North Hills, CA Drum Lessons

I teach all styles of drumming with an equal focus on reading music and charts.

I've been teaching drum set for 5 years. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to properly hold a pair of sticks and as time goes on you'll be able to effectively keep time, and play along to songs. I specialize in rock, fuck, pop, and blues drumming. In my lessons I typically us the instructional books Syncopation by Ted Reed and the Drummer's Bible by Mick Berry. At lessons I have two drum sets, drum pads, sticks, brushes, music stands, and various drum books. I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and am excited to teach.

Matthew Smith is a freelance musician from San Diego, California and began playing musically professionally in 2001. Matthew attended California State Fullerton where he earned a bachelors degree in jazz studies in 2012 and is currently pursuing his masters at CalArts. Matthew teaches all ages and can curate a lesson plan personalized to each student. Want to do music as a hobby or as a career? Matthew can give you the necessary steps to achieve your goals and build up your musical proficiency and confidence.

My teaching method always revolves around keeping things loose and fun. However while we are working toward your goals (learning a specific drum pattern or playing along to your favorite band) I will be making sure that we are addressing important technique issues including dynamics, grip, posture and others.

Our lessons together can be customized any way you wish so no matter what your drumming goals are we can get there together. I look forward to hearing from you!

As a teacher, I believe that learning to play music is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. My goal is to help you take your musical aspirations as far as you can! As one of Southern California’s most renowned teachers, I have been teaching for over 20 years and am known as a specialist in using state-of-the-art methods in developing vocabulary, command, and control of the complete drum set. You will learn the masterful stick, finger and foot techniques used by the professionals.
What sets me apart from other teachers is my performance experience as an instructor/clinician. I have performed educational clinics at several universities, colleges, schools and music stores throughout the country. My knowledge and experience, unlimited 24/7 student support, follow-up and passion for music education is unparalleled.
I am the author of the education instructional video series titled, “The True Basics of Drumming”. My video series outlines some of my teaching and playing ...

Athan G has taught drums for eight years, and strives to provide each student with exactly what they need to excel. He has extensive training, both from CSUN as a Jazz Performance major and performing around the world in various groups. From basic technique, to advanced technical and musical studies, his wealth of knowledge and experience will help you improve immensely. He teaches based on each individual student in order to provide you with the best and most fun learning experience.

My experience spans over 25 years of performing and teaching every drumming style. Each lesson will include period of rudimental work, rhythm reading, and playing different styles behind the drum set. I believe in creating an environment that is focused on playing music well and where the student can have fun while gaining confidence. It is important to develop drummers into functional musicians with good technique, reading skills, and time. We will cover all styles of drumming from jazz to rock/pop, including funk, progressive, all of the Latin styles, even hybrid drumming and other percussion as desired.

Any genre, any song. Teaching for 20 years. I tailor each lesson to the needs/goals of every student.

For beginners, I can write easy versions of your favorite songs for you, while giving you a well balanced music education.

For more advanced players, I can show you how to play almost any drum part, and show you tips on how to figure out drum parts by ear and make your own.

Since I play other instruments, I can show you how to jam to anything and sound good while having a blast!

For children, I make lessons fun and varied with learning and musical games to keep them excited and engaged.

For everyone, I can teach you the most efficient ways to learn any musical skill based on experience and leading scientific books on learning, while keeping lessons fun!

I have 17 years of experience playing and studying drums, and I look forward to sharing that with you! I'm a flexible & fun teacher who likes to see my students succeed.

I like to tailor lessons to whatever your goals are. We can learn one of your favorite songs, I can teach you drum-set exercises to improve your coordination, or we can practice rudiments to ensure you've got a great drumming foundation.

Please feel free to message me a question!

The drums are the backbone of most music, so you have to be able to feel the groove and stay tight and on top of the beat. I encourage students to pick their favorite songs, and we drum to those while learning proper technique, rudiments, song form, fills, rhythm, different grooves / beats, and anything they want to know about the drums. I have been playing the drums for over sixteen years and have a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Berklee College of Music. Drums is a beautiful art and form of expression and is just the tip of the iceberg we can tackle called Music.