I have maintained a private percussion studio in the Summerville, South Carolina area since 2005. Watching students grow as drummers, percussionists, and steel pan performers is a passion of mine and I look forward being a part your student's musical journey!
Private studio lessons will follow the school calendar, so when school is not in session, we will not meet for lessons. If there is a cancellation for any reason, I will communicate with you in advance so transportation can be arranged. My rate for the 2024-25 school year is $35 for each 30-minute lesson. I do ask that parents pay weekly for lessons via Venmo following each lesson (info below). In the event of a no-show or cancellation within 24 hours of a lesson, you are still responsible for payment towards that lesson.
For most private lesson scenarios, there is no need to bring any equipment with you with the exception of books and sticks/mallets. Equipment for home practice or public performances can be discussed once lessons are underway.
The books I prefer to use for beginners are the "Fresh Approach" series by Mark Wessels, and the sticks and mallets I am the most familiar with and recommend are made by Vic Firth. However, I strongly reccomend that you do not purchase anything until we have had a lesson or two and can determine the best fit for your needs.
I can certainly do virtual lessons if needed, although in-person lessons tend do be more effective. I will occasionally travel to a student's home for a lesson to help setup and/or tune a drumset if needed, but I do not do that on a regular basis. If I travel to a student's home, there is an extra $50 charge for travel time and fuel in the Summerville area, and $100 extra charge for the Mt. Pleasant area.
I have had students as young as 7, and as old as 60! As long as their feet can reach the drum set pedals, they can read, and they are mature enough for a 30-minute lesson, we are good to go!
They aren't! But if you feel this cost is excessive, remember to consider the taxes that self-emplyed businesses are liable for, as well as business insurance costs, equipment costs, utilities, rent/lease for the studio, and for materials and technology usage during lessons. After all of this is factored in, there isn't much profit! Also consider the value of 3 college degrees, and over 25 years of experience in the field into this cost. In fact, now that I wrote this response, I wonder if I am charging enough. :)
Yes! Drumset lessons make up the majority of my studio.
Yes!
If you strike it, scrape it, or shake it to create sound, I can help you learn it! Anything in the world of percussion is in my specialty, including instruments from the Caribbean, Brazil, and Western Percussion instruments found in the modern Symphony Orchestra.
All styles of music are covered in my curriculum!