What will my first drum lesson be like?

The free trial lesson is a chance to hear and see how you play, discuss your problems, make some goals and outline the steps to get there. If you have no experience with drumming, we'll go over the basics of hand technique, stroke motions, basic rhythms and grooves.

Do I need to own a drum set?

No. At least not right away. If you don’t own a drum set and want to take a few lessons first, I would request that you purchase a practice pad, snare stand and drum sticks. I can help you with this. The fundamentals of stick grip, strokes and rhythms can be practiced and later transferred to the real thing once you’re ready to purchase one.

An hour lesson every week is best. If you have a hard time committing to weekly lessons than 90 bi-weekly is lesson is recommended. Infrequent drop-in lessons aren’t ideal.

How often should I have a drum lesson?

It’s expected that you put an honest effort of 1-2 hours of focused practicing/playing multiple days a week. I’ll work with you to piece together a routine that will touch on all the areas we’ll cover. If you feel like you didn’t practice as much as you wanted….it’s ok….everyone whose ever played music has felt the same way.

How often should I practice?

What will my second drum lesson be like?

We’ll go over the material from the previous lesson, comment on your work and make suggestions on improvement. If I feel that you're making progress with a particular item, we’ll move to the next step.

There’s a wide range of electronic kits available on the market and many of my students have used them. If you set the volume low enough or use head phones, you can play at all hours of the night. A beginner kit that has everything you need can start at $300. Higher end models have a drum like feel rebound are programed with a bank of realistic sampled drum sounds.

I live in an apartment.. I can only practice at night.. I can’t make too much noise...etc.

Yes! One of the great things about the drum set is that it’s completely customizable. Many companies offer adjustable hardware so that pieces can be arranged in a variety of ways. If you’re injured or unable to use some part of your body, I’ll help you make the instrument work for you.

Do you teach students with physical limitations?

Do you have experience with teaching students of neurodiversity?

I have taught many students who live with ADD, MS, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and other nerve/muscular conditions. By setting incremental goals, pacing lessons appropriately and adjusting certain aspects of physicality, these students have excelled with drumming regardless of any trait that might be perceived as a hurdle.

Yes, if you’re located in the greater St. Louis area. However I will ask for an additional travel fee if the distance to your location is considerable.

Do you give lessons in student homes?

60 min = $60 90min = $75

Lessons payments are due at the beginning of a monthly (4 lessons weekly) or a bi monthly (2 lessons every other week) cycle. I accept check, cash and digital transfer.

If you can’t make a lesson you may reschedule it along as you contact me before the 24hr window of the lesson time. If a student is a "no show” and/or if a student cancels within 24 hours of the lesson time it will considered a forfeited lesson and you will be charged for the time. Bad weather, or unforeseen circumstances may be considered as an exception as long as you contact ASAP.

If I cannot make a lesson time I will contact you as soon as I can to reschedule.

What is your Lesson Rate and Lesson Policy?

Yes, but it depends the following: Your love for music and learning, determination to improve, discipline in the practice room, creativity on the instrument and a desire to play. Ultimately really comes down to what you put into it. For anyone to get anywhere with anything you must do the work. There’s nothing in my power (other than inspiring you) that can change that.