

Murray P.


Teaching Locations:

The goal is listening for cues, hearing patterns and feeling rhythm and beat. Ideally, each student has their own drum. Begin with a simple repeat and answer pattern. You hit the drum two times, they repeat. Gradually add to the complexity of the patterns, so they must listen intently. Add some simple rhythms, such as 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1, with a strong emphasis on the 1.
About Murray P.
I received my B.S. & Music Degree with concentration in instrumentalists from Morgan State University. I’v been playing drums since the age of three and now been teaching for over 17 years. In 2016, I was accepted as a member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). I am very well rounded in all styles of music such as, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Christian, Latin, Marching, Classical, Blues and the list goes on. I am a Emmy Nominated drummer for my outstanding role in the 2015 Stage Musical "Oh Gospel" The Evolution of Gospel Music. My drumming & percussion career has launch me into one of the most sought after instructors & drummers of our time. My skill level and personalty has brought about major partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Vic Furth, Evans Drum Heads, Sabian Cymbals, JamTec USA, Urbann Boards and Kick Strap. I have performed with many Stellers & Grammy artist such as Richard Smallwood, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole, Isaiah D Thomas, American Idol contestants and Sunday Best contestants just to name a few. I currently play full time at the New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown in Baltimore MD where the congregation is over 10,000 members. I am very proud of the releasing of my latest DVD & "Nothing Too Hard" video to inspire all musicians around the World. With the launching of Passionate Drumming & Music Lessons, I am dedicated to equipping all my students with the instructions for reaching students goals. I welcome all students any age, any skill level. Hope to have you as a new student very soon!
*** Lesson Details ***
My students will quickly learn the basics of drumming, including: stick control, technique, rhythms, drum fills, and licks. It does not matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced drummer. The same time and effort will be exercised. We will have a fun and meaningful time playing, both by ear and by reading music. These lessons will really be hands on using teaching methods such as music books, DVD’s, and playing of my own. Students will have a great time also studying music theory, learning how to assemble the drum set, learning the parts of the drums, how to tune the drums, and how to accompany other musical instruments. After 3 to 6 months taking lessons, all students will be well on their way to a very successful musical career having had such fun and learning to play all different styles of music. My motto: Lets play Good, get Better, and be our Best!
*** Studio Equipment ***
Finished Studio: (3) drum sets, recording equipment, bells, hand drums & other percussion instruments, seating for students & guest.
***Endorsers & Sponsors***
*Odery Drums
*RBimusic
*VicFirth Sticks
*Sabian Cymbals & Sabian Education Network
*StickPro
*Evans, D'Addario & Company, Inc.
*NAMM Member
*Low Boy Beaters
*Urbann Boards
*SledgePad
*Kick Strap
*JamTec USA
*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Christian, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, pop, Latin, reggae, funk, shuffle, studio recording, Great with Kids!
Reviews
Write a Review
Murray is skilled at teaching and a talented artist. He's also creative when the student comes with special creative project - he would understand your artistic interest and adjust the lesson and approach for you as well as share his own creative experiences and insights.

My son really enjoys his drum lessons with Murray. Murray shows such enthusiasm when he teaches that it makes each lesson enjoyable and fun for my son. It is clear that Murray is a top notch professional drummer and his passion for drumming shines throughout each lesson. My son looks forward to each session. Very Highly
Recommended.

First class teacher who is so skilled & so fun!

Very knowledgeable and personable. He knows how to teach without you feeling taught. Rare skill.

Mr Murray goes the extra mile and is fantastic with my son. He works with my son on his level and is able to challenge him at the same time.

High energy kid + pandemic + this guy = yes. I am 100% grateful that we stumbled onto this teacher. He is awesome.

Wonderful with a young beginning drummer! Patient, friendly, fun and great with answering questions.

Mr Piper is the best instructor ever!! Not only is he good at what he does, his passion for what he does sets him apart! I'm so glad that he teaches my 6 year old son on a level that he can relate to, AND that challenges him simultaneously. Looking forward to having him work with my daughter who is also a percussionist!

Just a really great guy... very professional, and really knows music.

He gave me and my friend great energy at the start of class. He also introduced us to what we were going to learn. He is a supportive teacher and he wants to do our best.
Thursday Day 1, 7/23/20

My son's first lesson with Mr Piper was AMAZING!! He was patient, kind, and extremely personable! This is gonna be an amazing experience!

Murray is awesome and I've only had 1 lesson so far. I love his enthusiasm! Looking forward to my future lessons!

My Granddaughter started taking Drum lessons with Mr. Murray a year ago. I find him to be organized, pleasant and focused on teaching. I am very pleased with how he encourages and challenge her to excel in her drumming. He has taught her how to read sheet music. I feel after every lesson she has improved. I am very impressed with his knowledge of the drums and I would recommend him to anyone looking to take drum lessons.

My son was very excited and motivated after his first class with Murray.

Murray is an amazing instructor. He is a talented musician that motivates, uplifts and inspires his students. It’s easy to see that Murray loves teaching and sharing his knowledge.
I can’t speak more highly of Murray and highly recommend him.

My son is enjoying his lessons, and is motivated to practice & play his drums again!

My son said Mr Murray was fun and very nice. He did not get upset when my son made a mistake which my son was happy about. My son is really looking forward to more lessons with Mr. Murray and excited about percussion

Murray P is my new Dude! He was a pleasure to talk with, and learn from just on our first lesson! I look forward to working with him to develop my drumming skills in the near future.

I've had several drum teachers in the past, but Mr. Murray is my favorite. He is fun, funny and friendly and also a MASTER of drums!!!
-Alexander C.

Very enthusiastic! Only 3 lessons in and can’t wait for the forth!

Awesome!!!

Great working with Mr. Piper.

First lesson, can tell we chose the right instructor. Excellent with my child. Knowledgeable.. my 11 year old is excited for more lessons!! :)

Murray has a unique way of finding the way to teach an individual based on their strengths and weaknesses and how their brain thinks and learns. My 52 year old brain doesn't always get it but Murray always finds a way or technique for me to understand so that I can play and be the best that I can be whether I playing my drums or playing my cajon..

Not enough space to write how excited our students. Murray knows drums In and OUT. We are beyond blessed to have him instruct us!

My 1st Drum lesson with Mr Piper was amazing he is a very patient, hands on professional he will get you to your goals if you apply yourself.
Murray is an excellent instructor. He has a wealth of experience, knows his craft. He made me feel at ease with his style, encouraged me to experiment and take chances. I would sign up with Murray in the future.

Great first lesson. Looking forward to the next!

Me Murray is the best. So kind and caring. My son loved his lesson!

He’s an excellent teacher
No additional explanation is needed, just superb👍
He’s an excellent instructor
Just one lesson he has already given me the stronger motivation to precede further
I can confidently say that he is the best teacher by far!!!

Murray is patient, encouraging, and obviously very knowledgeable about his subject area. He is also flexible and creative in unpredictable technology related situations. Looking forward to more lessons. I believe I can learn a lot.

Great teacher, very patient.

Murray is a great instructor. Take his time to teach and make you understand the concept. He also have a great interaction with kids making them feel comfortable and confident in learning how to play drums.

Super passionate, knowledgable and a great communicator!

I couldn't ask for more when looking for an instructor. Murray truly shows what it means to be a passionate and professional musician.

I was a little nervous at first but Murray made that all disappear. He’s patient & very talented & makes playing a lot of fun. Can’t wait for my nxt lesson.

Excellent, excellent instructor! Mr. Murray has a great way with children... truly gifted! No need to hesitate if your looking for a drumming instructor...he is the real deal!

Murray is wonderful! So happy to have found him.

It was great! Looking forward to more sessions! Mr. Murray is talented and patient

Murray has just been excellent, his ability to encourage and still push me to express myself gave me a lot of confidence on the drums. That was exactly what I needed.

Murray is encouraging, humorous, and gifted as a teacher. Glad that we found him to teach a kid who tried a few instruments and nothing really clicked until now.

Not only does he teach, but he’s also in high-demand for professional music gigs all over the country! Murray is very patient and has a tremendous passion to teach at ALL LEVELS!! Take me for example, I’m not a beginner, but I needed to sharpen my skills and kick a number of bad habits -Murray is perfect for that!

Murray has been our instructor for a few years. He is fantastic. He brings energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. He caters to the needs of our child with caring patience and an pure love for drumming.

Murray is a fantastic instructor. Very laid-back, fun, but also superb at teaching. Highly recommend!

My daughter loves her drum lessons and is progressing very well. We are very satisfied with Murray and with TakeLessons.com.

Murray is the best instructor I have had. He is super supportive, really nice, and a lot of fun. I really enjoy my lessons with him and I am learning a lot more about drumming from him than the other instructors I have had.
Murray Piper has been an Artist with SledgePad Innovations for over a year now and we would highly recommend him as a teacher, mentor and artist of his instrument. It is an honor to have such talent part of our company. Thank you for all that you do.

Absolutely fantastic teacher - he was patient, knowledgeable, and very skilled at conveying the principles of drumming in an understandable manner for someone like me, a beginner. He also makes the lessons fun, which is the whole point of doing it!

Murray is great instructor implementing the lesson along with fun... Couldn't aak for a better learning situation, benefiting from a top shelf craft. His teaching style is awesome...

Murray is great implementing the lesson along with fun. I enjoyed the time we spent learning all about the ins and outs of drums. I would highly recommend Murray if you are interested in learning while having fun. Great guy!

I have to say again...this man is a true professional...his teaching style will match anyone who has a passion to learn drumming of any kind...my second session with him... im able to play and identify and retain styles...patterens...accents...i could not have found a better instructor...not to mention murrays beautiful personality... if you live in the baltimore area..looking for a drum teacher...murray is your man...prices are very reasonable!!

As a teacher he was pretty good for what my son needed. I can see why he has repeat students. The reason he is getting a one star review is because as a business man he is not honorable. Take lessons, the company he contracts through, made a billing mistake that caused our rate to go up. He did not honor the original price per lesson, and when asked about why he made that decision he lied. He said that it was Takelessons that made that decision. That is not true, it is up to the discretion of the teacher when it comes to billing matters. So if your looking for a good drum instructor, this is your guy. But if you want someone who is a good instructor and honorable you might want to look elsewhere.

I cannot say enough about Murray...from the time of arrival... his personal approach sets the tone to be at ease and confident... I read previously of students who stated of learning on first lesson... I am a testament of the same experience on my first lesson...Murray's teaching style is professional...exact...intricate... he put that little piece/note/etc that you just get it!! I cannot wait for my next lesson!! Please note; I am a real student ..this is not a paid advertisement...
G-Cholie

Murray did a great job interacting with my 9 year old. He has never taken lessons before and had so much fun! I was a little nervous about the online format but it was perfect. He was able to watch and copy everything Murray did and was able to see mistakes and correct my son as needed. I am very impressed with both the instructor and the format.

Mr Murray is my son's instructor. Very pleasant, knowledgeable, and thorough! My son is learning and enjoys going for lessons. I see the difference in my son's drumming which is actually benefiting our church. Thanks sir

Very enthusiastic, teaches in an easy manner that makes it simple to build off of earlier concepts...great with young kids as my son started with him at age 10. My son loves working with him.

Would recommend to anyone, the most patient and excellent teacher out there, he's also extremely Talented, talks the talk and walks the walk!

After a recent lesson with Murray my 9 year old son stated, "That was fun!" When you make the teaching experience enjoyable for children they are eager to learn, and they stick with it; that's what Murray is great at doing. I highly recommend him.

Very interactive and patient!

Murray is an excellent teacher, musician and all 'round good guy. He is very adept at understanding your deficiencies and giving you the right tools to improve. His positive attitude is contagious!

It was a very positive experience. My son is learning so much and have fun in the process.

Just completed the first lesson, everything went great. The instructor is very approachable, knowledgeable, and encouraging.

Really Great for this 8 year old.

My son really enjoyed his first lesson!!!

My son really enjoyed his first lesson!!!

Friendly teacher! He customizes our lesson according to my needs and really supports me!

Murray has been teaching my 8 year old son for the past 4 months. He is amazing, encouraging, and makes it fun! He is very patient and kind. I would recommend him to every parent who wishes to give her child drum lessons!

Very patient, knowledgeable and fun loving individual. My son enjoys learning about the drums and looks forward to sessions with Mr. Murray!.. Within 5 sessions of working with Murray my son was already playing like a professional!

I love my drum lessons with Murray. I am learning so much. Murray is an awesome instructor. He seems to understand my learning style and is working with me on my level. Which has made my lessons exciting and fun. I will definitely be continuing my lessons.

This was my first drum lesson and I do not play any other instruments. Murray made the lesson fun and informative and I look forward to my next lesson

Murray is awesome!!! Very detailed and organized. He has the right personality for teaching. His patience with students is a great attribute to him being a great instructor. If you want to become a drummer, then Murray Piper is your guy!!!

Excellent experience with my first 2 classes. Murray is patient and dedicated. I look forward to my future classes with him.

Great first lesson. Murray has patience and knowledge.

My son was very impressed, asked why we had been taking drum lessons from his local instructor for so long. He was reticent before the lesson saying that he wasn't sure that our internet connection would be good enough, saying that he wasn't sure we could really do a lesson online instead of face to face. He came out of his room after the lesson and said he loved it, and that it worked really well, that our connection was just fine, and that he could hear everything on both sides. He was very happy with the result. He is really happy to have a clear goal of playing snare on the drum line in marching band, and he's very happy about having an instructor who can really help him to get there. Great experience so far!

We had our first lesson this week and it was great!

Really amazing teacher.

We have had two lessons with Murray. My 8 year old loves her lessons. We have had other teachers in the past and he is by far the best. My daughter is engaged, excited, and is learning quickly. Murray makes learning fun! He encourages and explains and rewards with clapping and laughing!!! He knows his stuff and can relate and engage even over the internet. We love this teacher!

Murray Piper is an excellent, excellent music teacher for kids (and adults too). Unlike some of my past music teachers, who's instrument skills far exceed their ability to teach, Murray is an excellent communicator, super engaging, and keeps lessons really fun. My 7 year old Son is receiving drum lessons from Mr. Piper, and loves interacting with him. Murray is also happy to adjust his teaching style to suit the personality of his students. Most importantly as a Father, Murray is kind, upbeat, and professional with every member of my family, including my two children who aren't (yet) receiving music lessons. Thank you Murray! You are truly excellent at what you do.

GREAT instructor!

We are still so happy that we chose Mr Murray. We would highly recommend him for any percussion instrument instruction.

Murray is extremely enthusiastic and energetic during his lessons with my son, Noah. He has a great knowledge of the history and origins of music and is teaching my son to become a well rounded musician. I couldn't be happier with my choice of instructor.

Murray did a great job with my 6 yr old son's first drum lesson. He was able to teach the fundalmentals while making it a fun experience. My son was very excited and enjoyed his first lesson with Murray.

Murray is great. He comes to our home every week and not only teaches my daughter the different rudiments of drumming, but he also connects with her and gears every lesson toward her musical interests and style. She is having a lot of fun.

Wow...I couldn't believe it. In one lesson Murray had me playing the drums to my favorite song!

Murray's lessons has our son excited about learning his instrument! Murray transfers learning lessons into play and fun. We look forward to more sessions with Murray!

Mr. Piper is patient with the speed at which students learn, is incredible at translating complex patterns and phrases into simple teaching styles that students can easily comprehend and adjust to, and builds my daughter's confidence in more than using the drum kit but also in her personal experiences. I say he cares about all his students more than just being a "drum" teacher, but a friend and at times a supporting parent for the youth. I interact with many of his adult students, and we are all very appreciative of his professionalism and individual connection to our styles while teaching each of us individually. He is very astute at the art and mechanics of drumming which translates into a flexible personable teacher.
Oh yes, For all the tangibles and intangibles, his prices are soooo affordable and competitive.

Not only is Murray a good player, but most importantly he is a true teacher, I have been around many good players in my 57 years and few are real teachers, Murray is both and a pleasure to be around...

Mr. Piper came to Lake Charles, LA and DeRidder, LA for a FREE drum camp for kids. We went to both locations because that's unheard of in our city. He taught the kids:
*Different techniques
*How to play the drums with different genres of music
*Rudiments!!

Murray is a great teacher! He loves what he does and is very encouraging to his students. We are glad we found him!

Very good with my son (age 11). My son can read music, play different styles of music and knows several drum feels. Very pleased with his progress and with Passionate Drumming as an instructor and business!

Murray has been teaching my daughter drums for almost 4 years now. He is fabulous and brings his love for the drums and his positive energy to every lesson! Murray is a fantastic drummer and I am thrilled that he is teaching my daughter how to be as amazing as he is! If you are looking for a professional, energetic, kind, passionate man for a teacher, Murray is your man!!!!

Murray is an exsquisite drum teacher. He teaches my son all of the fundamentals of playing the drums. He ensures that my son knows how to read music, and knows how to play all genres of music. His lessons are always fun and he encourages my son to have fun while playing, but to do so professionally as well. Murray makes sure that my son knows the different drum rudiments that he plays, such as, paradiddles/flamadiddles, so when speaks about a piece that he has played, he can sound educated and professional about his craft. Murray deposits fruitful information about how to conduct business, if you are planning to have a career in the music industry. Thank you for being a great teacher and influence to my child.

Minister Piper is a wonderful teacher, my 9 years old has progressed rapidly under his tutelage. He truly enjoys his time spent with Minister Piper.

This is only my 4th week and I have already decided to continue taking lessons from Murray. His skill, knowledge, teaching style, and enthusiasm has inspired me to practice for SEVERAL hours a week. Murray has not just simply gone through the lesson plan, but has given me some very good suggestions on how to practice more efficiently and gain comfort with new material. I see progress and I look forward to more in the upcoming months.

Murray was awesome! His talent captured our son's eyes and interest. Murray was hands on from the beginning to the end of his lessons. We look forward to our upcoming sessions. Very pleased!!!

He loved his first lesson and hasn't stopped with the sticks since. He can't wait for the next lesson.

Good first class. Nice guy and talented musician.

Murray is a great teacher who is quick to identify areas for improvement, helpful exercises to make it happen, and keep it fun the whole time. He's also obviously very dedicated and passionate, as any professional musician must be.

Murray is a dedicated and a serious teacher. Very enthusiastic and really good with children. He is extremely professional. I highly recommend him as a teacher!

One of many words to describe Murray, AWESOMENESS! Meeting Murray and learning under his instructions has brought a bigger meaning to playing the drums. His love of drums and music shows in how he teaches his students. He never criticizes your mistakes and works along side of you, teaching you, until you learn and understand it all. He is very patient, professional and the best drummer I have ever met. I am truly blessed to have him as an instructor and look forward to many years of his teachings. Not enough stars in the world to rate him!!!!!

Mr. Murray is very patient about teaching me all the cool and important techniques I need to play my grooves and he is very helpful on answering all the questions that I encountered during my out and in class practices. I strongly recommend Mr. Murray!
A rare gem!
I am blown away every week with how engaged and enthused my 7 year old is while under Murray's instruction. His style and technique are clearly adapted to the benefit of the individual student and his professionalism is a breath of fresh air. My child is having so much fun and is thriving in his drumming lesson. We recommend Mr Piper 150 % !
Overall, being a beginner drummer, it was experience.
Mr. Murray P is a very professional teacher. His teaching method is excellent. The lessons that Mr. Murray P. taught me, as a beginner, was outstanding. I learn so much in a little bit of time. My rudiment, notes, etc. I have never played drums before, but after learning from Mr. Murray P, I know i would have learn more than enough. My hats off to Mr. Murray P, and I would recommend him to everyone.
Professional and Fun
Murray does a great job of encouraging the student while he is teaching. He takes the time needed to explain the very basics before moving onto the more difficult concepts. He played for me and my family after my lesson was over! We really enjoyed it! He knows what he's doing and he has the instrument knowledge to back it up!
Great
Murray has a fun and outgoing personality that he brings to his teaching. I am 54 years young and am excited when it's time for my lesson. He listens and loves to play himself which allows him to love his job. This all translates to a lesson well worth the money
Mr. Murray is an excellent teacher
He provides a comfortable learning environment. My son loves to go to his class and is very eager to learn. Mr. Murray has been very helpful and has made it easy to find the perfect drum set and other materials needed to practice at home. I'm sure we will be working with him for a very long time.
Photos & Videos
75 Photos & VideosExperience
Drum Set Teaching Artist
Sep 2020 - PresentJohns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory
With approximately 2,000 students passing through its doors every week, the Peabody Preparatory is Baltimore’s premier community school for the performing arts. It is open to students of all ages and levels of ability with offerings ranging from early childhood classes for infants to the Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) program for adults. Instrumental and dance instruction begins as young as four years, and most classes are available to adults.
Teaching Artist
Sep 2019 - PresentBaltimore Symphony Orchestra Orchkids
OrchKids is a year-round, during and after school, music program designed to create social change and nurture promising futures for youth in Baltimore City neighborhoods. Under Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director, Marin Alsop’s artistic leadership and direction, OrchKids is the cornerstone of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s efforts to expand their relevance within the broad and diverse Baltimore community. In collaboration with several community partners, including Baltimore City Public Schools, OrchKids provides music education, instruments, academic instruction, meals, as well as performance and mentorship opportunities at no cost to students and families. OrchKids is inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, the music program that has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in the country’s most impoverished areas.
Director | Teaching Artist
Jan 2011 - PresentPassionate Drumming & Music Lessons
Passionate Drumming & Music Lessons was established in 2011, and is rapidly growing to be one of the leading drumming & music programs in the Mid Atlantic area. We specialize in teaching drum set, hand drumming, and all other percussion instruments. Murray has taken that same passion in which he plays and teaches from to motivate, inspire, and encourage each student to perform at their highest level.
Music Director
Mar 2010 - PresentNew Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown
As the music director & drummer at this ministry, I truly enjoy preparing music on a weekly basics for the congregation. Music range from traditional christian music to contemporary gospel music.
Percussionist Accompanist
Sep 2017 - Sep 2019UMBC University Dance Department
As a percussionist accompanist I help assist the dance program with modern dance classes using congas, bongos, cajon, etc.
Education
Advance Percussion Achievement
May 2009 - Jun 2011Psalms of David Music Institute
BS
Aug 2003 - May 2009Morgan State University
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
Music & Percussion Performance
Jun 2009Morgan State University
Awards
Washington DC Percussion Award
Apr 2014Washington DC Orchestra
Affiliations
Percussive Arts Society, The
Jun 2017National Association of Music Merchants
Oct 2016Let Our Student Counselors Help You
We can match you with the perfect teacher and take care of all your scheduling needs.
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