Vatan Singh Rajan

12 Years of performing and teaching experience

I am as committed to teaching music as I am to performance and composition. I have taught drum set and music theory since 2012, both as a private instructor and at several institutions. I work with musicians of all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginners to professional musicians, and have taught several workshops for charity.

My musical education has been the most important and enjoyable experience of my life, and I consider it my mission to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to my students. As a recipient of 3 music degrees, I strive to distill an elite conservatory education into fun, efficient lessons.

My teaching philosophy is based entirely on engagement and enjoyment - I always want learning music to be a lively experience. Classes will make careful use of your favourite music to teach concepts in a compelling and memorable way.

Testimonials

'Vatan is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced drummer. He has the talent not only to play with the best in New York, but also to communicate these talents to students at any level. I've learned a lot from him and look forward to studying with him further.'

- Ben, Advanced Drum Student and Professional Drummer

'Absolutely thrilled to have Vatan as my drum teacher. His expertise, patience, and encouragement have truly transformed my drumming skills, especially starting from zero. Each lesson is tailored to my progress, making learning both effective and enjoyable. Highly recommend Vatan for anyone looking to master the drums'

- Dana, Drum Set Student

'Vatan is the best I have ever worked with. He makes the lessons fun, challenging and has reinvigorated my desire to seriously pursue playing at a high level. He has surrounded me with exceptional jazz musicians which has accelerated my rock skills. He pushes and challenges me and I have been thrilled with the results.'

- Mark, Advanced Drum Set and Ensemble Student

Teaching Style

My lessons are tailor-made for each student, with hours spent studying and analysing their musical goals and favourite music to incorporate them into lesson plans. Classes are created entirely from scratch for each student using their favourite songs, artists, and genres as examples to convey musical concepts effectively.

Through working and studying with some of the best musicians in the world, I've learned that an educator's foremost asset is infectious enthusiasm, and I'm deeply invested in my students' progress.

I've been fortunate to receive 3 music degrees - a Performance Diploma from the Global Music Institute, and a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music The New School. I completed extensive coursework in music education and pedagogy, and isolated the most crucial aspects of classical conservatory training for accelerated learning.

Audition prep and coaching

With a decade of experience in music academia, I'm uniquely equipped to help students with conservatory ambitions navigate the application and audition process. I've received scholarships from The New School, The New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, New York University Steinhardt, and the Aaron Copland School of Music, and have served on admissions committees and audition panels.

I'm acutely aware of the challenges students face during their applications and auditions, and I'm committed to assisting them wherever possible, through one-on-one coaching, application reviews, and audition preparation.

Scholarships available

I sincerely believe that that cost should never be a barrier to music education, and will work with students to subsidise the cost of lessons whenever required, adopting a pay-what-you-can model for students and families who demonstrate financial need.

institutions

Graduate Music and Theory Tutor, The New School (2023-present)

Conservatory Music and Theory Tutor, The New School (2017-22)

Lead Drum Instructor, School of Rock White Plains (2022-23)

Lead Drum Instructor, Guitar Center Union Square (2022-23)

Guest Instructor, Mirambika Free Progress School (2018)

Course Assistant, Global Music Institute (2014-15)