About This Service

Hello, my name is Matt, and I am pleased to offer my services as a drum instructor. I have dedicated myself to teaching private drum lessons full-time for nearly a decade, drawing from a lifetime of playing experience—I am currently 37 years old. My formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from my studies at M.I. and the Berklee School of Music. While I have provided considerable detail below, you are welcome to view photographs, videos, and listen to audio samples of my playing by visiting my website.

Website

THOMPSONDRUMLESSONS.COM

Location

I operate from a private studio equipped with two complete drum sets, so students need only bring their own sticks. The studio is situated in the Northridge/North Hills vicinity, close to the intersection of Nordhoff and Balboa. I also provide online lessons through platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.

Ages

I welcome students of nearly all ages. I recommend children be at least seven years old before beginning lessons, while there is no upper age limit—I currently teach several students in their sixties and seventies.

Teaching Style

My approach aims to keep lessons enjoyable and tailored to each individual. Particularly with adult learners, I encourage you to bring in specific goals or pieces you wish to focus on. Many prospective students express a desire to skip music reading and formal training, preferring to dive straight into playing—this is perfectly acceptable. While reading notation and proper technique are valuable for long-term development, significant progress can be made by playing by ear. With younger students, I maintain a somewhat more structured framework, but we still dedicate ample time to playing music, and I always strive to incorporate genres the student enjoys. Learning is more engaging and effective when working with familiar songs.

Skill Levels

All proficiency levels are welcome. My student base includes complete beginners, intermediate players seeking to advance their skills, and individuals returning to the drums after a long hiatus. For those new to the instrument, my extensive experience allows me to help you become comfortable and playing basic patterns relatively quickly. For more seasoned drummers, my academic training and time in music school have provided me with a wealth of concepts, exercises, method books, and general knowledge that I am eager to pass along.

Rates

• Eighty dollars for a one-hour lesson.
• Fifty dollars for a thirty-minute lesson.

These rates apply equally to in-person and online instruction. For children, I suggest beginning with a half-hour session and adjusting from there. Online lessons are also typically most effective when limited to thirty minutes.

That covers the essentials. If you are interested, please reply to this advertisement or use the contact form on my website. I look forward to speaking with you.

Website

THOMPSONDRUMLESSONS.COM