Mud Dog Drum Studio

Mud Dog Drum Studio is all about learning how to play the drums correctly and the confidence that comes with being a drummer!

We have a large studio space with multiple drum kits for one-on-one instruction and we’re always set up to record your lesson.

Gearing up for college auditions?

Trying to improving your skills to better participate in HS Marching or Jazz bands?

Need to become a more creative or supportive part of your working cover/wedding or original band?

Regardless of your age, current abilities or style of music you wish to pursue, this is the place for you!

What you will learn:

Reading Music & Drum Rudiments

Techniques & Solid Timing

Creating Beats & Fills

Balance & Coordination

Musicianship & Creativity

Charting Song Structures

Recording Techniques

Tuning and Set-Up for Recording

Mastering your Instrument

Requirements:

Practice Pad and Snare Stand

Adjustable Drum Throne

Sticks, Metronome, Music Stand

Drum Set (optional but recommended)

Minimum 45-60 min per day (everyday) for assigned practice.

Most Importantly... a Passion for the Art of Drumming

No Excuses // No Drama // No Limits on what you WILL Achieve

Weather you want to pursue drumming as a full time commitment or just want to enjoy playing drums to your favorite songs, I am happy to help you along the way.

Take our “Studio Drumming” courses and you can learn first hand how to approach the instrument in a recording studio setting using your newly acquired advanced musicianship skills.

I have been teaching students from all ages and skill levels for over twenty years and still, the best part of what I do is seeing the look on my students face when they learn a new song for the first time and they’re able to play along, or when they gain the confidence from learning a new concept or technique and how applying that technique to a groove or fill expands they’re understanding of the instrument.

Helping them apply their talents and skills artfully and musically is the most fulfilling experience for me. My training at William Paterson University in classical percussion as well as contemporary drum set allows me a unique perspective on the instrument and the ability to teach across a broad spectrum of styles and genres. Keeping that diversity in my playing as well as my teaching is one of the strongest motivational forces for me.

Here are some testimonials from past students:

"Mike Holowatch is the best teacher I have ever had . He not only made me a better player, but he opened my mind musically. He taught me to not only be a drummer, but to be a musician. I highly recommend taking lessons with Mike, you will gain great technique and become a very well rounded drummer... and musician."

- Josh Toth

"I took drum lessons with Mike Holowatch for three years. His vast depth of knowledge and ability to breakdown and explain concepts, enabled me to not only perform at a higher level, but expand my musical horizons to places I had never thought to venture. Since my time with him, I have continued to record and play shows with various artists, as well as perform with the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra. Everything I learned be it drum technique, sight reading, along with the spiritual side of drumming can be attributed to him. To this day I continue to work on the exercises and concepts he passed on to me. Mike Holowatch is a great asset to the drum community."

- Mike Ruvolo

“Mike is a great drum teacher. He can help you achieve your goals because he has the ability to instruct and to understand a student's strengths and weaknesses and target those problem areas and fix them. He is an extremely talented musician who teaches drumming in many styles of music. He helped me with , technique, balance, co-ordination, and sight reading. Mikes positive approach gave me the confidence I needed to take my drumming to the next level. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or pro, Mike will improve your drumming... That is a 100% guarantee! Much love an appreciation goes out to him.”

- Susan O'Leary

"Mike Holowatch has been my drum teacher for going on 5 years now. Since I have been his student my drum set playing has improved dramatically. I am a more confident player now because he not only teaches what it means to play drums, but to understand the instrument as well. He instructs you on everything from practice pad work, notation, hands, feet, feel etc. I owe all my abilities and skills behind the kit to Mike and wouldn't be the same player without him and his instruction. He understands that everyone learns the instrument at a different pace and takes that into account when teaching you. He is tough but fair, and is always able to help with any sort of trouble that you may face when playing. Whether you have been playing for years, or are just starting your journey on the drum set, Mike will be able to help you no matter what, and you will be a better player for it."

-Jonathan Kramer