I believe that the practice of music leads to a lifetime of happiness and opportunity for increased community connection, personal joy and expression.
My teaching draws on years of professional performance experience as well as classroom, private and small group instruction with students from Kindergarten to Master Degree Candidates.
“Andrew is a remarkable teacher. My son began studying with him at the age of 9, and continued until he left for college.
Providing encouragement, challenge, and superb musicality, Andrew gave my son the tools and confidence to pursue his musical ambitions and many varied opportunities.”
Ziggy - Salem
Educator
“Andrew is the most caring and professional teacher my son has ever had! Andrew is a master musician. He transfers, his vast knowledge and experience they’re rich, meaningful lessons that cater to students interest in abilities. He is patient, personable, and he is a wonderful role model for his students. I feel extremely fortunate to say Andrew is my son‘s drum teacher!”
Stacie Grasso - Newburyport
I currently teach K–8 music at Birches Academy of the Arts & Academics in Salem, New Hampshire, where I design, implement, and assess a comprehensive music curriculum. The elementary program includes First Steps in Music, Conversational Solfège, movement, folk dance, world music, and a sequential ukulele curriculum based on Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory that develops music literacy, performance, improvisation, and dictation skills.
The middle school program includes a three-year general music sequence covering Western classical music, the diverse musical traditions that shaped American music, recorded music history, pop music analysis, and digital music production. Students may also enroll in a three-year Advanced Music program that includes in-depth music theory and history, as well as educational trips to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and Boston Symphony Hall.
I also direct beginning and concert band, as well as a two-level rock band program. Beginners develop foundational skills through scaffolded, riff-based repertoire, while advanced students perform in the Studio Band, collaborate with the middle school choir, and participate in an annual Battle of the Bands. The program has become one of the school's most popular offerings, with nearly 100% sixth-grade participation in band.
“Quote from Erin Balfe Principal”
Drumming has been a lifelong passion and a central part of my daily life. For years, I have maintained a dedicated personal practice routine, continually refining my musicianship, technique, and artistic voice. That commitment allows me to offer students more than performance experience—I can teach the process of becoming a better musician.
My studies include work with educators and performers in the lineage of Alan Dawson, including Bob Gullotti, Jon Hazilla, and Yoron Israel. While these influences helped shape my foundation, I began developing my own approach to the instrument in my thirties. Today, I teach students of every age and musical style, helping each drummer develop the technical skills, musical understanding, and creative confidence needed to reach their goals.
Drawing on Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory, I have developed my own sequential drum set curriculum that guides students from the earliest stages of learning through increasingly advanced levels of performance. Each lesson is personalized to the individual student and combines structured practice routines, musical examples, and practical applications that build both technique and musicianship.
I have worked with students ranging from kindergarten beginners to master's degree candidates, as well as coaching professional musicians. Whether your goal is to play your first beat, prepare for auditions, improve your groove, expand your improvisation, or become a more versatile performer, my teaching is designed to provide a clear, engaging, and effective path forward.
