Robert teaches lessons on many instruments and styles of percussion for ages 7 to adult. He conducts his private lessons with the philosophy that learning an instrument is not learning how to play, but how to practice. That is to say, he does not skip technique which is obviously very important, but he focuses on teaching students to use all the information given to them to figure out the next step in the progress, or answers to new questions. The reason is that when the student comes up with the answer themselves, they will know it much better than if they are constantly spoon-fed the same answer.

Robert has maintained his current private studio in the WNY area since 2006, and in Toledo, Ohio for two years prior.

Areas of focus:

Drumset, from beginner to advanced in any style

Marimba/Vibes/Xylophone, 2-4 mallet playing, classical-jazz-ragtime(xylo)

Timpani

Band/Orchestral percussion

Drum-corps styles (Battery and Pit)

Hand drums (Afro-Cuban, Ghanaian)

Composition/Music Theory

Audition techniques

His students have prepared for and been accepted to university percussion programs such as: Berklee College of Music, Ithaca College, Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music, Bowling-Green State University (Ohio), SUNY Fredonia, Buffalo State College, Villa Maria College, and Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts High School.

Students have gone on to march drum corps with groups including: Cadets (DCI), Glassmen (DCI), Empire Statesmen (DCA), and Rochester Crusaders (DCA).

His students have also consistently won auditions for honors with NYSSMA Conference All-State, Area All-State, NYSBDA Honor Bands, ECMEA All-County Orchestra and Band.

Robert teaches in two locations in the Lancaster-Depew area, Mondays-Saturdays.

Robert is also available for clinics, masterclasses, and recital/guest artist performances.

Please use the contact page information on availability and rates.