Bart R  
Instruments: Conga, Music, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

I’ve been teaching drums since my high school years, and from the very beginning, I knew it was something I was truly passionate about. There’s nothing better than seeing my students not only excel on the drums but also have fun while they’re learning. Music should be inspiring, and I always strive to create an environment where my students feel motivated and excited to play. Over the years, I’ve found that a strong foundation in the fundamentals, especially learning to read music, combined with playing along to actual songs is the key to keeping students engaged and moving forward. Reading music gives them the skills to understand rhythms and develop precision, while playing along with tracks makes learning fun and helps them apply what they’ve practiced in a real musical context. I believe that every drummer, no matter their level, should enjoy the process of learning. My goal is to help students build confidence, improve their technique, and most importantly, develop a lifelong love for drumming.

When I teach, I take a structured yet flexible approach that ensures students build a strong foundation while keeping things fun and engaging. I start with my own books, The School of Hard Rocks and Rockin’ Poppin’ Snare Drum. These books provide a step-by-step path for drummers to develop solid technique, understand rhythm, and apply their skills in a practical way. In addition to my books, I incorporate some of the most essential method books in drumming education. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone is a cornerstone of my teaching, it’s one of the best books out there for developing hand technique, speed, and control. I also use Syncopation by Ted Reed, which is a fantastic tool for building independence, improving reading skills, and applying rhythms in a musical way. One of the best ways to keep students engaged is getting them to play along with actual music as soon as possible. That’s where Tommy Igoe’s Groove Essentials comes in. This method introduces students to a wide variety of grooves in different styles and helps them develop the ability to lock in with a track. It’s an incredibly effective way to bridge the gap between technical exercises and real-world playing. By combining these methods, I ensure that my students not only develop the technical skills they need but also gain the confidence to sit down at a kit and make music. Whether it’s reading, rudiments, groove development, or musicality, I tailor each lesson to the individual student’s goals, making sure they stay motivated and continue progressing.