Billy Wear Drum Studio

Playing With Sticks!

I was introduced to the drums at age three by my dad, who was also a drummer. Dad would put on Buddy Rich records, sit me on his knee, and play away. Thanks to my parents' support, I started taking lessons in fourth grade and at age thirteen I was playing gigs on weekends with local rock and country bands. While attending Quakertown High School in Pennsylvania, I participated in the award-winning marching, concert, and jazz bands.

At 17, I toured Europe with the American Youth Jazz Band in Wilmington, Delaware, and performed at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. After graduating from high school, I auditioned for the United States Navy in Washington D.C., and was accepted into the Navy music program. Following graduation from the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia, my tours of duty included San Francisco, Orlando, Honolulu, and Yokosuka, Japan. After ten years of service, I left the Navy, but couldn't deny my affinity for water and ships, so I went back to sea, performing in show bands and jazz ensembles for the American Hawaii Cruise Line.

Over the years I've played drums for many name acts, such as The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Frankie Laine, Jay and the Techniques, Herman's Hermits, The Ink Spots, Lee Greenwood and many other artists. I have studied with Joe Morello, Ron Destefano (The Mike Douglas Show), Carmine Appice, Rod Morgenstein, Martin Bradfield, Mic Mestic (Tower of Power). Scott Morris, Ron Reiterman, Paul Miller and Sid Bailey.

Bands I have worked with include

Wolf Marshall, The Philadelphia Funk Authority, Jay and the Techniques. I also appeared on PBS’s “Rock Roots,” a history lesson on the birth of rock 'n' roll funded by Young Audiences, and performed on TNN’s “Wolfman Jack Show” with Jay and the Techniques. I'm currently working with The Craig Thatcher Band and Mike Guldin and Rollin & Tumblin.

Throughout my playing career, I've taught percussion in schools, homes, and music stores for over 30 years.

During the 2005 season, I was the drum line coach for Saint Augustine High School.

Teaching drums has been an excellent way for me to give back to the community and to share my drumming knowledge and musical experiences.

*** Lesson Details ***

I'm a laid back teacher that focuses on the basics while having fun on the drums. Learning the basics right away with rudiments, reading, playing songs, and welcoming new genres to explore are what my drum lessons are all about.

After the first month of lessons you should be able to read and play basic beats on the drum set. I can help you shop for the tools that you will need to succeed.

A minimum of 30 minutes a day is recommended practice to start. Not always am I so critical during the lesson unless the student wants to go in a more focused direction. With all ages I try to make lessons stress free.

I encourage my students to play all styles of music,

to play with others,

and play along with recorded music as much as possible.

I have two drum sets and pads set up so I can play along with the student. I enjoy teaching drums and love music. I share my knowledge of what it's like to be on the road as well as being a schooled musician.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you and what your goals are.

It's so easy! Step by step we can do this with with daily practice.

*** Travel Equipment ***

It would be beneficial for the student to have their own equipment. I can bring extra drum pads, sticks, books.

*** Specialties ***

I use a combination of reading and technique books. Alfred's, Syncopation, Stick Control and many other publications. Over the years I have collected quite a collection of information along with using my own material.

I specialize in drum set, concert / rudimental snare, and hand drumming.