are any of your students in the music field?
Yes, several are doing well in thier endevours. Two students at present are playing in working bands, one an alternative/punk band that has toured the USA and another in a blues band playing the Philadelphia circuit. Two have went onto college to persue teaching degrees. Still, many others are playing on the side for thier own enjoyment or to make extra money.