Drum Lessons By John Lester

Since I emphasise the acquisition of basic, fundamental skills as the foundation for high-quality music making, we begin with learning the goals of the student and then discussing the ways to achieve our objectives. These include practice requirements and instrument selection, methods for exercising stick control, music reading and the role of the drummer etc.

I took my first drum lesson at the age of six. My teachers were expert instructors. Thus I know exactly what to impart to my students as they work to become superior musicians.

I minored in percussion performance in college, and I have been chosen to adjudicate high levels of performers, (DCI, DCA, State and local school competitions.)

My standard rates are $35 per hour. 

I began teaching by teaching junior drum and bugle corps drum lines in the late 1960's. I instructed the Fletcher's Raiders Drum and Bugle corps of Norwich Connecticut. The Connecticut Vanguard All-Girl D&B corps, Seymour Ct, And the Milford Shoeliners D&B corps (drum line ranked 5th nationally)

I have been teaching privately since 1963. 

I work with all levels of students, from beginners to professional musicians. Since I have the ability to impart superior technical skills my instruction is frequently sought after by players wishing to overcome deficiencies in technique or interpretation.

I have successfully coached students planning auditions for college level performance. 

Although I am a very accomplished rudimental and jazz drummer, I have recently been having a great deal of fun playing with a blues band. In blues, the technical aspects of drumming take a backseat to making the music feel right. This is great "roots" music that is a pure joy to play.

Look for a teacher with experience and great technical ability.

Your teacher must be flexible enough to accommodate your level of experience (beginner or pro) and to work from where you are to where you want to go.

Find a teacher with a healthy sense of humor and happiness about the teaching process. There is no need to make learning an exacting skill a process of "pain and suffering." Drums are a fun instrument, make sure your teacher likes to teach.

Audition your teacher. Check to learn if your prospective teacher can actually play the instrument with clarity and skill. And if they can explain what is taking place. Some excellent players can be less than accomplished teachers. And some less than spectacular players can be great teachers. Try to find both.

A prospective student needs to ask themselves what he or she wants to accomplish? The student must be prepared to practice new skills with sufficient dedication in order to make technical progress. Be prepared to add weekly lessons to your schedule and to add sufficient time to practice your lessons. Not being able to accomplish this can become the biggest impediment to success.