About
Joe has been teaching for over 20years, and his teaching method has been described as EDUCATIONAL, PRACTICAL and FUN!
Being a Berklee College of Music graduate and having studied with many of the greats, he has a wealth of knowledge to share with everyone from a beginner to a pro!
Joe stresses the importance of Time, Feel, Groove, Sound, Reading, Rudiments, Dynamics, Different Styles, Different Time Signatures, Speed, Control, Endurance, Soloing, Musicality, Song Forms, and how to Practice and Perform with a click. He also incorporates how drums can be applied to the natural law of physics—making it easy to play.
“Playing the drums utilizes the same principals as any great athlete, being relaxed, balanced, and focused.”—Joe.
He likes to prepare his students for musical situations they will need to gig live, record in the studio, and gives any beginner the tools and foundation they will need to grow musically.
Contact Joe for information on lessons.
“After being off the drums for 30 years Joe jump started me on the path to getting my funk back. He is a great teacher.”
—Sinbad
Actor/Comedian
“Joe plays technically and soulfully and teaches his students how to play like that.”
— Ethan Skinner,
Student
“Joe’s insightful and fun teaching method makes every lesson exciting! He is able to take rudimentary exercises and turn them into ideas for building grooves and solos that can be applied to the whole drum set.”
—Chris Scanlan,
Student
“He is fun and easy to learn from, and also a good drummer!”
—Brent Jones,
Student
“Joe is a great teacher and a wonderful mentor. I have taken lessons from him since 2014 and he has taught me many lessons about drumming but also lessons about life and how to become a better musician. He is very kind and willing to help you in any way he can. If you are searching to start drumset for the very first time or you are looking to fine-tune your skills, he is the person to go to. Each lesson I learn something new and they can be structured around something I need to improve on or something brand new that I would like to learn. I truly believe that he is THE BEST drum teacher I have ever had.”
—Isabella L
Student
“Joe DeRose is a great teacher and friend. He has helped me improve as a drummer and musician for over 4 years. He’s knowledgeable in every genre of drumming and has guided me through rock, jazz, funk and Latin styles. Joe makes learning simple and comprehensible by breaking down his own thinking process and offering personal advice. Great teacher for both beginners and advanced drummers.”
—Callum B
Student
“Joe is an extraordinary drummer and outstanding teacher. He inspires and motivates, encourages and guides. With Joe as teacher, my son grew into a pretty good jazz drummer who gets tremendous joy out of playing with his friends, at school and professionally. I took lessons from Joe myself for a while and learned so much. Joe has big heart and cares much for all of his students. He is professional and reliable. We simply cannot recommend him highly enough.”
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at [email protected]
—Margot H
Parent
“My son started taking drum kit lessons from Joe when he was just 10 years old. Thanks to Joe’s patience, willingness to be flexible and inspiration, Chris has enjoyed a successful career in summer drum corps, high school marching band and he is know in college studying to be a music teacher. What I liked most about Joe was that he approached the whole person. He worked with Chris on technique, but he also had him learning to play a song form the first day. Plus, he gave Chris a couple of very short writing assignment that were really simply about encouraging him to explore other drummers and techniques—it wasn’t graded or pressured, Note: Joe works well with kids with special needs. He is truly inspirational.”
—Lynn H
Parent
“Joe is a very passionate and accomplished musician and drum instructor. I was very lucky to have found Joe as a teacher for my daughter. It was important to me to that my daughter play by learning to read the music for drumming not just play by ear, Joe not only provides that but also instructs her on how to conduct herself as a serious drummer and with his instruction has helped to build her confidence. What my daughter has learned through Joe far exceeds the things that she has learned through her high school programs.”
—Joyce
Parent
I enjoy passing on to others the wealth of knowledge that I have been through!!!
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
Mike S.
Neal F.
Khoi N.
Julia D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I listen to them play first, and then check there foundation rhythmically. Then I will see what there reading skills are like, and then play something fun such as a new groove or fill.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Berklee College of Music, Magna Cum Laude. I have also been studying with instructors privately my whole life.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40 a half an hour and $80 for the hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I was referred by an instructor who was retiring and he gifted me all of his students.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, all races and all genders. From beginner to pro!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just recently finished my first instructional Drum book and I am very excited about sharing it with my students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend that the teacher be educational, practical and fun!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
My response to this question would be how committed are you?