Private Lessons for Drums

These lessons are intended for anyone who wants to learn to play the drums, or anyone who already plays but wants to improve. We use fun and simple strategies to get you playing confidently in the shortest amount of time possible, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the more advanced drumming concepts of technique, tone, time, and feel. The program is a great fit for students that are brand new to the instrument as well as those who’ve already spent a little time behind the drums.

Weekly drum lessons are available for ages 6 and up (adults encouraged as well) in either a 30, 45, or 60 minute time slot. The lessons are taught on acoustic drum sets in a tandem side-by-side configuration, which allows students a maximum of hands-on time behind the kit. Once enrolled we’ll put together an individually focused plan that will move you in the direction of the drummer you wish to become. All you need to get started is a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks.

GET IN HERE AND BANG ON SOME DRUMS!  Reach out today to book a free introductory trial lesson.

Private Lessons for Music Production

These lessons are designed to bring musical ideas to life by empowering musicians with techniques and methods to create professional quality recordings and mixes in their own home studios. The curriculum covers fundamental principles through to advanced techniques and creative approaches.  Whether you are just starting out or already have some experience, these lessons offer valuable insight for all skill levels.

Weekly lessons take place at my recording studio and include both a theory-based and practical hands-on format. Music Production lessons are available for ages 15 and up (adults encouraged as well), and offered in 60 minute weekly time slots.

The curriculum is split into two categories with one focusing on Mixing and the other on Recording.

The mix-focused topics include: monitoring, mix preparation, organization, mix objectives, polarity/phase, timing & pitch correction, balance, panning/stereo field, EQ, compression, gates, reverb, delay, modulation, saturation, drum triggering, automation, stereo mix bus, templates, reference mixes, revisions, introduction to mastering, and specific mix techniques for drums, bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, electric & acoustic piano, synthesizers, drum machines, brass, woodwinds, and strings.

The recording-focused topics include: microphones types & placement, preproduction, basic tracking, overdubs, comping, MIDI, phase coherence, arrangement, and specific recording techniques for capturing drums, bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, electric & acoustic piano, synthesizers, drum machines, brass, woodwinds, and strings.

(The Music Production Program is currently on a waitlist, please reach out for more info)

Are the lessons a good fit for kids?

The format works well for both kids and adults. The programs are comprised of hands-on, interactive activities that keep students engaged and excited to learn. We strive to present musical concepts in a fun, positive, and relatable way for students of all ages.

Our primary goal for younger students is that they have fun while also developing an early interest and appreciation for music. That said, stealthily tucked-away just beneath all that fun, the lessons have also been known to teach self-confidence, time management, focus, patience, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment.

Why study here?

The Drum & Music Production programs feature a comprehensive path that will take you from fundamentals through to advanced techniques. The content is paced to fit your individual growth speed and arranged to meet your desired trajectory. The in-person format allows you the opportunity for real-time feedback, and the weekly scheduled lessons act to keep you focused, driven, excited, and engaged. The lessons are well-prepared and presented in a patient, adaptive, and collaborative manner. As an educator, I am deeply invested in helping you to break down the obstacles and connect the dots.

Location & Amenities

The studio is tucked away in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood (3rd & 47th) with plenty of non-metered street parking.  We have a comfortable lounge that is perfect for waiting parents & siblings.

A Little Bit About Me

I found a pair of my dad’s old drum sticks when I was 12, and not long after Santa rolled through with an actual drum kit I had somehow just seen in the 1987 Sears winter catalog.  A few years later, I accepted a Jazz / Drum-set performance scholarship to the University of South Florida, and eventually moved on to Florida State University where I earned a degree in Anthropology with a secondary focus in Ethnomusicology.  The day after I graduated, I loaded up my car with a bag of clothes, my drum kit, and headed northwest for Seattle. Although drumming was still my primary interest, I had begun to grow more enamored with music production. I bought a 4-track cassette recorder and put a million hours on it, stacking synths, layering guitars, flipping and reversing.  I went on to graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle, and accepted a job as the house engineer at Seattle’s London Bridge Studio.  While there, I had the opportunity to work with and learn from many talented & accomplished record producers, musicians, and engineers. I was able to play a small role on some expensive records, and since moving on, able to play a much larger role on many more local releases. These days, I spend my time parenting a rambunctious 7 year old, helping bands make records, and teaching private music production and drum lessons.