Drums with Matt L.

Matt Lesser is a professional drummer and drum teacher residing in Los Angeles. Matt attended UC Irvine, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Drumset Performance . There he studied classical percussion with Theresa Dimond, and jazz drum set with Sherman Ferguson, as well as other luminaries such as Kei Akagi and James Newton. While still in college, Matt made his living performing in groups playing many styles of music, including jazz, rock, funk, etc., as well as teaching many private lessons. At UCI, he was rewarded for his hard work and passion with scholarships, and graduated with honors. Upon receiving his degree from UCI, Matt moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a sought-after drummer for his groove, taste, creativity and versatility. Always seeking to improve his skills, he then began a mentorship with acclaimed drummer/teacher Gary Ferguson, focusing on the Murray Spivack snare/drumset technique. Matt has played and taught drums professionally for over 20 years ,performing and recording in many styles, including jazz, rock, blues, funk, hip-hop, pop, latin, electronica, country, among many others. He has toured the U.S. as well as internationally. Recently Matt performed a residency with Verve recording artist Brenna Whitaker at the prestigious Quincy Jones jazz club in Dubai (Q’s) He has traveled to Paris, France consecutively for the past few years to perform with French Pop star Jeanne Mas. Locally, he has performed and/or recorded with Austin Hanks, Kei Akagi(Miles Davis, Stanley Turrentine), James Newton, Art Davis(John Coltrane), Charles Owens(Frank Zappa, Buddy Rich), Albert Lee ( Guitar Legend), Randy Scott (Guitar Center King of the Blues winner) Brad Wilson, Gary Matsumoto, The Ryan Rost Trio, Forte, Flirt, Fast Forward, The Radio Allstars, The Quiet, Sidetracs, plus many more. He has shared the stage with such artists as Johnny Lang, Derek Trucks, Walter Trout, Alien Ant Farm, Rocco Deluca and the Burden, Sweet Water, Trapt, Shooter Jennings, Ernie Andrews, Dwight Treble, Tally Hall, and Beth Harte, to name a few. Currently, Matt keeps busy working constantly with local groups, touring, recording, and teaching private lessons. *** Lesson Details *** Matt brings together his experience, education, and love for music to offer truly insightful, beneficial, and inspirational drum lessons. Rather than having a set curriculum, he tailors his lessons specifically for each student based upon his/her interests, needs, and personality. He focuses on musicality, technique, time, groove, soloing, improvisation, and creativity to help each student find his/her unique voice on the instrument. He is a patient instructor of students spanning all age groups, with exceptional talent and interest in working with kids. He is not too strict nor is he too lenient, knowing that the balance between discipline and playful joy is key in getting the most out of music lessons. On the discipline side, students will learn a great work ethic that will help them throughout life. After studying with Matt and practicing , students will be able to play and create the music they love and discover the thrill of expressing themselves on their instrument! Joy and inspiration are key themes in his lessons, and Matt truly loves passing his knowledge, experience, and insight along to eager students. *** Studio Equipment *** Drum set, Congas, Bongos, Timbales, various percussion, Webcam for online video lessons. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide various sticks, brushes, etc, reading/study materials, audio and visual examples, and metronome. I do expect the student to provide their own drums, music stand, and music notebook for me to write in. *** Specialties *** I specialize in drum set in the following styles: jazz, rock, pop, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, etc.), funk, r and b, blues, hip-hop, metal, punk, country, etc. I also specialize in snare drum( classical, marching, etc.), and hand percussion(congas, bongos, etc)