Shannon Ford Drum Lessons

Shannon Ford Drum Lessons

5.0(3 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I have over 40 years of experience playing drums in New York, LA and Nashville and am currently working on Broadway. My teaching style is customized to each student's needs and skill level, beginner to advanced. In my lessons I emphasize technique, reading, learning beats and grooves on the drumset as well as exploring specific songs that interest the student.

I am passionate about the world of drums and percussion and love to share that passion with students of all skill levels. Seeing someone achieve a specific goal on the instrument is extremely gratifying.

I have also discovered that I learn so much from my students, whether it's discovering a new artist or song, or finding just what sparks a person to want to make music.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
3 years in business
Serves Long Island City , NY
Offers online services

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

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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    EB

    Elena B.

    Shannon is an incredible musician, and has been nothing but kind, generous and encouraging to me as a newcomer on the scene. He offers a wealth of knowledge when it comes to being a professional musician. I always leave our lessons feeling super inspired to keep moving forward!
    ... Show more
    December 13, 2021

    BC

    Brian C.

    Being a successful drummer is about having good time and good relationships. Shannon excels at both. He explains what tools you need to sound professional, while modeling what a “good hang” is in the music scene.
    Shannon finds the perfect balance of explanation and demonstration. He targets the smaller areas of musicality that can elevate a drummer from a 6 to a 10.
    Broadway drummers need to play in multiple genres. I have sat with Shannon and experienced his effortless shifts from rock to swing to pop. As a teacher, he perfectly communicates the idiosyncrasies of each style.
    Brian Cudina
    Lyricist, Drummer, Journalist
    ... Show more
    December 13, 2021

    JL

    Jacob L.

    I was about to leave on an intense summer tour playing ~70 shows in two months. Shannon not only taught me the endurance and control needed to play that schedule, but how to make it feel good at the same time. He was also extremely helpful showing me the realities of being a professional musician in NYC, through advice and watching him at gigs of all types. Cannot recommend enough!
    Jacob Levitin
    Musician, Engineer, Programmer
    ... Show more
    December 13, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    For a new student I like to ask what kind of music they like and what drew them to the drums. I then assess their skill level and proceed with hand technique, an introduction to reading music and learning various beats on the drumset. My goal in a first meeting is to have the student playing a simple groove by the end of the lesson.

    Growing up I was active in elementary and high school band, as well as drum corps and symphony orchestras. I was also working in various rock, country and jazz groups.

    My fee for lessons in my studio or via Zoom:

    1/2 hour lessons $30

    1 hour lessons    $60

    In your home:

    1 hour lessons    $70

    I have taught throughout my 40 year career by responding to individual requests but have actively increased my student roster in the past year.

    I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels 

    I recently opened an off Broadway show called Kimberly Akimbo at The Atlantic Theater in NY and am looking forward to reopening Beetlejuice on Broadway in April 2022.

    Find a teacher who will give you the tools to advance and improve on the instrument. Those tools include proper technique and the ability to read music, and an appreciation of various styles of music.

    This depends on the individual student and their level of interest and involvement with the instrument.


    Services offered

    Drum