About
Hello friends! Please check out my drum lessons on youtube to get an idea of me and my studio and also my students' performance videos. I can say I use the easiest and most fun ways to help you play immediately. My background is versatile so I can cover most of music genres on the drum set and levels from beginner to college preparation and professional players.
Let's set up a free phone consultation.
Credits: Disney, Marty Friedman(Megadeth), , nicotheowl, Warner Bros, aika (J-Pop Top 10), Ayaka Hirahara, Chris Christodoulou, Shahkar Bineshpajooh etc.
Education: Masters Degree - Jazz Performance BA - Jazz Studies Harmony of Music Diploma Counterponit Diploma
Lesson example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce-KfAPf0Tg&t=32s
Student Performance example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uJQpaYRFLQ
Bio etc:
Thanasi is an experienced drum instructor servicing the Los Angeles, CA area. His passion for teaching comes from his personal joy of playing, inspiring, and developing new generations of talents. Thanasi is a patient and fun teacher who can balance the excitement of playing an instrument with the discipline of learning. During the drum lessons, Thanasi focuses on musicality, musicianship, improvisation, creativity, groove, time, technique and style development. Once the necessary musical level is accomplished, Thanasi customizes a lesson plan to help you achieve your goals and success. His teaching technique is designed around actual performance, in which you will learn to develop a fun and creative practice routine.
Thanasi has been collaborating with award-winning producer Nicolas Farmakalidis of NeilaProductions Studios for various recording projects with aika (J-pop top 10), Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Ayaka Hirahara, Daniel Powter and more. Some projects include the recording with aika for the trailer of Warner Brothers’ movie “Ironclad” (Paul Giamatti, Brian Cox), and aika’s album “No Mo Games!" Collaborating with producer Aris Archontis at Archon Studios, he has recorded the soundtracks for hit Disney movies “Teen Beach Movie” (2013) and “Teen Beach Movie 2” (2015).
Thanasi studied at Columbia College in Chicago with many prominent drum instructors and educators such as Frank Donaldson (Bill Withers), Dana Hall (Ray Charles), and Tom Hipskind (Kick The Cat). Later, he graduated with a specialization in Jazz studies. Furthermore, he received a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance at N.I.U. having studied with recognized drummer Rodrigo Villanueva (Eddie Gomez Trio).
Thanasi has performed with artists such as aika (J-pop top 10), Alexia (Chick Corea, 25 gold and platinum albums), Laura Rizzotto, Shahkar Bineshpajooh and has shared the stage with artists such as Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. Some other projects include the recordings of Ayaka Hirahara’s single “Boy I Wish You Were Here,” Laura Rizzotto’s single “Love It” for The World Cup 2014 in Brazil and Hiroaki Tagawa's single "Sky" for the 2021 Olympics in Japan.
https://www.thanasidrums.com/lessons/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp81CA-4uEcGaXLi403m9jw?view_as=subscriber
Instagram: @drumlessonslosangeles
I enjoy watching my students improve every time we meet while having fun! Every student is unique with their own music taste and music style and this makes teaching interesting to me!
Details
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
Stephanie B.
Dimitri T.
Ioanna G.
Sakis P.
Tasos M.
Cameron W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At first we discuss about the student's musical preferences and goals. Then we meet for a first lesson to see how it feels and after that we choose how often we will be meeting. Even before our first lesson, students can call, so we can discuss details about our lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Masters Degree - Jazz Performance
BA - Jazz Studies
Harmony of Music Diploma
Counterponit Diploma
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
There are a few options we can choose according to the student's budget
How did you get started teaching?
After years of performing live and at the studio, I finally wanted to share my knowledge and passion for music with others. I love being a versatile musician playing different types of music, and meeting different types of students makes teaching also interesting and exciting for me!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from 7 years old to adults in their 50s. I have taught many beginners who have never drummed before, from children to adults. Also, more advanced students who wanted to improve or even prepare to study at a music College.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My students always make me proud. My student Cameron does not own any drum set but just a drum pad. You can see him on our Youtube page performing a Weezer Drum cover. He only has a one piece drum pad at home and practices 10 minutes daily.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It would be good to check if the teacher has a lot of actual performing experience, teaching experience and music education. Also, find someone who loves to teach. Usually you can feel that after a short conversation.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before a potential drum student reaches us, think "How much time can I put on this?" For example "Can I practice 10 minutes a day on my practice pad?" "How often can I meet for lessons?" Tell the professional what is your goal, and ask and discuss how can we achieve it together!