Drum Lessons in Brentwood, TN

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

“Russ is one of the absolute best students I have ever had in my long teaching career at Berklee College of Music. Russ is very talented, smart, highly disciplined and open minded as a musician. Having Russ as a teacher will be an experience where the student will receive an effective, focused, and open minded approach to the students individual musical needs and interests.” -Dave Weigert, Drum Instructor, Berklee College of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I began playing drums in the school band in 1987 at the age of 10 in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I took a strong interest in music throughout school and played in the marching band and concert band through to graduation. I played in a rock band with my brother until 1997. I majored in classical performance in college and eventually obtained a master's degree in that field by the age of 24. I performed in various symphony orchestras for more than a decade. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Drums

Being able to teach others and share my knowledge is what drives me, so I like to see progress. I have a goal-oriented approach that differs depending on the individual, but the results are always there. I love feeling the satisfaction of a student learning. Not to mention the relationships that are built and how much I learn from them in turn! It truly is a give and take relationship, just another individual sharing experience and knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

My instructional method does not lean toward one method book for instruction. There is however a useful combination of selected literature, excerpts, solos, exercises and play alongs in addition to anything the student wants or has to work on. I teach technique and fundamentals that are applicable to all styles, not just one particular style. I'm teaching you to play music. Not a collection of beats and fills. Standards are met and individual goals are not ignored. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I deploy a range of methods to ensure my students can play in a multitude of environments if they so choose. For instance, I always teach my students how to read, not only because it makes you a better musician and trains your brain how to think differently about music, but because it enables you to be able to play with groups that require a certain level of reading such as a pit band for a musical, an orchestra, a jazz band, choral gigs, etc. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I took private lessons from local teachers and worked with Larrie London, but was cut very short due to his passing. I married in 1989 in Nashville, and moved to Wisconsin in 1990 (my ex-wife was a native Wisconsinite). I'd love to get back on the teaching circuit and share the awesome talent God has given me. Relocating to Nashville in 2019, I was quickly joined to a touring band out of North Alabama named Johnny Collier and the Misbehaviators. Read More