Tom McCarthy Drum Studio
About
Learning to play an instrument has life long rewards if you have the interest and make the effort to progress. It should always be an enjoyable endeavor. I focus on what your goals are and develop a learning plan that keeps it fun and interesting.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depends on the student and their goals. I have a lot of respect for notation and rudiments, but in general I try and get right to the music. That is what keeps the student interested and working at it. The student needs to be able to make his/her own musical expression early in the learning process.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started on drums at the age of eight. My father owned a night club in Philadelphia. From age 8-10 I would get instruction from drummers who were playing his club. I am working with a variety of bands giving me a range of musical genre. At 54 I am still a student myself of the drums and attend numerous clinics as well as full week rythym section retreats with drummers such as Billy Cobham, Dom Famularo. I am also enrolled in, and an avid user of, The Dave Weckl online school.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Initial Lesson: $25 - determine current level on the drums, identify goals and musical ambitions.
1 Hour Lesson.: $45/Hour in my Tempe Studio
4 Hour Pack : $170 ($42/Hr in my Tempe Studio)
1 Hour Lesson In your Home / other location $50/Hour (typically for setting up new drum set, drum tuning, monitor a performance).
How did you get started teaching?
I taught my son initially. He took to my methods quickly. We played to records ASAP.. then we break that down into systems.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types. Kids as young as 8 to middle age and seniors looking for a hobby. From an instruction standpoint, I adapt the curriculum to what gives the student the most return on their effort and provides enjoyment. I teach beginner to advanced novice level. Probably have performance experience to offer at a pro level, but academically I teach through novice level.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Last summer I attended the "Art of the Rythym section" retreat by Billy Cobham here in Mesa Arizona. It is a one week intensive instructional camp in which we got to work with the most accomplished musicians in the world in a very collaborative environment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Work with an instructor that keeps it fun and musical. Notation, chart structure and rudiments are like eating your vegetables and exercise. But the true enjoyment comes from playing the drums to music, or accompanying others.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my musical goals? What effort will be required to reach these goals? Truth is, if you can make it musically appealing to yourself, you will build on that. It wont feel like an effort, if you can feel and hear the progress.