FAQs

DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO PLAY TO TAKE LESSONS?

No experience necessary! I am happy to work with beginners of all ages.

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR A LONG TIME, BUT STILL FEEL I AM MISSING SOME DRUMMING SKILLS, CAN YOU HELP?

I tailor my lessons to your needs, so I will do my best to find things to help improve what you feel are the weaknesses in your playing. If you play in a band and need help with songs or parts – or have hit a wall and are ready for some new things to work on, I can usually help with those sorts of situations.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A DRUM KIT TO TAKE LESSONS IN-PERSON?

You don’t need ANYTHING to try a drum lesson. I have all of the things you will need at my teaching studio. In fact, it might be better to try a lesson before you purchase anything at all.

Usually after the first session (if you decide to continue) the best place to start is by buying a pair of sticks and a practice pad. I can advise you in person as to the optimal sizes and styles at our lesson.

Purchasing a drum kit is a big investment and it is important to make sure that you want to play before you make that investment. Some people are sure BEFORE they come for a lesson – that’s great, too! But if you aren’t, it’s totally fine to do some lessons and try it out before you buy a kit. I have everything we need to play at my studio – you can just bring yourself.

HOW ABOUT LEARNING VIRTUALLY OR TAKING AN ONLINE COURSE?

If you're considering taking lessons online or enrolling in a course, I've got some additional tips - scroll down to the bottom of this page, you'll get more info/gear ideas here: https://onlinedrumlessons.teachable.com/p/beginner-to-band

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT?

I accept students of all ages. Adults of all ages and levels are welcome – you are never too old to learn something new!

On the other end of the age spectrum, I have found that younger students (ages 3 – 7) tend to progress at a slower pace than kids a little older (ages 8 or 9 and above). Their attention spans are shorter and most need help with practice at home.

WHERE ARE THE IN-PERSON LESSONS?

I have a music studio in the Excelsior District of San Francisco where I teach lessons. There are two drum sets set up and a P.A. system so that we can play along to songs and listen to music. I also have a wide variety of various percussion instruments, including a marimba and xylophone available there.

WHAT STYLES DO YOU TEACH?

My main style of playing drum kit is rock/pop/blues. I have also studied and can help you learn about jazz and latin drumming. Although I make no claims of being an expert in those styles, I can certainly get you started. I have a degree in percussion and have studied and played in a variety of musical situations including marching bands, concert bands, orchestras, new music ensembles, and percussion ensembles.