James C., Drums Teacher, NYC
(212) 537-6746
About Me:
I am a strong believer in creating a teaching environment that is both fun and educational. I focus not only on good musical technique, but also introducing my students to various styles of music that interest them. I teach my students fingering exercises (on clarinet), and rudimentary training (on drums) and my musical knowledge extends from classical to modern. I teach all ages and levels, and will cater to each student's personal needs. I look forward to working with you.
Styles:
Jazz, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Funk, Heavy Metal, Fusion, Latin
Subjects:
Theory, Ear Training, Classical Music History, Rock Music History
Ages:
Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage
Availability:
Downtown Manhattan, DUMBO, Tribeca, Upper East Side, Upper West Side
Major Influences:
Questlove Thompson, Tony Williams, Prefuse 73, David Silvera
To inquire about Drums lessons with James, please fill out the Inquiry Form on this page, or call us at (212) 537-6746.
James also teaches clarinet up to a professional level.
Experience:
- Motion Commotion, independent progressive band, drums, clarinet, voice, keyboards: Work includes creation of EP album, and first national tour [Summer, 2006]
- Wall-to-Wall Stravinsky, Symphony Space, NYC Purchase Orchestra, Jesse Levine, conductor
- Purchase Orchestra, Jesse Levine, Conductor: Performances include Strauss, Death and Transfiguration (principal), Debussy, L’Apres-midi d’un faune (principal, freshman year); Berg, Violin Concerto (bs cl); Ruggles, Men and Mountains, (bs cl); Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker (bs cl).
- Purchase Opera Theater: Performances include Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel (principal); Poulenc, Les Dialogues des Carmelites (principal)
- Private coach for the contemporary ensembles Motion Commotion and Paper City, and various classical chamber groups
- Apple Farm Arts and Music Center: Clarinet and Percussion Instruction
Education:
- Bachelor's of Music (BM), SUNY Purchase [2006]
Studied With:
- Ayako Oshima [2002 - 2006]
Awards:
- Graduated Cum Laude - SUNY Purchase [2006]
- Charles E. Jones Memorial Woodwind Scholarship - LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts [2002]
- Spirit of LaGuardia Medal for music - LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts [2002]
Discography:
- Motion Commotion - "Motion Commotion" [2006]
- James Cucinotta - "Private Recital" [2006]
Drums lesson Gift Certificates are available in assortments of 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 lessons. We can send the Gift Certificate to you by email as a PDF file or by regular mail if you prefer.
The individual instruments of a drum kit are struck by a variety of implements held in the hand, including sticks, brushes, and mallets. Two notable exceptions include the bass drum, played by a foot-operated pedal, and the hi hat cymbals, which use a foot pedal in addition to the normal striking motion.