

Johnny R.


Teaching Locations:

Now accepting select drum students ages 10+ for live, one on one online lessons.
There's nothing more fulfilling than learning to play, and by studying with me, you'll get an incredible knowledge of the basics and advanced techniques of becoming a great drummer.
Whether your goal is to join your first band, lay down electronic beats for EDM, get better in your current band or church ministry, my goal is to help you excel quicker and better than you ever could by doing it alone.
I am a pretty serious drummer and accept students who are serious about their craft. You don't have to be incredible - but you do have to want to improve and have the dedication to study, practice, and perform. Oh, and we have a TON OF FUN along the way!
So, if this fits your idea of a teacher, please set up a no-risk intro pack of lessons. If you're not satisfied, or I'm not your cup of tea, TakeLessons offers a refund for your remaining lessons.
LEVELS AND STYLES
If you're new, but dedicated to learning, I would love the opportunity to help you get started. Or, if you're already a good drummer, I would love to continue to foster a level of independence and creativity for your drum playing. You can expect customized lessons based on your learning level and goals.
Having a favorite style of music shouldn’t be an impediment to your growth as a drummer. In fact, learning new styles will further enhance the one you love the most, with more independence and dynamic playing. In our class, we'll be learning multiple techniques from a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, EDM, country, and more.
Creativity is also a side effect of learning new styles of music. You’ll be able to mix and match what you like the most about each style of music to come up with your own voice on the drum set, and to enhance your favorite style of drumming with creative beats, fills, and solo ideas.
Knowing how to play various styles of music is also essential to any drummer pursuing a career as a studio drummer, or as a touring musician. The more styles you have under your belt, the bigger the assortment of gigs you’ll be able to audition for.
I'm looking forward to meeting you.
~~ Johnny
About Johnny R.
Welcome!
My name is Johnny and I appreciate you taking the time learn more about me and what I can offer you as your teacher. I am a devoted musician, educator and inventor. I'm also the drummer for platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul. I am an active live and in studio drummer touring and teaching worldwide.
My enthusiasm for drums started at a young age through my parent's enjoyment of live concerts and parades. I began taking formal drum lessons at the age of 10. My teacher has been my biggest influence and inspiration through the years.
I have performed with a wide range of artists such as Collective Soul, DJ Logic, Maynard Ferguson, Alain Caron, Frank Gambale, Larry Tagg, Tanya Tucker, DJ Hype, Hank Williams III, SheDaisy, Deana Carter and Mindy McCready.
As an author, I continued my passion for education and released The Official Freehand Technique Book/CD with Hudson Limited. The book/CD was voted #1 Best Educational Author by Modern Drummer’s Readers Poll for his book Jungle Drum ‘N’ Bass for the Acoustic Drum Set.
I have developed a series of award winning cymbals with the MEINL cymbal company. My Drumbals and Safari cymbals are part of the Generation-X line. I continue to design and develop new sounds and innovations for unique concepts on the drums. Hyper Rudiments is my latest discovery utilizing the original Freehand Technique.
WHAT YOU'LL GET WORKING WITH ME
There's nothing more fulfilling than learning to play, and by studying with me, you'll get an incredible knowledge of the basics and advanced techniques of becoming a great drummer. Whether your goal is to join your first band, lay down electronic beats for EDM, get better in your current band or church ministry, my goal is to help you excel quicker and better than you ever could by doing it alone.
I am a pretty serious drummer and accept students who are serious about their craft. You don't have to be incredible - but you do have to want to improve and have the dedication to study, practice, and performance. Oh, and we have a TON OF FUN along the way! So, if this fits your idea of a teacher, please set up a no-risk intro pack of lessons. If you're not satisfied, or I'm not your cup of tea, TakeLessons offers a refund for your remaining lessons.
Reviews
Write a Review
Really good. Exactly what I need.

I have really enjoyed taking drum lessons with Johnny Rabb. He is not only a highly accomplished and talented musician, but a phenomenal teacher as well. As an older adult student who has studied with other teachers, I find Johnny's teaching style to be very engaging, creative and fun. His style allows him to challenge his students, but not overwhelm them as they progress with their lessons. I highly recommend Johnny for any student who is looking to take their playing to the next level!

I have really enjoyed taking drum lessons with Johnny. He is an exceptional player and teacher who is extremely knowledgeable in his craft. As an older adult who has studied previously with other teachers, I find his style to be very creative, engaging and fun! Highly Recommend!


Great experience with Johnny - he’s clearly one of the best In the world and a super nice guy!

Johnny is over the top talented, and is the best teacher ever! He has the patience of a Saint, and is able to teach correct technique to young drummers. Highly recommend!!!

As a new drummer I struggle with basics. I can sit at the drums and bang a sound for the most part. Johnny is so wonderful. He takes the time to explain the music in notes, beats and segments. I am learning the art of music, not just banging the drums. Kudos Johnny...you rock!

Johnny is an incredible drummer and an all-around awesome human being. I feel fortunate to have spent time with him. If you're looking to massively grow your drumming skills, Johnny is your answer!
Photos & Videos
10 Photos & VideosExperience
Drummer
Jan 2012 - PresentCollective Soul
In 2012, the band embarked on the Dosage Tour and I joined the band as their drummer. The band's ninth studio album, See What You Started by Continuing, was released on October 2, 2015. The band's live album, Collective Soul: Live, was released on December 8, 2017. The recordings were selected as our best over the course of 160 shows we performed in 2 years. In 2018 we joined 3 Doors Down to co-headline the Rock & Roll Express Tour, with support from Soul Asylum. In 2019 we headlined the Now's The Time Tour to celebrate their 25th anniversary, with support from Gin Blossoms. The band's tenth studio album, Blood, was released on June 21, 2019.
Owner
Nov 2010 - PresentJohnny Rabb Drumsticks
Drummer/Ableton Live/Keys
Feb 2007 - PresentBioDiesel
Educator
Jan 1996 - PresentDrum Instructor
I have instructed at world reknowned drum camps and universities, including KOSA and RHYTHM (Bavarian Music Academy).I also taught classes at the University of Iowa, Berklee College of Music and University of Tennessee as a visiting artist.
Drummer
Jan 1996 - PresentTouring Drummer
I have thoroughly enjoyed performing with artists such as Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams III, Maynard Ferguson, DJ Hype, Alain Caron, Frank Gambale, Larry Tagg, SheDaisy, Deana Carter and Mindy McCready.
Co-Owner/Founder
Mar 1997 - Apr 2004johnnyraBB Drumsticks
Education
Performance and Music Education
Sep 1990 - May 1995Berklee College of Music
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Awards
World's Fastest Drummer-Guinness World Records
Jan 2010Extreme Sport Drumming
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