Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! There are many benefits to getting drum instruction immediately. Most importantly, you'll learn the basics correctly and start developing good habits right away. And research shows you'll also progress faster. You will learn new concepts and techniques much faster than if you were trying to teach yourself.

Again, absolutely! You've taken years to acquire the skills and knowledge that you already have. We'll start by assessing your current skill level and goals and develop a lesson plan that is tailored to your individual needs from there.

No. My teaching approach and topics covered will vary from student to student based on their individual needs. Essentially it comes down to: a) determining the students goals; b) assessing their current skill level; and c) developing a curriculum to help them improve their proficiency in order to meet their goals. For example, for a high school age student looking to audition for marching band, we'll spend the majority of lesson time building hand technique through rudiments and stick control exercises, along with a good amount of music reading. For a drummer looking to gain proficiency on the drumkit, we'll identify those areas needing work (i.e. basic timekeeping, coordination, double bass playing, etc.) and work on each area as needed.

Yes! While many drum instructors work exclusively on technical exercises, only by learning how to utilize those skills in a musical context will you be able to reach your goals and become a true musician. My beginner drum set students are generally working on 1 or 2 songs that are at a similar level to the technique and coordination exercises that we are working on at the time. Intermediate and advanced students often spend more time on songs if they are preparing for live performances.

How good are you now? ;-) All kidding aside, everyone is different. How long it takes to get really good at drums depends on a number of factors, including your natural talent, how much time you practice, and the quality and focus of your instruction. Most students who apply themselves show noticeable improvement in just a handful of lessons. I can help give you the tools, but what you build with them and how long it will take will be entirely up to you. Here are some tips to help you get better faster:

• Practice regularly. Aim to practice for at least 10-30 minutes each day. Consistency is more important than quantity.
• Focus on the basics. Make sure you have a solid foundation in the basics of drumming, such as grip, posture, and technique.
• Play with other musicians. This is a great way to learn new skills and improve your timing and improvisation skills.
• Listen to music and pay attention to the drumming. Try to identify the different drum beats and patterns that are being used.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. Try new things and see what works for you. Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the learning process.

I strongly encourage all students to learn to read music. Initially, this allows you to work on practice materials at home without having to 'memorize' each weeks lesson. More importantly, music notation is a universal language that allows musicians to communicate with each other more effectively. You'll be able to learn new songs and drum parts much faster than if you had to learn them by ear and you'll develop a deeper understanding of music theory and rhythm. Learning just a handful of notes, rests, and time signatures will get you well on your way to being a proficient music reader.

Yes! While I teach primarily out of my home studio in Blacklick, OH (which is set up with dual drum kits and digital recording capabilities) I also provide lessons in students' own homes using their own drums in the greater Columbus Metropolitan Area. Click here for more info! Virtual lessons are also available anywhere in the world with an internet connection!

Lessons are offered afternoons and evenings Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (Friday schedules subject to change based on my live performance schedule.) I also have limited times available on Saturday mornings and early afternoons. Contact me to inquire about currently available lesson times or if you have any special scheduling requests.

If you're just starting out, or just want to concentrate on the snare drum, you can get started with nothing more than a pair of sticks and a basic practice pad.

• Drumsticks. It is important to choose drumsticks that are the right size and weight for you. A good rule of thumb is to start with a pair of sticks which are medium in size and weight.
• A practice pad is a great way to learn the basic rudiments of drumming without having to make a lot of noise. Most practice pads also offer a surface that promotes stick rebound making it easier to get a feel for double strokes and multi-stroke stickings.
• I also recommend a metronome, which is a device that produces a steady beat to help develop your timing. These days, most of my students use a basic metronome app on their phones or computer.

Of course, if you're interested in learning the drum kit, you'll eventually want to purchase either an acoustic or electronic drum kit. Both have their advantages and weak points. I am always happy to help you choose the right equipment and get you started on your drumming journey!

To cancel or change a scheduled lesson, all you need to do is call, text or email me at least 24 hours prior to the time of our appointment. Any lesson that is missed or cancelled after the cut-off time must be paid for in full. (Occasional exceptions for illness or emergencies may be granted by instructor.)

As a drummer, I'm naturally drawn to styles and artists that are "drumistically" interesting. Starting as a young drummer, I was initially drawn to the heavy rock drummers of the time. Then, in junior high and high school, I got involved in marching band, jazz band, pit band, orchestra, etc. and that exposed me to a variety of other styles and techniques. Upon attending Berklee College of Music, I was thrown into virtually every type of musical situation you could image. While my professional career has been mostly pop and rock focused (visit my Discography), I still enjoy playing everything from light jazz to melt-your-face blazing double-bass heavy metal! Currently I have students that range from beginners learning how to hold a drumstick — to students working on their rudiments for marching band and drum corps — to jazz students preparing for college auditions — to pro-caliber drummers getting ready to record their bands new metal record! I cover the gamut!

If you read the question above you'll know that I've played virtually all types of music at one time or another. As you develop a strong knowledge of drumming, it becomes clear that rhythm is the foundation of all music. It is the pattern of beats and rests that gives music its drive and energy. Rhythm is found in all types of music, from classical to rock to pop to jazz to deathmetal. It's the approach, attitude and performance that really separates the various styles.

Go to the Lesson Plans section. Then, simply register using the PayPal buttons. Or, send me an email through the contact form. I will promptly respond to answer any questions you might have and to schedule your initial lesson! I look forward to meeting you!

Yes! Purchase any lesson plan and then contact me. I will email you a printable, personalized gift certificate that you can present to the recipient. After receiving the gift all they have to do is call or email and we will arrange the exact dates and times of the lessons. Click here for more info.