Offers online services
About
Hello, my name is Tom Starr and for over 25 years I have been helping my students reach their musical goals. I am a Pro musician and share my experience playing live shows, recording and working through my effective method of teaching the drums. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, I can help you get there and have fun doing it! Grab your drum sticks and let’s get started! I look forward to hearing from you.
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
Lesson length
30 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
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
Reviews
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Patrice S.
Tom has been wonderful, patient, and great with my two drummers!
February 24, 2023
•Hired on Lessons
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Steve S.
Weve only had three lessons so far, but Tom displays not only the professionalism of a professional musician, but also that of a music educator. Patient, explains things very well. Moves at a pace that is appropriate to the individual student - just fast enough that you have to push a bit to keep up with the weekly assignments.
January 21, 2020
•Hired on Lessons
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Karen T.
Tom is well versed in all styles of playing. He is able to explain concepts clearly and design a program to fit my abilities and goals. He is a knowledgeable teacher who is always positive and encouraging. I highly recommend Tom to anyone who wants to learn/improve their drumming!
October 28, 2019
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Marty P.
When it comes to drum instructors in the metro-Detroit area, Tom Starr is definitely one of the best in the business. I have been taking lessons with him for about seven years, and thanks to him I have become quite an intermediate/advanced drummer. Under his instruction, I made my high schools drumline, I have been to both district and state solo and ensemble festival receiving 1st divisions each time, I am one of the drummers in my high schools award winning jazz ensemble, and am part of a gigging jazz quintet with some fellow classmates. Mr. Starr is great at teaching several styles of drumming, as he has taught me snare/symphonic drumming as well as rock/jazz/funk styles on the drum set. He is also quite well known all around town, as he has taught several other advanced drummers I know personally, and he comes highly recommended by my band director, Michael Rumbell, who is the best high school band director in the state of Michigan. No matter how advanced a drummer you are, I could not recommend Tom Starr more and I promise you will not be disappointed with his instruction.
October 26, 2019
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I do online lessons so I work with my students using drum method books. I also demonstrate the techniques so that the student can learn the proper approach and get up and running. If you're a beginner we start with developing hand technique on a snare drum or practice pad. Then , when ready, we start working with the feet for drum set playing. I also like to get to the point where the student is able to play along with songs. Drums are predominantly an accompanying instrument and it is important to learn to play with other instruments, vocals, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied privatly with the great Gene Stewart who was one of Detroit's finest drum teachers at that time. I also studied with Robert Pangborn who was the Principal percussionist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My current lesson rate is $28. per 1/2 hour
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at Arnoldt Williams Music in Canton and have taught at Anderson Music, The Gitfiddler in Northville and at "The Drum Shop" in Dearborn.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all levels of students in any style. I am an experienced Pro performance artist and earn my living by playing various musical engagements as well as teaching private lessons. I teach beginners, hobbists and the and have also taught professional musicians so that they can better their craft.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent musical event than I am fond of is the Detroit Jazz Festival held every Labor Day weekend in downtown Detroit.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learn to read music (it's easy) so that you can get to the point where you can learn on your own.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What experience does the teacher have?
Is the teacher really good at what they do?
Does the teachers ability impress you and make you want to practice?
Services offered
Drum