enriching lives with the magic of music since 2009
Hand Harmonies Music Lessons with Rob Duquette, M.A.
Multi-intrumentaist, university professor, touring musician, and author/instructor of Hand Harmonies
The hand harmonies book and program is ever changing like music and life itself. Instead of treading the same path everyday by practicing the same things, this instruction manual encourages the student to alter what is played everyday to prepare for anything that might come up in a musical moment. The goal of the program is to be able to freely improvise. It also serves as a maintenance plan for the seasoned musician.
Pedagogy
Listening, musicianship, groove, form, and technique, these are the tenants of Hand Harmonies Music Lessons with Rob Duquette.
All styles of music are related and he loves, plays, and studies them all! Grounded in the traditions of the blues, jazz, rock, and world genres, Rob is invigorated by new styles popping up too. His teaching is for everyone and all genres. Creating a readiness for opportunities that even the student can’t predict, Rob takes pride in preparing his students for anything!
testimonials
Jack Sonni, Dire Straits
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
Karen (mom) and Juli Ennis (student)
I am grateful in my journey as a musician to have played stages large and small, with many great players who are also, good friends. Brother Rob is a member of that club. Playing gigs with Rob on the kit is a true pleasure. He brings deep grooves, fat pockets and impeccable time, with a honed sensitivity to playing exactly what the song needs. An ensemble player who is always listening to the other members of the band. He also has a great gift as a teacher, being able to inspire and impart the techniques he has mastered. Sign Up NOW!
Karen (mom) and Juli Ennis (student)
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
Karen (mom) and Juli Ennis (student)
We were very fortunate to find Rob! Actually, he was referred to us by another musician we respect. My daughter started with guitar and Rob astutely suggested she try drums/percussion. Good call, Rob! 12 years later (or so - lost count) my daughter is now a percussion performance major at the University of Colorado in Boulder on scholarship. She participated in jazz, concert and marching band in high school, and Portland Youth Ensembles, where she developed awesome friendships and leadership skills and learned the dedication and level of commitment required to play music. Rob coached her on the importance of practicing, was flexible in scheduling, kind and supportive. If it were not for Rob, I am not sure if my daughter would be playing music today. Not only do I highly recommend music lessons for students (young and old), but I also highly recommend Rob. You will feel fortunate to have found him too! We can't thank you enough, Rob!!
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
“I believe that Rob Duquette is quite an amazing drummer, which makes him perfect if you are looking to improve your percussion skills. There are many drum teachers out there, but Rob is definitely one of the best choices. Firstly, he has a lot of experience not only in teaching, but particularly teaching percussion, as he was a percussion teacher at UNE for several years. Rob was also a student of the famed Alan Dawson, one of the greatest jazz drummers, and knows many techniques from Alan Dawson. His teaching style is great as well, he never gets mad or yells at you if you can’t do something, he will just stick with you until you get the hang of whatever you’re learning.”
Jonathan Edwards
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
~Luke age 14, Drum student Thornton Academy Jazz Band, OOB Marching Band, Blackout Percussion Band
“Amazing multi-instrumentalist, Rob Duquette on percussion, guitar, vocals and whatever else he can fit in the van.”
Nick Luca, Iron and Wine
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
“Playing music with Rob Duquette is a true joy. Versatility, deep knowledge of musical genres, solid groove, intrinsic feel for dynamics plus masterful technique coupled with original style. Rob Duquette lives and breathes music and always gives 110%. Did I mention fun? Fun!”
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
~John Kumnick, Bass Player for Bowie, Madonna, Chuck Berry, Cyndi Lauper and many more
“Rob Duquette is a great drummer. His energy, taste and musical knowledge make him a complete musician and a joy to play with.”
lessons at our Music and magic home studio
Policies and Information
We are thrilled that you have chosen us to nurture you on this musical journey!
Before first lesson all students (and parents) will be invited to a virtual meeting with Rob and Amanda on Zoom to discuss policies, view the studio, and ask general questions.
Payment and Waiver are due no later than the date of the first lesson, no lessons can take place without payment and a signed waiver. Payments should be made via PayPal, Venmo, or by cash or check to Music and Magic upon receipt of invoice.
Lessons may also be purchased through our here. Scholarships will be made available when there is funding, email amanda@musicandmagic.org for more information about that.
Attendance is important to ensure student is receiving the full benefit of the lessons. We understand that things come up and will offer one week of make up lessons for any missed lessons during the session. Refunds will not be issued for lessons missed. Any lesson cancelled by the instructor or studio will be made up on an agreed upon date and time.
Virtual lessons will be made available if necessary (via ZOOM but subject to change). No refunds/credits will be issued if in-person lessons have to switch to virtual instruction. *if student does not have the instrument needed at home for virtual lessons, Music and Magic will work with the family to make appropriate accommodations.
Safety: Music and Magic is a home studio and has the following requirements for the safety of all students, parents, and staff and will update accordingly.
- 6 feet of distance will be met as much as possible between student and instructor in the studio.
- Masks will be worn by everyone (parents, instructors, staff, students) at all times when inside the building. *if student has a condition that makes mask wearing difficult please just let us know to make accommodations.
- Shared equipment will be sanitized between each student. *students should bring their own drumsticks/guitar
- Studio doors and windows will be open to the extent reasonably possible.
- Students are only allowed in the building at the time of their lesson. No early drop off/late pick up. We do not have a waiting area so please stay in the car until it is your lesson time.
- If a student or household member of student is sick or feeling any symptoms of flu/cold, etc. we ask you to please alert us, choose a virtual lesson that week and stay home until there are no longer any symptoms.
- Snacks will not be permitted in the building. Water bottles are allowed.
Our Studio
Music and Magic is at this time, our in home studio. The front door at 35 Center St. enters into a hallway and the music studio is directly to the left of the door.
We are here to nurture you/your child and have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere to do so. There will always be two adults in the building during lessons and the studio curtains will be open at all times during lessons. Windows will be open when weather permits. There is a bathroom for use down the hall if necessary, but we do ask students to use the bathroom at home before coming to lessons. Parents/caregivers are welcome to park in front of the house and wait while student is in lessons. We highly recommend Elements Cafe a few doors down from us for free wi-fi and coffee while you wait. You are welcome to keep your car parked here and walk to the cafe if that is more convenient for you. When the weather permits, parents/caregivers will be welcome to use our garden patio to wait for students during lessons. We have a puppy and three teenagers in the other parts of our home that are not being used as the music studio.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER
Special holiday offer though 12/31/21
10% off 6 week lesson package
use code: GIFT
Session 1: Jan 4th -Feb 8th
(make up week Feb 15th)
Lessons are scheduled on
Tuesdays at our home studio in Biddeford
60min/week lessons - $300
30min/week lessons- $180
Ages 10-adult and all levels welcome
*30min lessons are recommended for beginners