Gallagher School Of Guitar & Drums

Jamie's teaching method builds on a strong foundation and base understanding of drumming, which is personally tailored for both beginners as well as continuing learners.

Jamie's been a recording and nationally touring musician for almost two decades, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from North Central College.

Students can expect to focus heavily on fundamental drumming techniques, successful practice methods, as well as listening exercises that are all included in the lesson experience. Jamie highly encourages drummers to explore the music they appreciate the most.  This may include favorite songs, a specific artist, musical style, drummer, or musical repertoire that is expected to be performed by the student drummer in future performances.  

Above all, inspiration and demonstration are crucial factors in helping to motivate students to follow through on developing an enjoyable and effective practice routine.

Learning HOW to practice on the instrument is the main goal that's continually reinforced in Jamie's lesson room. 

Jamie's Teaching Experience: Drum (set) teacher for 18 + years now, and have a studio where I work located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL.  I've operated as principal instructor and manager of my own music education business, Gallagher School of Guitar & Drums, since 2008.

He currently enjoys freelancing with various groups, songwriters, and producers in and around Chicago. He regularly collaborates with Chicago rock outfit, Discoveries of the American Scientific, Patsy Cline tribute band, Weepin' Willows, and drums most weekends with the classic country group, Diamondback at the legendary Chicago honky tonk, Carol’s Pub. Other notable artists he’s worked with include Andreas Kapsalis (Trio), Ezra Furman and the Boyfriends, Shahzad Ismaily (Brian Eno, Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog) , Pretty Good Dance Moves (Sabina Sciubba, Genevieve Schatz), Jenny Gillespie, Laura Joy, Oucho Sparks, Blues piano legend - Detroit Junior (Holwin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Chess Records) , and the Megitza Quartet.

Jamie's focus as an instructor:

Empowers students to discover the joy of playing drums and percussion. Demonstrates to students essential fundamental drumming techniques, how to listen to music, how to read, write, transcribe, and interpret music. Teaches students HOW to practice effectively. Works on music, songs, styles, and inspired drumming that they enjoy listening to and eventually aspire to play on their own. Passes on knowledge of various musical genres (jazz, rock, pop, country, concert music, world music, etc.). Researches and applies teaching and learning methods that concern the world of drumming. Encourages students to find their own musical voice, and encourage them to explore and experiment instrumentally within their creative capacity.