Instruction — ANDREW KLEIN MUSIC

I have over 20 years of playing experience and over 10 years of teaching experience with students of all ages and proficiencies. I owe my teaching technique and general lesson plan to my first great teacher and mentor Don Perlman, founder of Westchester Percussion Studio with whom I studied regularly for 7 years. Other notable teachers include Andre Sumelius, Juan Luis Castano Alvarez, and Timothy Hooker.

Typical sessions are 1 hour at your location at a mutually convenient time at or at my studio in the Throgs Neck area of the Bronx (after 7:30 pm). I like to focus on studying the Moeller technique, especially toward the beginning of working with my students. I fully believe in rudiments (“the basics”) and gaining a strong proficiency for them before advancing. Each session is tailored to the individual strengths, weaknesses, needs, and interests of my students, and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds of playing. In addition to teaching hand and foot technique, I also place emphasis on independence, style, feel, creativity, and improvisation. I do work out of some books with my students too, but my goal is to help develop an organic artist who relies on ideas and creativity instead of stock rhythms from a catalogue of patterns (which are important to be familiar with, but not my main focus). I’m open to instructional requests as well, and as a capable and enthusiastic multi-percussionist, I’m glad to offer instruction on other rhythmic percussion instruments.

With all of that said, it is also very important to me to nurture a true love for the instrument and for improvement. The concept of “fun” is one which is too often overlooked by teachers, especially when working with fledgling students and it is a goal of mine to make sure that my students leave each lesson feeling great about themselves and their progress and eager to return for the next lesson. If it is requested of me to be a disciplinarian, I can do that as well (in a respectful, professional manner), but I find that positivity, enjoyment, and creative expression yield the best results.

Skype lessons are possible. Contact me for rates and further details or with any questions you might have. I look forward to working with you!