
Seattle, WA Drum Lessons
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Popular Drum Teachers near Seattle, WA
Check out some of our most popular teachers near Seattle, WA including Bellevue, Tacoma, Bothell, Sammamish and Snohomish.
Drum Lessons in Seattle: Musical Inspiration in the Pacific Northwest
By Trent L. - Seattle Drum Teacher
Hello, thrill seekers! My name is Trent L., and I teach and play drums all over the greater Seattle area, and beyond! Seattle is a great place to be a musician. We have so many resources and opportunities to play around here; you will love taking drum lessons in Seattle.
One of my favorite places is the Donn Bennett Drum Studio (www.bennettdrums.com). First of all, Donn is a great guy and a fantastic drummer. He has built this incredible drum shop, and when you go there, it kind of feels like the pearly gates have blasted open and sucked you right in. Sure, it’s a drum shop with anything a drummer might need or want, but there are a few things that really make this place special.
If you visit the shop, you may even run into a famous drummer! This is where many professional drummers shop. Not to name drop, but I’ve seen Steve Smith, Michael Derosier, Alan White, and Michael Shrieve at the shop. I’m sure there have been many other famous drummers that I didn’t recognize.
Another fun thing about Donn’s Shop is that it’s also a drum museum. There are drums from some of the greatest drummers in history; you won’t believe your eyes! There are kits that were once owned by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr (still a customer to this day), Dave Grohl, Alan White, and Keith Moon. Make sure you check out this one-of-a-kind place; everyone who works there is a drummer and—no matter your skill level—you will always feel right at home.
I mentioned Donn was a great guy, and one of the things that makes him so great is the annual event he puts on for drummers. It’s called Woodstick, and it’s an attempt to set the world record for the most drummers playing the same song at the same time. More than five hundred drummers participate in this awesome event, and it’s always a blast. There are celebrity drummers, clinics, and prizes. All of this fun and wackiness is an added bonus to the real purpose of the event; to raise money for charity.
Looking for even more drum fun in Seattle? There are also two major music festivals every year. The Northwest Folklife Festival is a three-day event on Memorial Day weekend. It’s a fun, unique celebration of the folk, cultural, and ethnic traditions of the Pacific Northwest. This is a hand drummer’s paradise. Drum circles break out everywhere, and you’re encouraged to join in. If you don’t know what you’re doing, someone will help you out.
Another event you don’t want to miss is Bumbershoot, Seattle’s largest music festival, on Labor Day weekend. There are performances from veteran musical acts, as well as young, up-and-coming bands who are trying to build their following.
I am really proud to be a musician from Seattle, not just because of the famous bands that everyone knows, but also for the lesser-known musicians who have come from the area like Bing Crosby, Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Kenny G., and Allen Stone. Then there are the people who have moved here like Dave Matthews, Steve Miller, and John Popper. As you can see, we live in a great place for aspiring musicians.
Thanks for letting me share a few of the things that make drumming in the greater Seattle area such a rewarding experience.
Best wishes to you, and practice with a purpose.
- Trent L.
About Jeremy S.
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I've been a drummer and percussionist for over 20 years. I've studied African rhythms with Ghanan drummers, and have taken many years of tabla lessons at the Ali Akbar College. As a drumset player, I've studied with many of the best teachers alive, and can teach any style from jazz to hip-hop to punk and onward.
About Jeremy
*** Lesson Details ***
I believe in a strong musical foundati
*** Specialties ***
Whatever style the student is attempting, I stress proper technique and understanding of theory.
Reviews

· Drum · In home

· Guitar · In home

· Piano · In home

Jeremy S.
About Matthew H.
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Beginning to Intermediate Drum lessons and beats that are actually used in today's and yesteryear's "hit songs".
It's no secret, drums is the backbone or "foundation" to any hit song.
I break down drumming to its most basic rudiments so that you will grow by leaps and bounds instead of just crawling along.
You have to walk before you can run so getting it right initially is very important to moving forward and getting you playing your favorite songs quickly and accurately..
About Matthew
In my musical travels I've networked or shared the stage with many famous NW music legends:
1.) Roger Fisher- Heart-2013 Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
2.) Lynn Sorensen- Paul Rogers/Bad Co/KZOK's Spike & Impalers
3.) Donny Evola - Geoff Tate/Former Queensryche/Foghat
4.) Jeff Kathan- Paul Rogers/Bad Company/Montrose
5.) Doug Mcgrew- Geoff Tate/Former Queensryche Singer/Operation Mindcrime
6.) Update - For the last year I have been playing off and on with Rudy Parris from NBC TV's "The Voice". Season 3 - Team Blake. He is an incredible music
In fact everyone I've mentioned above are pro all the way and great guys as well. I"m honored to have played with them.
I challenge my students to view music more than just as a "skill", but also a tool to communicate effectively and to combat life's obstacles.
I have had many guitar teachers myself including one true Famous Rock Star legend here in Pacific NW. Congrats Rog. U Earned It, & inspire myself, & others everyday.
You got to know the rules 1st, before you can then break the rules. This is how you develop your own unique style. And it's what separates the Pro Players from the rest of the pack.
But even if you don't want to play professionally, maybe you just want to learn a few chords, licks, songs, for yourself, or to impress friends. That's okay too!
I welcome every level and style. I always learn something from my students.
That's what music is all about. Learning & trading tips and licks from other musicians.
Bottom Line Is... I can help you learn and progress on your instrument faster...
Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!
*** Lesson Details ***
The most important thing in a lesson with me is to learn while having FUN! I am a very laid-back teacher who wants to focus on music making you smile. We will choose material and a pace of learning that will keep you excited to rehearse and return the following lesson improved!
PERSONALIZE your guitar lessons by learning techniques used by your favorite artists in "their" songs.
FEEL FREE learning in a comfortable atmosphere where you can excel successfully as a musician!
CONQUER shyness and insecurities by unleashing the dynamic performer in you!
Most All Styles/Genres/Experience Levels Taught - We go over everything systematically. Music Theory, Songwriting, Chords, Scales, Determining Key Of Songs, Performance, etc
After 3 to 6 months, you should expect to be playing some of your favorite songs and artists accurately
Be sure to check out some of my you tube demos. Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Sound Proof Pro Recording Studio, PA System, guitars, basses, amps, drums, recording gear, mics, mic stands, strobe & lights, fog machine, seating for parents.
Sorry No Disco Ball Yet.. You Can Bring Your Own If You Want Though.
I've Got Some Bell Bottoms Somewhere Around The Studio Here.
*** Travel Equipment ***
*** Brand New*** Now Offering Music Lessons Online (From My Recording Studio To Your Home via Skype)
I'm really excited to add that to offer lessons online through TakeLessons! It's a great thing to get to work with students all over this country and I'm looking forward to help pioneer the future of music lessons!
*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.
My Unique Specialty - is teaching students the rudimental basics 1st, & then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD, radio or iPod, almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. You just have to know what to listen for..
Brand New - MEASURE your success by recording your music progress along the way. I do own a recording studio, so we can record students progress via audio or video and then post to my YouTube channel.
Reviews

· Guitar · In studio

· SEO · In home

· Acoustic Guitar · In studio

Matthew H.
About Brett R.
CloseWide variety of styles/genres:
e.g. Rock, Swing, Latin, etc.
Includes all snare rudiments, as well as full trap-kit exercises.
Familiarization of multiple time signatures.
About Brett
ENJOYMENT OFFERED. Very enthusiastic and
experienced musician available for instruction offering the following:
# In-depth written music theory coupled with an equivalent of ear training and tone
recognition
# Introduction to performance skills with instruments that include:
Guitar - electric & acoustic
Drum Kit and percussion rhythms
Piano/Keyboard
# Group lessons or private instruction, depending on personal preferences and age
groups
Personal
experience includes:
1) 15 years of GUITAR: professional performance
and composition. Styles include rock, folk, blues, chord
progressions, and alternate tuning.
2) 15 years of DRUMS and PERCUSSION: Latin, swing, blues, as well as rock, funk, punk, and reduced to
3) 15 years of PIANO: which utilize
several years of personal instruction in classical, popular, and some ragtime,
in addition to an intimate knowledge of Piano Proficiency (scales & modes,
chord structures & inversions, common chord progressions, intervals, circle
of 5th, and finger exercises)
4) 2 years of MUSIC THEORY and COMPOSITION at college level.
Lessons will include additional materials to the primary instrument such as sheet music for
sight reading, rhythm patterns, tabletures, and chord charts.
***Above all, I encourage students to select those pieces, tunes, or songs that have appealed to them the most; perhaps even inspiring them to learn a musical instrument in the first place. Adaptations are a common and enjoyable part of the teaching process.
*** Lesson Details ***
Expect efforts, on my part, to steer learning into areas of the students particular interest as well as conventional genres such as classical, popular, folk, blues, etc...
Moreover, I rely on ear training as a strong complement to written music theory and sight-reading; often using recorded music samples or simple patterns on a piano.
I try to balance method-type published lesson books with beginner, intermediate, or original composition sheet music to specifically selected pieces.
Ideally, with a reasonable practice schedule each week, full comprehension of the written music grand staff and an ear to catch a false note will become second nature. By then, more opportunities to learn actual pieces and styles become greater, having got the initial learning curve under the students belt.
*** Studio Equipment ***
*snare drum
*electronic keyboard/piano
*** Travel Equipment ***
lesson material/music media samples can be provided for copy
student would have own instrument
*** Specialties ***
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums, Percussion, Music Theory
finger picking styles and chord progressions - guitar
lead and rhythm patterns - electric guitar
latin, blues, rock, jazz styles - drum kit & percussion
classical & popular tunes - piano/keyboard
Reviews

· Guitar · In home
· ·

· Piano ·
Brett has been a great teacher for my 5 year old daughter. She is just learning the basics of piano and Brett has been great at expanding her skill sets. She really enjoys practicing with him and actually looks forward to when he comes over every week!
Brett R.
About Evan W.
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Professional teacher since 2008. Started with a snare drum in fourth grade and never stopped! Alumnus of University of Washington (BM, cum laude, Jazz Studies) + Roosevelt High School. I make sure to teach students what they are most interested in while also providing them with a strong musical foundation they can apply to any path.
About Evan
I began teaching in 2008, shortly after beginning my studies at the University of Washington. My private students have ranged from total beginners to advanced, each one presenting a unique set of interests and abilities to work with. In addition to teaching my own students, I have much experience as a substitute percussion teacher at Northshore Junior High School (Kingsgate, WA) and Spotlight Studios (Woodinville, WA). I have also presented many clinics and workshops at local schools including Garfield High School, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Ballard High School, Eckstein Middle School, and Holy Names Academy, as well as for Seattle JazzED. For these, the topics covered have ranged from free improvisation to straight-ahead and big band jazz.
*** Lesson Details ***
For beginning players, I like to start with the books "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum" and "A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set," both by Mark Wessels. These books do a great job of laying down the fundamentals that all drummers should learn at the outset of their education. Beyond that, what I teach depends largely on any specific path(s) the student may wish to pursue, though of course it is totally fine if the student doesn't immediately know what they would like to study beyond the basics. In that case, I would do my best to construct a rough curriculum that I think would work well for the student. The following books are all ones I have worked with and have found to be excellent at improving unique things: "Syncopation" (Ted Reed), "Stick Control" (G.L. Stone), "The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught By Alan Dawson" (John Ramsay), "Patterns" (Gary Chaffee), and "Portraits in Rhythm" (Anthony Cirone).
I prefer lessons to be focused on a curriculum, however customized it may be, as I have found that approach to be the most efficient, especially with younger players. While I believe that it is very important to learn the fundamentals of drumming, I also believe that some of the most rewarding experiences a student can have may be achieved through realizing their own unique creative potential. Thus, I find it great to set the curriculum aside for part of the lesson, either to allow the student some time to show me what else they've been working on, listening to, watching, thinking about, or perhaps to just jam and have fun. I also expect students to make progress on their own between lessons, though I understand fully from my teaching experience that the amount of progress I can expect is different for each student.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Two full drum kits
*** Travel Equipment ***
Sticks, practice pad, books
*** Specialties ***
Jazz, rock, pop, many Latin and African styles, free improvisation
Reviews

· Drum · In home

· Drum · In studio

· Drum · In studio

Evan W.
About David L.
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My teaching technique is learner-centered. I work with students to help them build a strong vocabulary of drum rudiments and have them apply their newly acquired drumming knowledge to the songs and genres that interest them most. I have found this to be ideal for those at the beginning and intermediate levels. For the advanced drummers out there, I may be able to assist with some minor application of technique or perhaps deviate from standard drumming practices to acquire a fuller awareness of the body's interaction with not only the drumsticks and drum set, but how to maintain total postural awareness.
About David
Reviews

· Drum · In home

· Drum · In home

· Drum · In home

David L.
About Ryan S.
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Experienced drum teacher of 7 years! My lesson plan is simple : 1. we warm up with basic beats + rudiments + paradiddles, 2. we focus on rhythm + proper technique, and 3. we play a song that incorporates the techniques we're working on.
The time devoted to each portion of the lesson is totally adjustable. You will learn what you want to learn at your own pace.
About Ryan
Reviews

· Drum · In studio
Ryan is versatile in his teaching methods, creative, open, patient. Teaching a young student, Ryan adjusted to teaching music reading fundamentals with colors and shapes. He also figured out ways to correct, critique and build all the while building a young child's confidence.
Ryan provides a written evaluation of our son annually and has him prepare for two public recitals a year. Ryan integrates modern technology into the lessons to quickly provide feedback and create customized beats and tempos to practice to.
Above all, Ryan smiles and laughs. He makes every lesson pleasant and we treasure him, truly.

· Cello · In home

· Guitar · In home

Ryan S.
About Gabriel C.
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I have been playing drums for more than 10 years and have been teaching for more than 3. Throughout that time, I have played across the country in New York City and even in Japan. I am currently a Jazz Studies Major at Sacramento State University. My goal is to make every student a well-rounded drummer who knows whats going on when they are in any type of musical situation. My favorite style to play is jazz, specifically bebop, but I am well-rounded in all other styles such as rock, Latin, blues, funk, and country.
In my lessons, I base the material on the student depending on how advanced they are. If the student is just starting out, I will teach them the basics such as holding the drumsticks properly, basic rudiments, reading rhythms, learning about the hardware, and so on.
If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask :D
About Gabriel
Reviews

· Drum · In home

· Drum · In home

· Drum · In home

Gabriel C.
About Remy M.
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My goal as an instructor is to create excited, focused, and skilled MUSICIANS, not just drummers.
When I started the drums at 8 years old, I've been a dedicated and passionate learner and explorer of all kinds of music, and I believe it has made me a great all-around musician. I believe this positively affects my teaching style, as I approach the concept of drumming through the window of music-making and practical application, rather than only technical drumming execution. Instead, I want to cater my lessons to the interests of my students, and help them build the tools to explore their musical aspirations with me.
I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Drum Set from the University of Washington, and I am well-connected in the Seattle area with other skilled musicians with whom I connect my students as well. I am eager to accept new students of all ages and skill levels.
About Remy
I am a drum instructor that focuses on musicianship. I live and breathe music every day, and the passion that drives me is what makes me want to be better at the drums, or any instrument. This passion is one I intend to convey to students to help them figure out their own skills and interests.
As your instructor, I like to dive into what it is you like, and help you create that same happiness for yourself through the art of drumming and musicianship. I have a wide range of experience playing and writing music, all the way from jazz and rock, to improvised music, and I use the skills I've acquired from personal events and studying music in college to help interpret the world of music we live in.
From a drumming perspective, we will be focusing on technical skill and drum sound crafting as a base for our training. M
I look forward to hearing from you and continuing your musical journey!
Reviews

· Drum · In home

Remy M.
About Rob B.
Close
I'm a full time touring musician, I studied music in school for 8 years, but I can honestly say I've learned more about music through my years as a touring musician. I find great joy in sharing all the things I've learned over the years.
I like getting to know my students; their expectations and goals as an aspiring drummer, and I build my curriculum around their needs.
In my lessons you can expect to learn, and have fun!
About Rob
During my studies at Roberts I taught percussion and music theory at U-Prep High school for 1 year, and when I wasn't at studying or teaching, I put all my focus on recording.
In 2016 I moved to Nashville to tour with a few artists, after 4 months of traveling I decided to find a band I that I could call my own. Leading me to this moment, where I am currently on tour with my band, The Foxies, and perform with and MD for two other artist based out of Nashville.
Over the years I have traveled with many different acts; performing at Warped Tour, Sundance, SXSW, Bonaroo.
My lessons are not the same for everyone. I like to get to know my students; their personal music goals and

Rob B.
About Andrew N.
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Nationally and internationally touring/teaching drummer with 10+ years experience on the drum kit. Everyone has specific needs and wants with drumming, and I would love to help you achieve your drumming goal! I believe that the most important part of learning how to drum is learning how to really listen, so I tailor most of my lessons around those. I can teach more formal disciplines like rhythm reading and rudiments, as well. Send me a message and let's see if we can work something out!
About Andrew

Andrew N.
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Convenient
Zero travel time is great for a busy schedule.
Affordable
Typically priced lower than local lessons.
Effective
Online students stick with lessons as long as local students.
Average Cost of Drum Lessons in Seattle, WA
The average cost of 60-minute drum lessons in Seattle is $62. While the exact cost will vary depending on the teacher, type of lesson, and your location, you should expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $75 per hour.
30-min | $30 |
$38 average |
$50 |
45-min | $40 |
$51 average |
$60 |
60-min | $50 |
$62 average |
$75 |
For the best experience, we typically recommend 60-minute drum lessons. However, students looking for a more affordable option may want to consider a shorter lesson length of 45 or 30 minutes. On average, 45-minute drum lessons are 18% less expensive at $51, and 30-minute lessons cost 39% less at $38.
Curious how much drum lessons cost in your area? Do a quick search to get local prices for the best drum teachers near Seattle.
Drum Lesson Reviews from Students
Students are raving about their Drum instructors on TakeLessons. Check out some of these recent reviews.
The Connell’s"
Phil was my teacher starting from 7th grade all the way through high school and I had a blast. He prepared me for playing the full drumset
Additionally, when I got good enough, Phil helped me join a rock band with three student guitarists at the School of Rock, which was fantastic because then I was able to actually apply what I learned and diversify my drumming. Overall, I look back on Phil's teaching as being an incredibly rewarding experience for me and if I had kids who wanted to play drums, I would totally have him teach them. Thanks again Phil."
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lessons and counting!
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