DRUM LESSONS AT OCTOPUS
Drum lessons at Octopus Music School are taught using our proprietary OPUS curriculum (Octopus Poly-Instrumental Units of Study). OPUS consists of ten grade levels, each with a requisite assessment and certification. From the beginning, we emphasize reading, aural training, proper posture, rhythm skills, and playing along to a diverse repertoire of music. Students will learn all about rudiments, stick control, and hand-to-foot coordination. In addition to private study, all students at Octopus, will have the opportunity to participate in group ensemble classes, which allows students to collaborate and make music with their peers, an experience which is particularly important for those studying the drums.
With consistent practice at recommended intervals, our carefully designed curriculum prepares students to quickly advance from day one by equipping them with the necessary tools and scaffolding to build a comprehensive understanding of the drum set.
Lessons are still tailored to individuals' unique learning needs, and repertoire remains flexible so that students are able to learn music which interests them, however the core content and benchmarks have been standardized to ensure fast and steady progress for students of all ages and skill levels.
CARNEL
Carnel has been playing the drums for 14 years and counts rock, blues, jazz, reggae, funk, and samba amongst his many specialties. During his time in school he had the opportunity to perform competitively at regional and state level events as well as Lincoln Center. In 2011, his snare drumline became USSBA Indoor Percussion State Champions. That same year, Carnel won The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for drum set. In addition to his career as a drum and percussion, he continues to play in a number of ensembles at countless festivals and venues in the Tristate area.
EVAN
Evan completed a BA in Jazz Performance and minor in Music Technology from Mason Gross School of The Arts at Rutgers University, studying under the legendary Victor Lewis. During his time at school, Evan worked closely with such luminaries as Robby Ameen, Mark Gross, and Kenny Davis while performing in a wide variety of musical groups including rock, Latin, and jazz bands (both small and large ensembles), as well as musical theatre pit orchestras. A regular performer at various venues around New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia, he continues his pursuit of performing eclectic styles in a range of musical formats.
GREG
Greg holds a Master of Music Degree from Mason Gross School of The Arts and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from Lawrence University. His drive and passion to teach led him to volunteer as a percussion instructor at the Holy Trinity Music School in Port au Prince, Haiti. A player of varied styles, Greg is fully versed in classical, jazz, rock, and Latin percussion. Over the course of his career he has performed with the Garden State and Bravura Philharmonic Orchestras and collaborated in the recording studio with artists such as Michael Spiro and Dane Richeson.
MIKE
Mike has studied under numerous gifted drum instructors with varied fields of expertise; at Mason Gross with the legendary drummer Victor Lewis and classical composer Joe Tompkins, at the New School Veneto Jazz Workshop with Jeff Hirschfield, and at Julliard with classical percussionist Greg Giannascoli. Studying both classical percussion as well as jazz drum set has given Mike a unique outlook on both the creative fundamentals of improvisation and soloing as well as the importance of the drums in larger ensemble settings. His ongoing performance credits include the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble, the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the WM Jazz Quartet.