Paul Michael Hurd

Paul Michael Hurd

5.0Exceptional(9 reviews)

About

I have been teaching drums for over 14 years. I strive to provide a relaxed, fun style of teaching that embraces musicality and encourages individual expression, while focusing on drumming fundamentals.

I specialize in teaching beginning and intermediate drummers; helping them to develop the skills and musical vocabulary needed to play music in school band programs, jam with family and friends, or just have some fun playing along to their favorite songs.

Creating music in the moment with another musician can be the most valuable part of studying any instrument, and I set aside some time in each lesson to play some music together!

(I travel with a guitar and amplifier to all lessons outside of my studio.)

This teaching strategy encourages students to become more engaged in their lessons, and allows them to aquire the experience and confidence they will need to play music with other musicians...and it's pretty fun!

I can cover a wide range of styles including Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Grunge, and Latin music, on both drums and guitar...and I'm a huge Beatles fan.

I'm passionate about helping students reach their goals, and I enjoy creating an open, positive, and creative learning environment.

My goal as a teacher, is to provide an experience that encourages students to enjoy learning, playing, and creating music for a lifetime.

I've always enjoyed teaching, it's just as rewarding as playing music for me. I am always excited for the opportunity to guide students on their own musical journey, helping them through challenges, and sharing in their success. I have students that have been with me for over 7 years!


Highlights

Hired 12 times
1 employee
14 years in business
Serves Denver , CO

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo

Specialties

Able to read music

Student can read sheet music, Student can read percussion notation, Student understands note durations and rests, Student can't read music

Musical styles

I can make recommendations, Classical, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Country

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Types of drums

I can provide recommendations, Traditional drum kit, Snare drum, Bass drum

Lesson length

45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Student have drums

Student already has drums, Student is planning to purchase drums and would advice

Photos and videos

  • DCPA History of Jazz

  • Reviews

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    FM

    fred M.

    Paul has been teaching my son for about a year now. He brings his guitar and amp and they go down to the basement to play. I listen from upstairs. I love it. They sound great. Paul is a great communicator, explainer and teacher- he knows what he’s doing and it shows. Sam has made great strides as a drummer and the whole family is happy to see Paul when he comes to the house.
    ... Show more
    August 15, 2024

    RL

    Rich L.

    We couldnt be happier with Paul. He was willing to give our son a chance to learn drums at 4-1/2 years old. It has worked out better than we imagined. Its been over a year now and our son looks forward to lessone every week. Paul is incredibly reliable and brings an element of fun to the lessons. He brings his guitar so they can end each lesson with a quick jam session which our son just loves. Couldnt ask for a better instructer or person.
    ... Show more
    June 24, 2023

    EF

    Erin F.

    Paul has been our son’s drum instructor for the past couple of years and we couldn’t be happier. Paul is a great guy! He is always on time and really works to accommodate schedule changes when the need arises. Brennan is really inspired by Paul’s love of music…and has really grown as a drummer. Brennan looks forward to his weekly lesson. Highly recommend!
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    August 19, 2022

    TC

    Taryn C.

    Paul is a wonderful instructor! I feel like my child is getting not just instruction, but a music education. Paul has been helping my kiddo practice jazz, salsa, disco, blues, and other styles to develop his music appreciation. And, he does an excellent job of balancing true learning with some fun, all with a gentle and patient attitude. Its not all about drilling either, he encourages practice time that is simply having fun and messing around on the drum kit. That kind of mentorship will build a lifelong music appreciation!
    ... Show more
    June 07, 2022
    Hired on Lessons

    JD

    Janelle D.

    Initially, I was drawn to Paul’s teaching method of playing guitar while the student plays drums. It has really helped me in learning to collaborate with other musicians. Paul is a very patient, kind, and knowledgeable Instructor, which is comforting for a beginner drummer. I highly recommend him for drum lessons!
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    December 08, 2021

    MJ

    Marta J.

    Weve been having drum lessons with Paul for our son for almost two years - we couldnt be happier. Our son has learned so much in this time. He has gained confidence as a drummer, mastered new skills and techniques, and developed a love for drumming. Paul is very patient and encouraging, always making our son feel like he is accomplishing something each lesson. His teaching style is very approachable and ensures that our son has fun, but is also learning key drumming elements needed for more complex songs. I really appreciate that he is flexible in meeting our son where he is at, and adapts to the ebbs and flows of his learning style and pace. Paul is consistent and punctual for lessons and communicative in giving us updates on our sons progress. This is clearly a job he takes seriously and it shows in his work ethic and ability to always come up with something new at lessons. I cant recommend Paul enough!
    ... Show more
    May 11, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    Lessons are tailored to what the student wants to learn, while introducing drumming fundamentals, note reading, and musical concepts.

    I have been a drummer for 30 years, playing and exploring all kinds of music from the Beatles, to Jazz, Afro Cuban styes to Funk, Blues, Grunge and Rock music. I have studied in Los Angeles with notable players such as Peter Erskine, Tony Braunagle, and Dave Garibaldi. My live playing experience has taken me from dive bars to The El Rey Theater in LA, Dazzle Jazz and the Bluebird Theater in Denver, to The Bowery Ballroom in New York. 

    I can teach at my studio in the Baker Neighborhood in Denver or provide in home lessons. In home lessons are generally $15 more per lesson, depending on time and location.

    Please get in touch for more pricing, and availability for lessons!

    All ages

    I have current students as young as 6 and as old as 65+.


    Services offered

    Drum