“Ben always looked out what worked best for me. It was nice that he didn’t just have the same thing for all students, but he understood how learned, and adapted the lessons for me. It’s pretty cool to have a teacher do that. ”

“I started taking lessons with Ben in 5th grade. With a mixture of book exercises, playing alongs, and handouts, Ben always made sure I learned things one way or another. By 8th grade, I was selected to play with the high school marching band! Playing with kids 5 years my senior! Since then, he’s helped me keep up the pace with my school marching and jazz bands as well as learn out to play songs on the drum kit. ”

“Initially I wanted to learn some “sweet drum licks”, but Ben set me straight to get a clean start as I had developed some bad habits. Later we dove into jazz (something I never thought I could play) and it opened up a whole new world of music to me. Ben taught me how to develop rhythms into phrases and to think of music as a language which was a big game changer. Having a song, or phrase in your head to play along with was a new way to sit behind the kit for me; I usually had an idea but it was more instinctual then thought out. Another thing I saw improve were my hands. Being able to “drive” on the ride or hi-hat with meaning and consistency. ”

“I’ve played drums for 16 years before taking my first lesson with Ben. I studied with teachers in high school (in jazz and marching band) and had online lessons too. Every teacher though, had cared more about playing beats and exercises rather than being musical. Studying with Ben was different. Technique and musicality were prioritized, as this was something I was long looking for in a teacher”

“When I turned 55 I decided it was time to learn drumming. When I started studying with Ben he made learning the drums a fun, relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. We always progressed at a pace that I was comfortable with. If I was having issues grasping a particular concept, we would take our time and work through it comfortably, successfully, and stress free.”

“When I started under Ben’s instruction, I had never played drums before. He taught me basic grooves, variations and how to play along with and pushed me beyond my comfort zone when we got into jazz drumming. Ben was always good at assessing my hands and feet and whether I was using them properly too. He taught me to also play in a relaxed manner and always be aware of timing.
I would highly recommend Ben as he’s a is super talented player and a great teacher. With his guidance I’ve developed such appreciation for music and discovered how fun drumming can be. ”

“At the time we started lessons with Ben in 2012, my son Derek was moderately Autistic but had an affinity towards music. In the beginning he had substantial problems paying attention during lessons, but Ben found a way to teach him music by ear, which he loved and enjoyed. He thrived as a result of Ben’s teaching and started coming out of his own world. During the last two to three years, Ben had helped him advance so that he could read music and play with others in a band!”

“I think the most important way you have helped me is by not allowing me to get away with bad technique! I have learned about how the motions of playing drums work and how the music comes out of the motions.”

“YES! Without hesitation I would recommend Ben for drum lessons! He’s an extraordinary teacher and great mentor to my son. He’s a real pro! Again, more than happy to recommend Ben! He’s amazing instructor!”

“Ben has a good teaching style that works for me. What the path to accomplishment is and how what we’re doing today contributes to that/fits into the big picture. 5 stars! ”