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Looking for drum classes for adults
Dec 2012
Hi! I would like to learn to play drums, hopefully, Brazilian drums or some other
Exotic type. I'm 28 years old with no previous
Experience, but I used to dance and have the beat.
I'm looking for either private or group classes in the Berkeley area with
affordable rates that fit students.
Anyone have any recommendation?
Thank you
For Brazilian classes, Casa da Cultura in Berkeley would be the place.
However, if you've wondered about playing big drums, how about Taiko? We have beginners
classes twice a week:
www.etaiko.org
Emeryville taiko
There are some wonderful opportunities to learn how to drum in the bay
area. In particular if you are a woman I'd suggest visiting
http://www.womendrummers.org Drum Sunday's once a month are a great
place to get a taste of a variety of different drum rhythms. Every
month is different. Carolyn Brandy http://www.carolynbrandy.com is
also a wonderful teacher for women who are beginners. Good luck and
have fun!
Julie
Female rock drum teacher?
Aug 2012
Hi,
My 9-year-old daughter is a huge Black Keys / White Stripes fan and would love
to learn to play drums, but has a strong preference for women instructors.
Anyone know of a great local female drum teacher?
Thanks
I know a very good female drummer who teaches. She is an absolute sweetheart,
too. Her name is Karen Stackpole. You can contact her by email at
karen.stackpole@gmail.com.
Mary
Sept 2011
Can anyone recommend a drum teacher in or near the Richmond
area? I'm looking for lessons for my 6 year old son who is
very musically inclined. The teacher need not be an
incredible drum player. S/he should be good with kids and
have a variety of approaches. My son has some speech and
motor delays and may learn best with some alternative
approaches.
Thank you.
Kathleen
I have a great recommendation for you: Raphi Gottesman. He teaches
my 10 y.o. daughter drums and she loves it. He definitely knows how
to work with children and he approaches them at their level w/o
being condescending. He's also extremely patient. And he's a
professional drummer. And he also teaches classical guitar and rock
guitar, so the man really knows his music. He's located in Berkeley
and can give lessons in his studio or at your home. The phone
number is: 614.581.1719
very happy student
Jim Thorne is a great drum teacher in Richmond.
He teaches through Music Works on San Pablo Avenue in EC.
My son just started lessons with him and is thrilled. Many of his
friends have been studying w/ Jim for several years (their all
teens now) and most are in bands. I don't have Jim's number w/ me
but if you call Music Works you can connect with him. Good luck.
not minding drum playing in house
Hi,
I don't know of anyone in Richmond, but I know an awesome
drum teacher in Berkeley named Barbara Crawford. She's
extremely nice, fun, encouraging, has a gift for teaching,
and she is also a very talented drummer. Email me if you'd
like the contact info.
Thea
My drum teacher, Jon Arkin, is great. Very patient, knows
all kinds of styles (jazz, rock, funk, etc.). A very low key
guy - no high pressure or anything like that. Great teaching
style. www.jonarkin.net - he gives lessons at his place in
berkeley.
That being said, i do not have the same needs you state your
son does. So maybe contact him to see if he fits your needs.
Enjoy!
michael
I highly recommend Hamir Atwal from the Pinole area. He could be
reached at hamiratwal@gmail.com for rates. He is an experienced
jazz drummer who graduated from Berklee College of music. He tends
to go on the road from time to time but makes sure that he
schedules lessons around it. nilani
April 2011
My son who is five has been interested in the drums for a year, and we would
love to encourage his interest in playing. We are looking for a teacher who
teaches in Alameda and who is great with high energy kids.
My daughter who is three would like to start taking piano lessons. We are
looking for a teacher who teaches in Alameda, is great with shy kids, and very
patient and gentle.
We'd love to hear from other folks about their experiences with great and not-
so-great Alameda music teachers. Thank you BPN parents!
Island mama
I'd highly recommend Dan Foltz for lessons. His son is a
classmate of my child, so I know him from a parent
perspective. I've gotten to know him this school year and
he's a great musician as well as a great instructor. He's
also just a flat-out super nice guy. See his website at
http://www.danielfoltz.com/bio.html. He teaches both drums
and piano at his home studio in Alameda.
Taggart
I second the recommendation for Dan Foltz. Two of my children took
piano lessons from him and he is amazing. He also teaches drums,
although I wouldn't let my son play the drums...didn't think I could
handle the practicing. Dan is an amazing, patient teacher and a
really nice guy.
http://www.danielfoltz.com/bio.html
Kate
(Editor) a review was also received for Piano Lessons
March 2011
We've got the drumset, now we just need a drum teacher! My husband
and our daughter both want drum lessons. We live in Oakland. Any
recommmendations? Thanks.
db
We really like Carrie Jahde! You can reach her at
carriejahde@gmail.com.
Lisa
Hi,
I heard drum teacher Bob Frazier give a presentation at the Head-Royce
School and was very taken in by his deep connection to music. I spoke
with him personally and he seems like a terrific guy.
Info:
fraziersedge@mac.com
homepage.mac.com/fraziersedge
Best of luck and happy drumming!
ep
Hi,
A great drum teacher is Ben Malament. He plays with the
popular local band, The California Honeydrops (you can hear
their music at www.cahoneydrops.com)
I believe his rates are between $50-60hr.
He teaches all styles. Children and adults.
His contact is benmalament@gmail.com
Definitely check him out! D
Our son has had lessons with Jim Kassis (510-336-9841) in
Oakland for awhile, and we've been very pleased. He's
extremely talented.
Will McBride is not just a talented drummer, but a fantastic
teacher. He starts out by teaching you how to really listen
to music, and he breaks the skills down into fun,
challenging but manageable steps. He is also really funny.
Great for beginners. william.mbcride510@gmail.com
drummergirl
Our 7 year old son has been taking drum lessons from Jason Willer. Jason
is a fantastic drum teacher. He is very patient and his lessons
progress logically, starting with stick control/basics, reading drum
music, etc, and progressing to learning an unbelievable amout of ways to
make those drums sing. Our son can do things with his drum set that I,
honestly, never imagined I would be hearing from a kid his age. I don't
think this is due to any special talent from my son, but is rather
because Jason combines (1) methodical teaching with (2) having lots of
fun and freedom to ''go for it'' on the drum. He always leaves some
time in the lesson to just jam (and wow, when he shows you whats
possible it really motivates my son). Great balance of methodical
practice (15 minutes a day, assigned, using the metronome), learning new
things every lesson, and then just rocking out. Jason is the real deal:
he is young, in a number of bands, a professional musician, and a very
talented drummer. He's also really nice guy. My son absolutely adores
and admires him. We feel like we lucked out! His number: 510 269 3003
Loving the drumming coming from my living room
David Rokeach is not only a fabulous professional drummer, but is also a
great person and teacher. He is wonderful with kids of all ages (he has
two of his own) and will inspire them to work hard. Though he has
worked with the best (even Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin) he is so
unassuming and will work enthusiastically with all levels. Great guy,
great drummer, great teacher. 532-
6076 or 325-1407. I think he has a website, too. anon
David Rokeach is a fabulous drummer and a fabulous teacher. He's great
with kids, great with adults, engaging, patient, fun to be around,
flexible, and thoughtful. He's very good at understanding his students'
needs and helping them to move forward. His enthusiasm is contagious--
He loves playing drums and loves sharing his passion with others. He
plays and teaches all styles of drumming.
David teaches in Oakland, but can also come to you for an additional
fee. He teaches all levels-- beginners to advanced, and has students
from ages 5-65, male and female. He has adult-sized drum sets and a
smaller one perfect for kids. He'd be great for anyone in your family
who wants to play drums! You can take regular lessons with him, or once
in a while.
As a musician myself, I can highly recommend him as a drummer. As a
parent of one of his students, I can highly recommend him as a teacher.
Give him a call at 510 532 6076, or you can reach him via his website at
www.davidrokeach.com. Check out his website anyway; he's been around
the world with some of the greats.
-rj
Hamir Atwal is a great drum instructor! He studied at the
Berklee College of Music on scholarship and plays
professionally in the bay area. He also works with children
who have autism. My son loves him! hamiratwal@gmail.com
http://hamiratwaldrums.com/
nilan
I HIGHLY recommend our son's drum teacher, David Rokeach in
Oakland. David's a very experienced and talented drummer who
is a wonderful teacher, for both kids and adults. He's warm,
patient and has a great sense of humor. Plus, he has two,
young children of his own, so he *gets* kids. He's very
tuned in to creating lessons that work for a child's
personality, drive and abilities. He's great with adults,
too! I can't recommend him highly enough.
David Rokeach - (510) 325-1407
http://www.davidrokeach.com/
AG
May 2010
We are looking for a drum teacher for our 9-year-old son,
who has been asking for drum lessons for more than a year
now. We live in Piedmont, near Piedmont Avenue, and hope to
find a teacher who can come to our house or who is located
reasonably close by. All suggestions welcome.
I have been very pleased with our son drum instructor, Eddie
Pollard 510 301 3966. He comes to our house once a week. My
son (Mateo) is learning a lot, he really enjoys his lessons.
df
Feb 2010
Hi everyone,
I see posts for drum lessons for 5 year olds but I think I
am looking for something slightly different. I am looking
for someone who will teach drumming using all sorts of
instruments, not just the traditional American rock band
drum set. I would like for my son to have exposure to conga
drums, waisted drums, bongos, etc to learn about different
beats, different styles, etc.
My son is only 5 so I'm looking for exposure and someone who
is fun and can relate to kids. I don't have to have someone
with 20 years experience.
any thoughts?
thanks!
drum lovers mom
You may want to check Albany Music School. They offer
lessons for all the popular instruments (I believe including
drums, but you'll have to double check that). They are
wonderful with kids: they're very patient and they nurture
the natural enthusiasm that many kids have for music.
They are on San Pablo Ave, opposite El Cerrito Plaza:
Albany Music School
9825 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Tel. 510-528-4047
http://www.albanymusicschool.com
E-mail: info@albanymusicschool.com
Jack
Feb 2009
Hi-
I am considering taking drumming lessons, as in rock & roll (!)
Anyone know of good instructors? I live nr richmond/el cerrito
border.
Any other advice for learning drums?
adult rocker
I wanted to let people in my area know about my son's wonderful
drum teacher! His name is Jim Smith, and he will come to your
home, if you live in the Alamo, Danville, San Ramon area. He is
an incredibly talented and detailed teacher. My son started with
him at age 12, and is now almost 16. He sees Jim once a week.
Recently, they have been concentrating on jazz drumming, which is
a little more complex than the rock drumming. If you would like
to contact him, please email me at KDGALACHEF@AOL.com and I will
pass on the information.
Kirsti
Feb 2009
A family member gave my three-year-old boy a mini professional
drum set. He loves it, and the family member, who is a
professional musician, says that he's ready for lessons. Does
anyone out there offer in-home drum lessons for a little kid?
Thanks!
Oakland Mother
Adam Goodhue teaches my son and he is progressing quickly. He's
great with kids and very flexible. Here's his contact info:
adamgoodhue@gmail.com Not sure if he takes kids as young at 3
though. You would be lucky to have him as a teacher!
yolanda
My 3 year old and 5 1/2 yr old boys have been taking drum lessons
for 10 months now, once a week, for 30 mins with Max Macveety. I
think he is listed on the BPN directory. He is great with kids,
keeps the lessons fun and is very reasonably priced. He was trained
at Berklee School of Music in Boston and is a professional drummer
in touring bands. Plus he works with elementary kids as a TA in the
BUSD. We are so happy with him and our boys love learning with him.
E-mail me for his contact info if you want to. BTW, he has a home
studio near Children's Hospital. Dont know if he does home
lessons--he probably would. I just usually sit in his living room
while he gives the boys their lessons. Good luck with the search!
nikki
Oct 2008
My 8 year old son has a yearning to take drum lessons. Anyone know of a good,
patient teacher? The recommendations I saw are kind of old.
Lisa
Adam Goodhue is great and has a really good vibe! He's been
teaching my 10 yr old son and he loves it. He has a real
connection with him. I know he offers lessons at his home studio
in El Cerrito and in Castro Valley. He's been teaching for ten
years, some of the people he's played w/ are; Maria Muldaur,
Bonnie Raitt, Jack Johnson. Please call him at 510-682-3390 or
via email adamgoodhue@gmail.com yolanda
I recommend Alan Hall at the Jazz School in downtown Berkeley.
He's been teaching my 6 yr old son and also led a group percussion
class for us and is patient, playful and engaging. You can reach
him at alan@jazzdrumming.com
I believe there are also group lessons at the Jazz School for kids
8 and up with other teachers.
mom of a drummer boy
July 2008
Can anyone recommend a steel drum teacher for my 18 year
old? He already plays but would like to learn more.
We highly recommend Mark Rosenthal. My daughter took class
from him years ago at Head-Royce. He's fun and the kids
love him. He still teaches and plays concerts as well. I
found a web page with contact information.
http://www.caribbeansteeldrums.com/index.html
Denise
Allen Biggs is the best steel pan teacher around. He's in San Rafael. His email is
biggsdrum@comcast.net and his phone number is 415 457 4252
Good luck!
Leela
Jan 2007
Hi,
A friend who used to be a member of BPN is looking for a good
drum teacher/drum class for her 5 year old son. She remembers
that she had seen a recommendation on BPN previously. Does
anyone have recommendation?
Thanks!
kimmy
Drummm has classes for kids. Here's the web site:
http://www.drummm.com/workshops.htm#wee
You may also contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni[at]drummm.com or
510.316.2850
Jan 2007
Hi
Does any one know of Steel Drum / Pan lessons for adults?
I would like to give Steel Drums a try. I am looking for
lessons on steel drums preferably in the morning and I would
like to try it before investing in buying one.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Hila
Harry Best teaches steel drums in Walnut Creek (and maybe
Orinda?) call 925-943-5846 to get a referral for private
lessons - he also has an 8 wk class in the evenings 1/10-2/28
Civic Arts Education in Walnut Creek
Also, I have been playing in a local 20 member steel drum band
for 11 years. Feel free to contact me for questions or to check
out a drum! www.csmsteeldrums.com
kathy
I took steel drum lessons from Harry Best at the Orinda Community Center. I believe
he teaches a class on Thursday nights. If you wish to contact him directly, his phone #
is 510.893.2227 and his email is coconuthut[at]msn.com. He is a fun and good teacher,
and is from Trinidad. He brings all the pans to class.
Yvonne
Drum Teachers for 12 year old son
Jan 2006
I am searching for an inspirational drum teacher for my 12
year old son. Prefer someone who could also advise on
buying/renting instruments, etc.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I know a great drum teacher but he is in Berkeley. His name is John Hanes and
his number is 510.843.9687. He is wonderful with kids of all ages and is a
professional musician. If location is a problem I'm sure he could recommend
someone.
Jill
Nov 2005
My son is trying to learn how to play the drum so he could try
out for his school's band. Does anyone know of a place where he
can take lessons? He brought home a flyer for recorder
classes at Cornell Elementary but they don't teach drums.
Thanks!
Ana
David Rokeach is a fantastic percussion teacher as well as a fine performing (and recording) artist. My daughter's best friend took lessons from him and loved them. He can be reached at 510-325-1407. He also teaches a beginning drum class at the Jazz School in Berkeley, 510-845-5373.
My son took drum lessons from John Hanes (510) 843-9687 for a couple of years. John is very good with kids, patient, caring, fun, and a very experinced drummer. My son still enjoys playing his drums but had to stop the lessons because he had to play a stringed instrument at school. I highly recommend John as a teacher. Jill
I would highly recommend Don Rowlands for drum lessons. My son, who had previous instructors, took lessons in our home from Don. He is great. Very personable and able to communicate well with kids. My son sort of got burned out on the drums so unfortunately we don't have Don coming any longer, however, he'd be the first I'd call if I could get my son drumming again! You can reach Don at: 841-9452
-tami
Nov 2005
Last year my son took drum lessons in Berkeley from John
Haynes. He wants to start up again but I can't find John's # or
email. Anyone out there in BPN-land have it?
Thanks!
susan
John Hanes number is (510) 843-9687.
Jill
Feb 2005
Can anyone recommend a drum teacher for a 13 year-old girl
who is brand new to drumming? Ideally this would be a
teacher who could help her decide among drum options (a whole
drum kit? a conga drum? something else?).
Are there girls' drumming groups for teens who are just
beginning to play? (How about groups for women just
beginning to drum, while we're at it? I may be inspired to
join in . . .)
Thanks!
Pam
i started playing drums last april, with absolutely no previous drumming
experience. my drum teacher is jim thorne at music works in el cerrito. his
rate is $25 for a half hour lesson.
music works can be reached at:
510/232-1000
510/232-1026 Fax
i have really learned a lot from jim, and he knows a lot about everything to do
with drumming.
hope that's helpful,
max
Hi Pam,
Jeremy Steinkoler is a great drum teacher for all levels.
And if he's not taking students right now, he can
recommend somebody who is. You can reach him by email:
jeremy at bandworks.com
Actually, you and your daughter may be interested in the
program he & Steve Gibson run, called BandWorks.
The
classes are for both kids (8 on the young side) and
adults. They match students by age, ability & schedule
into bands that after about 8 weeks, perform @ Ashkenaz.
It's way fun. I've done it & now my son is doing it
(11y.o.)
They're also gonna be offering summer camp classes and I
think their next round of classes is going to start in
April. So, if you're interested in that kind of stuff,
you can check out their website: bandworks.com
Julie
Nov 2004
I am looking for someone to teach a mixed group of kids and
adults beginning drumming and rhythm. Any leads?
Ruthie
I recently saw a perfomance (in a school) of the Emeryville
Taiko - a japanese drumming performance. They were very
engaging, and made me want to take my son to them for lessons,
as it was both movement, martial arts movements and sounds, and
banging on the drums. I think they might have something that
would fit a mixed group of people. A google search produced
this info:
Emeryville Taiko
1601A 63rd St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
Contact: Susan Horn
Tel: 510-655-6392
Email: etaiko at pacbell.net
http://members.aol.com/etaiko
Emeryville Taiko offers traditional Japanese drumming classes
for children and adults from beginning to advanced levels.
Gentle Taiko classes are offered for those requiring an easier
pace. Students and members perform in fun, energetic recitals
and performances at community events in the Bay Area. Taught in
the traditional way as a Japanese martial art, Taiko teaches
discipline, respect, performance skills, basic Japanese
language, music skills, group cooperation, and honor.
The classes and performance groups are open to everyone --
people of all ages, sizes, and social backgrounds participate,
from 6 to 66. No special talents, skills or musical background
is required.
The other thought is steel drumming. My brother used to have a
fabulous teacher, Jeff Narrell, I think. Jeff's brother has
several CD's out, (I think the brother is Andy Narrell but
maybe I mixed them up.) Anyway, both of those might give you a
start. I have no actual contact information, but from my
recollection, they were easy to find, perhaps from that store
on University that sells drums? I can't wait till my son is old
enough to enjoy organized drumming. For now, it is random
banging for me.
Shahana
Jan 2004
Looking for a drum teacher for my 12 yr old son, who gives classes
on the weekend or who lives in Laurel District or Redwood Heights
in Oakland and does after school classes.
Andrea
Try Donald Rowlands 841-9452. Not sure if he meets your
criteria, he lives in South Berkeley, but he's a good
teacher and might be available on the weekends.
Anwyl
August 2003
I am looking for a drum teacher in the El Cerrito, Richmond or
Berkeley area for my 9 year old son, who is a beginner and has
motor planning and language challenges, so this teacher should
be very patient, fun and upbeat. Does anyone have a great
teacher in mind? Thanks.
Kathy R.
Even though I am a bit biased, my husband, Alan Hall, has been
teaching drums to kids ( and adults) for more than 20 years. He's an
active performer in the Bay area music scene and teaches privately, as
well as at The Jazzschool in Berkeley. He teaches all skill levels and
styles ( and is a father to an 8+ year old son himself!)
He can be e-mailed at alan at jazzdrumming.com
Good luck with your search.
Sondra
Jim Thorne teaches at Music Works in El Cerrito (San Pablo Ave).
The number is in the phone book. Jim is my neighbor so I was
really happy to discover that he taught drums there when my son
went there for his guitar lesson. He's a really nice and gentle
person and from what little I know about drums, seems to be a
good teacher.
June
My son took drum lessons last year from Eddie Pollard, who (in
addition to being a drummer) does some sort of special ed work
in a local elementary school. So, he might be just the ticket
for your son. The numbers I have for him are are 832-7001 or
721-2338.
lori
Jan 2004
Looking for a drum teacher for my 12 yr old son, who gives classes
on the weekend or who lives in Laurel District or Redwood Heights
in Oakland and does after school classes.
Andrea
Try Donald Rowlands 841-9452. Not sure if he meets your
criteria, he lives in South Berkeley, but he's a good
teacher and might be available on the weekends.
Anwyl
August 2003
I'm looking for a fun-loving, creative conga-drumming teacher in
the East Bay who teaches adults and children. I browsed through
previous posts but didn't find any recommendations specifically
related to Afro-Cuban percussion, or Conga in particular. I'd
love any recommendations people might have!
Thanks!
Try calling Kelly Takunda Orphan. She teaches both beginning and
intermediate conga and african drums at First Congragational
Church in Oakland. The next session of classes start August 27Th,
beg:6-7pm and inter. 7:15-8:45pm. She usually teaches adults, but
some times middle school kids have been present. She has taught
kids for many years in schools, she also gives private lessons.
Her e-mail address is: Ktakunda at aol.com
She is a fun teacher and just recorded her own album,
drumplayer mom
Oct 2002
I'm looking for a woman drum teacher in Berkeley for my 11-
year old daughter. Any recommendations? I've seen the
listing on drum teachers in general but all are male.
dianad
A wonderful woman drummer (and teacher) is Barbara Borden in Mill
Valley. Her number is 415-388-5340; you could give her a call and
ask for a Berkeley reference.
Sooz
April 2001
I recommend Darrel Green, of UC Berkeley (lives in Oakland but will
travel). His phone number 632-8546.
Kcubratsej
One of my best friends is an excellent drum teacher:
Mark Bernfield 510-547-4597
He lives in Oakland but has a studio in Emeryville. He's very nice and great
with kids.
Rob
editor note: phone number updated 3/2006
In reply to the person who asked for recommendations for a drum teacher, your
request was not clear what sort of drumming you were interested in, but I have
two friends who teach drum. Both are jazz and rock drummers. Both take adult
and children as students, and at least one of them works as the
director/organizer of City of Berkeley's Cazadero Music Family Summer Camp.
Both are in the East Bay, one in Oakland, One in Berkeley. If neither of these
people are taking students, they are also the people to talk to about getting
other leads. This is a recommendation from my friend Steve Gibson, who runs,
with Jeremy, a series of Band Workshops for both adults and children. Check out
their Band Workshop Concert at ASHKANAZ this Sunday, April 1, at 6:30 pm.
Perhaps a small cover charge, but well worth it for the fun, and what good fun
it is. OH, if you call either of them, let them know that I recommended them to
you...
Here are names and phone numbers for both drum instructors-
Jeremy Steinkoler (not sure if I've spelled it right!) at (510) 883-9214
Mark Burnfeld is at (510) 251-1137
Sara
My 13-year-old daughter has just started drum lessons with her sax
teacher, Ian Willson. He's a wonderful teacher, full of the kind of
encouragement that makes my daughter enjoy learning. He teaches at
Tupper & Reed as well as at his home (Albany) and studio (Lake Merritt
area). Phone: 763-1773.
Kay
I asked for recommendations for a drum teacher in North Berkeley a
couple of months ago, and the responses I received are below. My 12-year
old daughter is now taking lessons from Jeremy Steinkoler and enjoys him
and the lessons a lot.
Lynn
My son took from Jeremy Steinkoler. He's at Walnut near vine. He's
really terrific and great with kids. His number is 883-9214.
While this guy is in the Lakeshore area of Oakland and not Berkeley, I
am so impressed with him I thought I should give you his name anyway:
John Mader (763-2320). He has taught my son and several other children
I know. He is very good, plays professionally, deals with children
well, and is very dedicated.
I am the Assistant Director for the Young Musicians Program at UC
Berkeley. We are one of the outreach programs on campus. Our drum
teacher is Darrell Green. He would be very good. His number is (510)
632-8546. He lives in Oakland. You could also try Forrest's Music on
University in Berkeley. They used to have an excellent drum teacher
there named Norman Peck. Their number is (510) 845-7178.
Jeremy Steinkoler was my son's teacher for a few years and he's great
*and* in North Berkeley. He was recommended through Tupper and Reed.
His phone as of last year: 883-9214. He and a guitarist also run a
jazz/blues 8-week class for intermediate and advanced students,
children and adults. Very professional and great with kids.
Wendy
My 13-year-old daughter has just started drum lessons with her sax
teacher, Ian Willson. He's a wonderful teacher, full of the kind of
encouragement that makes my daughter enjoy learning. He teaches at
Tupper & Reed as well as at his home (Albany) and studio (Lake Merritt
area). Phone: 763-1773.
Kay
Where to Buy Drums
Guitar Center in El Cerrito is a great place to buy drums. On San Pablo Ave.
Guitar Center has new drums starting around $300 (I think). My husband's a
drummer and suggests starting out low budget if you're still determining level
of interest. Other place recommended is good but price might be too high for a
beginning student as the drums there--though used--are sometimes considered
vintage and therefore collectible. Marilou
In response to the person looking for drums, we got drums for our
daughter through a rent-to-own program at Music Works on San Pablo in
El Cerrito. We were able to get a pretty good deal on a slightly-used
set there.
Lynn
An excellent place to check out used and new drums is A Drummer's Tradition
on the west side of 4th Street in San Rafael.
-- Victor
Guitar Center in El Cerrito is a great place to buy drums. On San Pablo Ave.
Guitar Center has new drums starting around $300 (I think). My husband's a
drummer and suggests starting out low budget if you're still determining level
of interest. Other place recommended is good but price might be too high for a
beginning student as the drums there--though used--are sometimes considered
vintage and therefore collectible. Marilou
Some Basic Info about Playing Drums
From: Colleen
I got my first drum set at 10, after playing a snare for two years.
My parents bought me a new kid set (20 inch base) for $165, including
cymbals. Of course that was 1974. I kept it until age 15 when I
traded it and $800 for a professional set. Today I teach drums to
kids, on that same set I bought at 15, and have a couple of thoughts
for you. First, are you (and your neighbors) prepared to let your
child practice on a real kit for as much time as will be needed to
learn the instrument? If they receive lessons at school, 20 minutes a
night, 3 or 4 times a week would be a minimum. As a child I played my
set about 5 hours or more a week. A real kit is loud and the beginner
cymbals sound pretty bad. You can buy rubber pads for each drum, but
that gets expensive too. If a kid hears "not now" a lot, they'll
likely lose interest. Take your kid to the music store and see how
long you can stand to hear him play. (While you're there, see how
long you can stand the amplified guitar players, they'll be coming to
your house in a couple of years. All practice happens at the
drummer's house because our instruments are hardest to haul) Consider
buying a practice pad kit. They make them with 5 drums and cymbals,
just like a standard kit. They are no louder than the sound of
pencils on a phone book, and are just as effective in learning to play
a trap kit. Guitar Center sells them in their blow-out sales at a
pretty low cost. One of my students just bought a new single (snare)
pad and stand on sale for about $30. If you still want a real kit,
shop the drum centers for a good quality traded-in child's kit. (not
to be confused with an expensive jazz kit, a professional 4 drum kit
w/20 inch base) Be certain it has good heads, or ask them to throw in
good heads(not necessarily new), sticks and a beginner book. They'll
give you a good deal on an entry kit, because they know it is your
first of many visits. Entry level new kits sell as low as $300-$500
plus cymbal packs for $150-$200.
this page was last updated: Feb 28, 2013
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