March Update - How To Find The Right Drum Teacher For You Or Your Child

This month's update is going to be a little bit different from previous ones.  In Orange County where I teach, there is no shortage of qualified drum teachers.  Many of these teachers I'm blessed to call my friends.  Others aren't so scrupulous and I avoid.  The point of this month's blog is that there is room for everyone and it is important to find the teacher that best suits your needs.

When I was a kid, my mom and dad (although they were great) did not support my drumming endeavors.  As a result, I had to do everything on my own.  I wasn't able to get lessons until I could afford them myself.  Two of the teachers I first studied with were frustrated burn-outs who took out their bitterness on their students.  They would mock my choice in music/drummers.  They did not teach me well.  They would speak badly of other teachers/drummers.

The first good teacher I learned from (recommended by two church friends) was a guy named Mike Brucher.  Mike had a gentle, encouraging spirit.  He taught me the rudiments and got me started reading drum music out of the Funky Primer book.  Eventually money became an issue and I had to stop.  I did not take lessons for many years after this and tried my best to continue on teaching myself.

The second good teacher I had was Roy Burns.  I went to him when I was just out of college.  I had developed tons of bad habits and Roy corrected all of them.  He picked up right where Mike left off.  Rudiments, reading, technique and most importantly he taught me about life.  Life as a human AND as a musician.  I was playing in a country band at the time and he was my lifeline. It was my first pro gig.  Roy's advice was priceless.  I had read his column called "Concepts" in Modern Drummer magazine throughout the mid 80s and was so lucky to study with him.  

The third good teacher I had was Tony Pia.  He was recommended by Gregg Bissonette and a guitarist friend of mine.  Tony was instrumental in my development as an all-around drummer.  He's a super nice and humble guy.  He worked on my coordinated independence and playing different styles.  He is also the main reason I teach today!  He encouraged me to start teaching more seriously!

The fourth good teacher I studied with was Chuck Silverman.  Chuck is an amazing teacher/drummer known for his Afro-Caribbean playing.  In addition to working on all the Latin stuff, Chuck hipped me to tons of career-saving techniques taught to him by the inimitable Murray Spivak (middle finger fulcrum on my right hand matched grip, the Free Stroke/Gladstone technique, etc.)  

I often find myself getting discouraged in hindsight thinking what I might have been had I the parental support I see so many of my own students benefiting from at such a young age.  Then I remind myself that I am truly blessed to have studied with so many amazing drummers who are also amazing human beings.

This brings me to my main point.  When looking for a drum teacher, it is critical to find the right one to suit your needs or the needs of your child.  I wrote some pointers on my website to help educate those looking for a good instructor:

How To Find The Right Drum Teacher For You

I started my teaching career offering lessons out of my home, one day a week.  I began supplementing my home students by offering mobile lessons.  The next step in my teaching journey had me teaching out of a Mars Music store.  When that store went under, I was fortunate enough to start a co-op music school in Anaheim Hills.  That eventually became a corporation and grew very large.  In 2006, I sold my shares to my then business partner and came home... literally!  I went back to teaching out of my house and I've never looked back!

Each of the above teaching modes has pros and cons.  Each drum instructor will base their mode of teaching on what works best for them and their students.  When choosing the right instructor for you or your child, educate yourself as much as possible.  Nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. My approach to teaching is more of mentor/coach based approach then the archetypical Russian piano teacher approach.  This approach works for me and the students who continue studying with me.  Others may need more of a disciplinarian.  Others yet might need the environment of a large lesson studio that offers friendly competition and frequent recitals.  Still others might learn best in the comfort of their own home on their own set of drums.  

Regardless of your preferred learning style, finding the right teacher creates a magical bond.  I've never forgotten the influences of my teachers both in drumming and in life.  I can only hope my students will feel the same way about me.