How long is each drum lesson?
Most drum lessons are 30 minutes in length but hour lessons are also offered.
How often should I have a drum lesson?
Most students take one lesson per week for a total of 12 lessons over 3 months.
How much do drum lessons cost?
Please contact me directly for tuition cost information.
When do I pay for my drum lesson?
Lesson payments are due at the beginning of each quarter (3 months).
How do I pay for lessons?
I accept cash, check or Paypal.
What are your qualifications?
I have a B.F.A Music Education Degree, K-12. I feel I have an excellent blend of "real-world" experience and solid educational fundamentals that help me meet a student wherever he or she is "at." With that said I have been teaching for 9 years and playing professionally for 17 years.
How old should I be, before starting drum lessons?
I have success with students who begin when they are around 8 years old. However, that said, I've taken younger students on a case by case basis. My concern when taking on a younger student is that their attention span and desire may not be ready for the structured environment of lessons and the requisite practicing that is involved. The age range for my current students is from 3 years old to 51 years old.
If you have any concerns regarding this issue, please feel free to contact me and I'd be glad to talk with you and work towards a solution that suits your particular child's needs in an age appropriate way.
How long should I practice?
I feel that a minimum 15 minutes a day with a maximum of 30 minutes is best for most students. It is long enough to improve and short enough to fit into a busy schedule and not cause burnout. Of course I would never discourage student from practicing longer. Personally I wish I had 3 hours a day to practice. Here’s a quote I read awhile ago: “Student to Teacher: How long should I practice?” Teacher to Student: “How good do you want to get?” You get back what you put in.
Where to do you teach at?
I teach in my home studio in Millard at approximately 180th & Jefferson St.
What do I bring to lessons?
I have students bring their sticks/mallets, method books and a binder that I provide the student with after the first lesson. I provide the snare, drum set and xylophone.
What happens if I have to cancel a lesson?
My policy for cancellations is to contact me 24 hours in advance unless it was an emergency or sickness. Cancelled lessons are not refunded but a make up lesson will be offered.
What do you teach?
My forte is Drum Set and Snare drum. I also offer mallet, hand percussion and auxiliary percussion lessons. I offer lessons in all styles of music: I.E. – Rock, Jazz, Swing, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Marching Percussion, Heavy Metal, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestral.
Why would I need lessons if I’m an experienced player?
All musicians should continue to take lessons regardless of age or experience. There are some teachers I would love to study with. As a musician you can never top learning and improving. Dave Weckl was an established drummer when he decided to study with Fred Gruber. Dave completely reinvented himself and became even better. Working with a teacher helps to provide new approaches and ideas.
Do I have to take piano lessons before I take drum lessons?
I do not make it mandatory to have piano lesson in order to start private drum lessons. I do, however, strongly advise that to do learn piano. Learning piano will teach you all of the elements that make up music. I.E.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact me directly if you have further questions. gruvstudio@cox.net or 402-415-8648