Berkeley Parents Network: Drum Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network

Drum Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Drum Lessons

Drum lessons class for 5 year old
Steel Pan / Drum lessons for adults
More Drum Teacher Recommendations
Where to Buy Drums
Some Basic Info about Playing Drums

Drum lessons class for 5 year old

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

Steel Pan / Drum lessons for adults

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

More Drum Teachers

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

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

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.

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