Douglas O.

Originally from New York City, I started playing drums when I was 10 years old and studied with studio/Broadway drummer Roger Mancuso. After graduating from Ohio University, I studied and was managed by the famous studio drummer/author Gary Chester. As a full-time working musician I have played on many national commercials, Broadway, off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway shows. I was signed for three years to Carrere Records, a subsidiary of Warner Bros./Reprise Records. I have toured Europe and most of the USA with acts such as Luther Allison, Johnny Winter, Big Bill Morganfield, Bo Diddley, Joey Dee, Gary US Bonds, Zoot Sims, Jeremy Steig, Bobby Lewis, Alex Chilton (From The Box Tops), Eddie Brigati (From The Young Rascals), Johnny Rivers, Little Anthony (From The Imperials) and many more.

I also founded the Columbus, Ohio band The Drifter Kings. Whose debut CD, "Diamonds On The Desert Floor", was produced by Alligator recording artist Michael Hill. The CD was nominated by the Blues Foundation of Memphis, Tennessee as a top-5 finalist at the 2011 International Blues Challenge and has been receiving airplay on stations across North America, South America, and Europe as well as being honored as a pick to click on Sirius/ XM's B.B. Kings Bluesville. It was also featured as a winner of Blues Revue Magazine's Sponsor the Bands Contest in the May/ June 2011 issue.

I have been teaching since 1978 and many of my students have gone on to pursue professional music careers. I am a very well-rounded musician and teacher, experienced in many aspects of musical training and performance. I have worked with every age level, from the beginner to advanced student, in one-on-one as well as classroom settings. I am patient and will bring out the best in my students. You will definitely benefit from my years of musical experience.



*** Lesson Details ***
Our musical experience together will be fun and educational. You will learn the basics of drumming: rudiments, chart reading and complete independence. Lessons will be tailored to each individual student's needs, abilities and interests. Handouts, lesson books and videos will be incorporated in the curriculum.

These lessons will cover the drumming skills needed for playing all musical genres including jazz, blues, rock, pop and world music. Based on my years of experience in the studio and on the road, I will also offer advice on starting a band if desired, types of equipment appropriate to various musical genres. and practical skills for entering the music business.

My teaching style is structured but flexible. The student will learn at their own pace. As with any course of study, the more effort you put into it, the more you will benefit. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement Studio: Gretsch USA Custom Drum Kit, Mapex Rebel Drum Kit, Peavy Classic 30 Amp, Drum Videos, Metronome, Seating For Parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Handouts, Incidentals - I'll provide.

Drum Kit, Practice Pad, Sticks, Metronome - Student to provide.

*** Specialties ***
Complete independence, open arms (left hand leads), chart reading and writing, all styles.