Business Details
Your Trusted Music School in Palisades Park, NJ
At New Jersey Drum School, we are dedicated to cultivating excellence in musicianship through personalized instruction and a legacy of professional expertise. Founded by Michael Hinton, a master percussionist with over 30 years of experience on Broadway and global stages, our school combines rigorous technical training with a passion for musical artistry. Our curriculum is designed to nurture students at every levelfrom beginners to professionalsemphasizing the importance of disciplined practice and parental engagement. Michaels wife, Mineko Yajima, a Juilliard-trained violinist and member of Lincoln Centers Mostly Mozart Orchestra, complements our offerings with her own distinguished teaching background.We prepare students for admission to top-tier conservatories and foster lifelong musical growth, supported by monthly jam sessions with professionals and access to a state-of-the-art recording studio. Our alumni have gone on to prestigious institutions like Juilliard and careers in major orchestras and Broadway productions, reflecting our commitment to developing well-rounded, successful musicians.
Services
Drum Lessons
Percussion Instruction
Violin Lessons
Jazz Piano Instruction
Monthly Jam Sessions
Recording Studio Training
Music School Preparation
World Percussion Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from Grammy-nominated musicians with decades of Broadway and global performance experience.
- Our curriculum prepares students for admission to top conservatories like Juilliard and Berklee College of Music.
- Monthly jam sessions provide hands-on experience with professional musicians.
- Access to a professional recording studio for learning music production and engineering.
- Proven track record of alumni succeeding in major orchestras, Broadway, and music education.
Services
Drum Lessons
Our drum lessons focus on technical precision, rhythmic complexity, and stylistic versatility. Students learn from Michael Hinton, a Broadway veteran with experience in over 30 years of professional performances. The curriculum integrates jazz, rock, and orchestral techniques to build adaptable skills for diverse musical contexts.
Violin Instruction
Led by Mineko Yajima, a Juilliard graduate and Lincoln Center performer, violin instruction emphasizes classical mastery and expressive interpretation. Students benefit from her expertise in chamber music and Broadway productions, gaining both technical proficiency and stage-ready confidence through personalized lesson plans.
Jazz Piano Instruction
Jazz piano courses teach harmony, improvisation, and performance dynamics. Michael Hintons Afro-Cuban music expertise informs a unique approach to rhythm and clave patterns, helping students develop a versatile foundation applicable to jazz, pop, and classical genres.
Recording Studio Training
Students gain hands-on experience in our professional recording studio, learning audio engineering, mixing, and production workflows. This program equips aspiring musicians with technical skills to produce high-quality recordings and manage studio operations independently.
Monthly Jam Sessions
Held at Leonia Presbyterian Church, these sessions connect students with professional musicians for collaborative playing. Weekly Wednesday and Saturday sessions, plus second Friday events, emphasize real-world performance skills, ensemble coordination, and improvisation in a supportive environment.
People
Michael Hinton
Founder & Music Instructor
A Grammy-nominated percussionist with 30+ years on Broadway, Michael has performed with The Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra, and in over 20 major Broadway shows. He holds a Juilliard Masters degree and specializes in jazz, orchestral, and world percussion instruction.
Mineko Yajima
Violin Instructor
A Juilliard graduate and tenured member of Lincoln Centers Mostly Mozart Orchestra, Mineko brings expertise in classical violin and chamber music. She performs in Disneys Aladdin on Broadway and specializes in nurturing young violinists for professional careers.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer lessons in drums, percussion, violin, jazz piano, and world percussion. Our curriculum also includes recording studio techniques and ensemble performance training.
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes. Founder Michael Hinton holds a Juilliard Master’s degree and has performed in over 20 Broadway shows. Violin instructor Mineko Yajima is a Juilliard graduate and member of Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Orchestra.
Do you prepare students for music colleges?
Yes. We specialize in preparing students for top conservatories like Juilliard, Berklee, and Eastman School of Music, with a track record of alumni successfully entering these programs.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes. Monthly jam sessions at Leonia Presbyterian Church and recording studio access provide hands-on experience. Students also participate in recitals and collaborative projects with professional musicians.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Palisades Park, NJ, and surrounding areas including Leonia, where our monthly jam sessions are held at Leonia Presbyterian Church.
