Difficulty Level: Average / Time Required: Varies
Here’s how:
- Read my article Great Drum Set Instructors Are Rare, so you’ll know what to look for in a drum instructor.
- Get the names and phone numbers of some local drum instructors from music stores in your area.
- Music stores usually have a bulletin board where teachers tack up their business cards. Look for these too.
- Google “drum teachers (or instructors) in your town” replacing your town with your actual town and state.
- Try the percussion department at local colleges. Instructors there may teach privately themselves or may know of drum instructors who do.
- If you haven’t gotten at least half a dozen names, try your local American Federation of Musicians. You’ll find their phone number online.
- Once you’ve got at least 6 numbers, call each one and ask them their: rate, length of lessons, playing experience (how long, who they studied with), and what musical style they specialize in.
- It’s best to find a teacher who specializes in the style you’re most interested in – unless you can find one versatile enough to teach all styles.
- Try to find out if the instructor teaches a complete curriculum (using the tips in Great Drum Set Instructors Are Rare as your guide).
- Get a list together of three or more “possibilities” and take a “demo” lesson with each one (they usually offer an introductory lesson often at a discount). Don’t sign up for any long term contracts yet.
- Everyone has his or her own teaching style and great players don’t necessarily always make great teachers. Take your time and compare each instructor carefully.
- Above all, don’t rush into anything. Take a lesson or two with each instructor on your list until you’ve settled on one you really like.
Tiger Tips:
- Take your time choosing an instructor.
- Don’t start taking demo lessons until you have found at least 3 instructors that are good possibilities.
- Don’t be blinded by super chops. Remember, the best instructors are not always the flashiest or even the best players.
- It’s important to find an instructor that you’re compatible with as a person as well as a teacher.
- Use my article Great Drum Set Instructors Are Rare as your guide to verify that your instructor offers a comprehensive course.
Until next time, have fun and stay loose!
–Tiger Bill
