Let’s talk about Drum Lessons!

I spent nine years in the Marines, five of which I served as a Drum Instructor at the Armed Forces School of Music. As a military musician, you’re tasked with having to function in a variety of musical situations which means you’ve got to be competent as far as knowing how to play a rudimental roll in the morning and then turn around and be able to play some funk in the afternoon and then play some quiet jazz later that evening. It was a wonderful experience that served as a great way to prepare for a musical career in Nashville, backing up several Christian music artists on the Young Messiah Tour, playing and singing as a national recording artist with the band, “Western Flyer” and even a brief stint with the “Little River Band.”

This is the kind of background I’m bringing to the table as an Instructor.

If you’re just starting out, I’ll teach you how to read music and once you’ve got a comfortable command of intermediate level rhythms, I’ll move you to the kit where you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned in that you can now read drumset literature and rhythm charts. This gives you the necessary capacity to not just perform a variety of grooves, but also to make other musicians sound good in whatever band situation you’re playing in.

You’ll be studying out of several books, one of which I’ve written called, “The Starting Line” which allows you to learn basic rhythms in a way that uses both your hands and your feet so you can begin to develop the independence you’ll need to play the drum kit, even as you’re getting familiar with musical notation.

You’ll learn your rudiments, you’ll work on different solos, you’ll get a report card with every lesson and at the end of the school year, you’ll perform as part of a recital which will give your friends and family a chance to see what you’ve accomplished over the last several months.

If you’re already a drummer and maybe you play by ear. I can show you how to read so you’ll never again be intimidated by someone putting a chart in front of you.

Perhaps you’re a working drummer, but would like to expand your vocabulary to include some jazz fusion or learn the difference between short percussive and long percussive attacks when playing in an ensemble.

I would love to work with you!

And we can do this virtually! For a parent, that’s gold in that you’re not having to drive out to a random location and sit in the driveway while your son or daughter has their lesson.

For an adult, this is good news because you can work this into your schedule much, much easier because now all you have to is turn your laptop on.

You can do this from anywhere in the country. Plus, if you’re local and it becomes apparent that a house call is appropriate, we can schedule a face to face to ensure that whatever is being taught is, in fact being learned and understood.

I charge $35.00 for half an hour! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in pursuing, email me at bruce@brucegust.com and I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks!

Bruce Gust