Drum Lessons in Northwoods, IL

Instruments: Drums

Hi! My name's Nick, I'm a student at Northwestern University studying music education! I've been playing drums for nearly a decade. I got my start playing at local clubs in Minneapolis under the mentorship of the top musicians in the Twin Cities . I was admitted to the Bienen school of music at Northwestern University to pursue a jazz performance degree under the guidance of world-acclaimed musicians. In 2022, I decided instead to pursue a degree in music education, studying instrumental and general classroom music with leading field experts. Read More

Instruments: Drums

First and foremost, I teach to the comfortable speed of the student. Learning skill and permanent muscle memory is much more important that covering as much material as possible but then not grasping the concepts and motor skills. My main teaching style approaches beats and patterns in the simplest of actions, making sure the student is comfortable with those actions, then combining actions together, step by step as the student progresses until the student has the full understanding of the beat. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Since then, I have continued to teach students at all levels while finishing out my college studies. As a teacher, my main objective is to help my students achieve his or her personal goals. I want to help him or her continue pursuing both their passion for music and their instrument. As a teacher, I regularly encourage my students to maintain a regimented practice routine in order to maximize overall forward progress in their musical development. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style again is pretty simple. They want to learn , and Im there to help them. Setting goals and acknowledging the accomplishments. Teaching the student vital necessities to help them expand their own vocabulary with drumming, as well as introducing them to new music styles is a very good way for any student to excel in a rapid fashion. Inspiration comes from learning new things, so tailoring the lessons to get that inspiration out is what Im stiving for. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I've been playing drums for 48 years. I'm still enjoying the playing of drums, and searching for new knowledge on how to play better. I've toured and performed with great musicians. I've had the great opportunity to be a drum set clinician for Sabian Cymbals, Maxwell Drums, Aquarian Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Trick Dum Pedals. Teaching a large group of drummers is great fun but I really enjoy the one on one interaction between student and teacher. Read More