Drum Lessons With Mark Beecher
About
Mark is currently an adjunct teacher of percussion at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where he also directs the Drexel University Percussion Ensemble. He is the president of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (N.A.R.D.), a voting member of the GRAMMYs (The Recording Academy), has recorded over 35 albums with a variety of artists. His drum tracks are included on a special compilation album that was on the Billboard Top 10 and featured Dan Akroyd, Julian Lennon, members of the band Yes, Jethro Tull, Renaissance & Sister Sledge.
Mark had the honor and privilege of entertaining The Rolling Stones and crew for their end of tour private party - with the Latin band, Synthesis. Mark has performed on stage with such multi GRAMMY award-winning artists as Shania Twain, The Chieftains, Peter Erskine, Paul Simon's Graceland bass player, Bakithi Kumalo, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge, Jesus Music Movement pioneer artist, Paul Clark, and was a first round nominee for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, with his band, Savior Soul. Mark has opened for such artists as David Lee Roth, The Doobie Brothers, The Temptations, Dave Mason, Bo Diddley, Mike Stern, Leni Stern, etc., and has also entertained a number of international dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth, Valery Giscard d'Estaing of France and King Carl XVl Gustaf of Sweden.
Mark was a medal winner of individual snare drum competition (along with his colleague Andrew Reamer - now Principal Percussionist with the Pittsburgh Symphony). He has studied with such world-renowned drummers as four-time VFW National Snare Drum Champion, the late William H. Reamer (mentor and well-recognized drum & drumstick maker), Frank Zappa drummers, Chad Wackerman & Chester Thompson, as well as world rhythm percussionists, Oscar Sulley (Africa), Frankie Malabe (Latin), Jose Luis "Changuito" Quintana (Latin) & T.N. Bala (India).
Mark is author of the DVD, The Art of Ancient Rudimental Drumming, has written a number of articles and solos for several percussion publications, has over 36 years of experience teaching drums and percussion to various high school bands, drum corps and pipe bands and a wide array of talents from beginner to music professionals and has a regular presence on YouTube.
Mark both produced and recorded the soundtrack for the renowned video game series, Mount & Blade: Napoleonic Wars, which has sold in excess of 200,000 copies since its release on April 12, 2012, and he's presently recording a new soundtrack for the same Flying Squirrel Entertainment for their upcoming Civil War game.
Mark Beecher endorses Ludwig Drums, Evans Drumheads and Vic Firth Drumsticks.
Doing my hobby as my full-time job. By choosing a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Find out what their personal goals are, favorite styles of music and from that, I assess what is the best starting point.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Mark has studied with 4-time V.F.W. National Drum Champion, the late William H. Reamer (also world-renowned drum & drumstick maker, who was Mark's father figure & mentor), Latin percussion masters as the late Frankie Malabe, “Changuito,” aka José Luis Quintana (drummer/percussionist for the Cuban band Los Van Van), Pablo Batista (percussionist for Grover Washington Jr, Alicia Keys), African drumming master, Oscar Sulley, Eastern Indian drumming master, T.N. Bala, as well as former Frank Zappa drummers, Chad Wackerman (Allan Holdsworth, Barbara Streisand) & Chester Thompson (Genesis, Phil Collins).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50 per hour / $25 per half an hour drum lesson at my location.
$60 per hour / $30 per half an hour drum lesson at student's location.
How did you get started teaching?
Began playing drums at 10 years of age and studied privately, at the age of 12, with 4-time National Snare Drum Champion, William H.Reamer.
What types of students have you worked with?
From beginner to Professional.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Performing on drums at the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a provider who has the years of experience behind them and interest in having their clients attain their goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
• What are my goals?
• Am I willing to put in the extra time of practicing to attain those goals?