Rebekah Blume/Nick Simmons

Howard Blume teachers rhythm tap and has studied extensively with some of the finest masters, including Charles Kelley in NYC, Louis DaPron, Eddie Brown & Alfred Desio in L.A., and Heather Cornell of Manhattan Tap. Blume's taught continuously since age 14 in North Carolina, Boston, London & L.A. (Visit tapwithhoward.com)

The Saturday 10 am class is known as the Eddie Brown class because Brown's students asked Blume to keep the regular gathering going after Brown died in 1992.

During and after Eddie's life, the Eddie Brown class traveled all over Los Angeles, first under Eddie, and later after Blume (Eddie's assistant) inherited the group. It was at the Embassy Hotel in downtown L.A. before and after the Northridge quake severely damaged that building. Then it moved to Cafe Danssa in West L.A. Now it takes place at Blume's home studio in Silver Lake.

Blume has had responsibility for the Brown class for about 25 years. These students have been among the most loyal band of tappers ever. Blume was just about the youngest among them when Eddie died in 1992. The class has continued to meet for decades, with some of the original participants still involved.

Blume also has a time-consuming "day job" as a journalist in L.A.

Note from Howard: I've been fortunate to study with some of the finest masters and over more than 30 years of teaching have developed precise training methods -- some of my own and some from master teachers. It's a responsibility to share what I know about this art form with others. I take people's dreams of tapping seriously, and for that reason, I am willing to work with any age and experience level of student as long as there is a class or private session that works for them. Because my schedule has some limitations, I do not always accept new students and cannot generally offer classes for young children.