Becky W.

My New Year’s resolution for 2025 was to find a creative outlet or hobby that got me away from screens. When trying to figure out what that could be, I remembered that when I was in high school, I learned the very basics of drumming and thought it would be a great option to dive into. I had originally been searching for something very casual, maybe once a month, but I am so glad I found Stefano and have made it a weekly practice. I don’t think I would have gotten the same fulfillment out of lessons if I was doing it more casually. I grew up playing piano, so was expecting the drumming lessons to potentially be similar. My biggest fear in taking any sort of music lessons again was the pressure and judgement that often came with lessons as a kid. I had never taken music lessons as an adult (and by choice!) so I wasn’t sure what to expect fully. I think what I’ve learned in the past few months with Stefano is that lessons can be both a safe, fun space to grow and make mistakes, and also a space to hold myself accountable. The way the course started was a great way to ease in to it - I got to start learning Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter in my very first lesson. This instantly got me excited and was an anchor point for me, which made it less daunting once we dove into rudiments, beats, and using a metronome. I’m having so much fun challenging myself each week to learn a bit more and to practice consistently. The best part is, consistency pays off - and I’ve definitely seen myself improve a great deal from week 1! Aside from now knowing the very basics of drumming and being able to play 2 songs that I really enjoy, it’s also been a great stress reliever for me. As someone with a high stress job, I always look forward to my hour lesson each week, and my practice sessions as well. Drumming has become a great way to remain active, for both my brain and body! Also it is so rare these days to find something you enjoy doing that doesn’t involve a tv, computer, or phone screen. I can’t wait to see how I continue to progress with my drumming, and could not recommend a better teacher!! :)

Amy L.

Michael is a fantastic drum teacher. He is an extremely talented drummer and is skilled in all genres of music, from rock to jazz to latin. As a teacher he is very patient and adjusts to my needs / preferences. He is able to explain in detail both the mental and physical aspects of drumming, which I love, and always has tons of suggestions for improving my skills, from improv to rudiment exercises to jamming along to songs. I’ve learned so much taking classes from Mike!!

Nico V.

As a drummer with over 20 years of experience, playing professionally, teaching, and with a degree in jazz drum set. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Alex for the past 8 months. For the longest time I had the desire to find an amazing teacher to give me direction with my practice and playing. I found him through his Eric Harland book knowing that someone who has gone through the painstaking process of transcribing Harland had an intense dedication to high level music and sharing that knowledge with others. Alex’s curriculum and knowledge of jazz and practical musical language has had a noticeable impact on my playing. Many musicians I work with have even noticed positive impacts in my feel, creativity, and soloing. Not only is he an amazing teacher when it comes to the material, but he is also a great person to talk to. Every week I look forward to the energy he puts into our meetings. I am certain drummers of any level will develop their skills and passion by taking lessons with him!

Aritina L.

Within ONE lesson, Howard could pinpoint EXACTLY what my trouble areas are, and not only is he able to articulate a very clear plan for dealing with those, but he has also helped me with the burdening amount of pain that plagues my joints and muscles when I play something technically demanding! Furthermore, he is very focused, understanding, knowledgeable and gentle! After having many verbally.... difficult teachers whose teaching involved quite a bit of negative reinforcement, it is an absolute pleasure and an eye opening experience to have a patient, understanding teacher. Some people may learn quite well in that fashion, and there was a period of time when I actually believed, or rather was brainwashed into thinking that being verbally berated would serve as motivation. But now I see quite clearly that is not the case: I learn a lot better and I am more motivated to practice when I find it a pleasure to go to my piano lessons! Thank you, Howard for all your dedication, patience and knowledge!

Mark N.

Phil has been great giving our son guitar lessons for several months now. He's patient and customizes each lesson for our son, focusing on the style of music/songs he likes to play. Phil communicates well, is friendly and really cares about passing on his knowledge.

Jackson K.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Oliver since we were in high school, when I played with him in jazz ensembles and small groups. Since then, he’s become an integral part of our band Molly with Charles, and many other side projects. He’s a really sweet, positive individual who is also a really talented and dedicated drummer and multi-instrumentalist. I really can’t recommend highly enough as a teacher.

Dimitri T.

I wish I could give him 10 stars! Thanasi is an incredible drummer and an incredible instructor. He took a complete noob like myself and just in a few lessons he transformed me. He has the perfect combination of giving me the right amount of exercises and then teaching me to play the songs that I like to play. The feeling is truly amazing. When you manage to play one of your favorite songs on the drums, when you get to feel that you are a part of the band. I know for a fact that I am not going anywhere. I will continue to receive lessons from Thanasi and I will keep recommending him to all of my friends and people I meet. This review is the least I can do for him. If you want to learn drums the proper way, but at the same time have the time of your life, message Thanasi and I promise you he will open new horizons for you. The amounts of euphoria are incredible!!!

Amanda M.

Doesn’t really get any better than Mark. The thing that really sets him aside from others is he is able to tailor the lessons to what the student needs at that time. All while keeping it fun and interesting and helping the student get better at techniques and general knowledge of the instrument. If want to take lessons for whatever reason at any level, this is the guy!