Online Drum Lessons From Anywhere!

Offering online drum lessons! I've taught online for several years and am very experienced with the tailoring the way that I teach to be as realistic and similar to in-person lessons as possible.

$30/half hr, $45/45 mins, or $60/hr

Head to the LESSONS page to enroll.

What are the benefits to online drum lessons?

You can take lessons from the comfort of your own home and don't have to spend 20-40 minutes round trip driving to a studio. There aren't the distractions that a studio would have like the sound of multiple other instruments going on.

Also, if you don't live in Austin or a large metropolitan area with strong teachers, online lessons could be your best option!

What sort of things will be taught?

The same things that are covered in in-person lessons are taught online like theory, technique, songs, melody, rhythm, harmony, counting systems, improvisation, soloing, arranging, composition, and more!

How do online lessons typically go?

I often start with some type of warm up which could be drawn from the rudiments. It's nice to play something straight, centered, and even before splitting off into more drum set type of activities where the hi hat and snare drum are playing different things.

Then, we'd work on 1-2 measure grooves which could fit over an entire song. I often use the "share screen" feature on Zoom to put on a song that students can play along to. For example, Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) is a great first song where there is a clear steady beat for students to find and join in on.

After that, we would dive into a longer arrangement which might have several parts like a verse, fill, and chorus. The transitions are usually the toughest part so we might spend time working on each part individually and then the transitions going from one section to another.

I always use the "share screen" feature and have some type of chart so that students can connect what the sheet music looks like with how the music sounds. You're also welcome to print out the charts if you'd like.

Visually, I frequently highlight with my cursor exactly where a student ought to be looking so that there's no question what they should be playing if there are several things on the page.

Spoonman (Soundgarden)

Also, I have a great setup with a Sony ZV-E10 camera so that you have a clear view of all of the drums.

The exact view that you'll be getting during online lessons

Unless if I have the laptop camera on when I'm talking to you!

Me on Zoom from my laptop's view

Can you teach beginners online?

Yes, I teach beginners all the time online who have never taken a single drum lesson before.

Will my child stay focused?

For 30 minutes, I can absolutely keep a child's attention by going between a few varying activities! If they are having a hard time staying focused, it can help to have a parent sitting in and helping.

Will they still learn proper technique?

Since I'm there live, I can see and help with proper technique. It's mostly about having the palm down or thumb up (depending on the grip), having the stroke come mostly from the wrist, going straight up and down with the stick, and aiming at the center of the drum head.

What about intermediate and advanced students?

Sure thing! With intermediate and advanced students, we can do all sorts of complex grooves and long arrangements.

Bulls On Parade (Rage Against The Machine)

What equipment do I need for lessons?

You just need a laptop/tablet with Zoom and a drum set (either acoustic or electronic is fine) or a practice pad, and sticks.

You'll have to find the audio setting "original sound for musicians" and have it toggled during lessons so that I can hear you playing. Otherwise, the program will filter out those sounds so I can just hear your voice and the drums will be muted.

Online lessons versus just learning on Youtube?

Online lessons have a huge advantage over Youtube because you get direct and instantaneous feedback. With Youtube, there's no way of knowing if what you're playing is definitely correct so it's paramount to have a real live person telling you and guiding you with personalized mentorship while your progress on your journey.

Downsides of learning online?

One downside is that I can't accompany you on piano in real time which is often super fun. Also, you can't hear the actual acoustic vibrations of my instrument.

What if we disconnect?

No worries! We can have the lesson run a little late or add time later so that there's no stress or pressure with any sort of technical difficulties.

What do we do instead of recitals?

We can do all sorts of projects instead! This week, I'm having all of my students find some sort of visual (a photo or short video) and we're composing something to fit it. It could be a cover of a song, a new composition, or a drum solo. What I want for them is to match the mood or message of the visual and tap into their creativity that way.

How do I enroll?

You can head to the LESSONS page and fill out the form. I will get back to you as soon possible!