Private Drum Lessons in Calgary

A supportive, personalized approach to drum lessons for children, teens, and adults.

Whether you're picking up drumsticks for the first time, or looking to refine advanced skills, lessons are tailored to your goals, experience, and musical interests. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I provide engaging, individualized instruction that builds confidence, strong fundamentals, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

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About Your Instructor

I am a professional drummer, music educator, and private instructor based in Calgary, Alberta with over 20 years of teaching experience. I hold a Bachelor of Music from MacEwan University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, combining extensive performance experience with a strong foundation in music education and student-centred teaching.

Throughout my career, I have performed professionally across Canada and internationally, worked as a professional DJ and musician, and taught students ranging from young beginners to adults of all skill levels. My lessons are tailored to each student's goals and interests, emphasizing strong fundamentals, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Lesson Philosophy

Every student learns differently and has different goals as a musician. Lessons are adapted to individual goals, interests, and learning styles while maintaining a strong emphasis on solid fundamentals. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore music they enjoy, and take ownership of their learning in a supportive, engaging environment. I believe that meaningful progress comes through consistent practice. My role is to guide students by helping them understand what to practice, how to practice effectively, and how to make consistent progress over time.

Why Learn With Me?

✓ Bachelor of Music

✓ Bachelor of Education

✓ 20+ years of teaching experience

✓ Professional performer with international experience

✓ Experience performing and writing music across a wide variety of genres

✓ Lessons tailored to individual goals and interests

✓ Experience teaching children, teens, and adults

✓ Supportive, patient, and engaging teaching style

Frequently Asked Questions

  • DescriMost children are ready to begin drum lessons around 7 years old, when they have developed the fine motor skills, coordination, and attention span needed for structured learning. Every child is different, however, and younger students may be ready depending on their individual development.

  • No. To get started, all you need is a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks. Many of the world's greatest drummers spent years developing their technique on a practice pad before owning a full drum kit.

  • Lessons take place on two drum sets equipped with quiet mesh drum heads and low-volume cymbals. This allows both student and instructor to play together throughout the lesson while maintaining the realistic feel and response of an acoustic drum kit at a comfortable volume.

  • For most students, 30-minute weekly lessons provide enough time to review the previous week's material, introduce new concepts, and establish goals for the week ahead. Lessons are typically divided into smaller segments focusing on technique, reading, coordination, and limb independence. 45- or 60-minute lessons may be beneficial for advanced students, those who practice extensively, or students taking lessons less frequently than once per week.

  • Weekly lessons are recommended for most students. Regular instruction provides consistent guidance, accountability, and feedback while allowing students to build new skills gradually and address challenges before they become habits. Students who are unable to attend weekly lessons can still make excellent progress with consistent practice between lessons.

  • Lessons can be tailored to your musical interests. I have experience performing and teaching rock, pop, jazz, funk, country, metal, punk, reggae, and many other styles.

  • Not at this time.

  • Lessons are taught in my private drum studio located in southwest Calgary.

  • Not at all. Beginners are always welcome. Lessons are tailored to each student's experience, goals, and learning style, whether you're picking up drumsticks for the first time or looking to build on existing skills.

Testimonials

Ryan took our then 7 year old from having an interest in drumming to a 9 year old who loves drumming and can't wait to go to class. He has inspired him to push his limits and to do his best, even when his best includes theory. Ryan is attentive, engaging, knowledgeable and a fun teacher!  – J.G.

Books & Resources

The primary method book I use is Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming. I also incorporate a variety of other books and resources to support each student's individual goals and learning style, including:

Fundamentals

  • Basic Drumming– Joel Rothman

  • Complete Easiest Drum Set Book– James Morton

  • Stick Control – George Lawrence Stone

  • Syncopation – Ted Reed

  • Rubank Elementary Method: Drums – Paul Yoder

  • Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method – Sandy Feldstein & Dave Black

  • Alfred's Drum Method Books 1 & 2– Sandy Feldstein & Dave Black

Rock & Contemporary

  • Advanced Funk Studies– Rick Latham

  • Mini Monster Book of Rock Drumming – Joel Rothman

  • Realistic Rock Drum Method – Carmine Appice

  • Rock 'n' Roll Drums – Palmer Hughes

  • Feet Don't Fail Me Now! – Michael Packer

Jazz

  • Chart Reading Workbook for Drummers– Bobby Gabriele

  • Creative Coordination for the Performing Drummer– Keith Copeland

  • The Art of Bop Drumming – John Riley

  • The Evolution of Jazz Drumming – Danny Gottlieb

  • The Jazz Drum Book – Leonard Patterson

Coordination & Technique

  • 14 Modern Contest Solos for Snare Drum – John S. Pratt

  • Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments– Buddy Rich, Henry Adler & Ted MacKenzie

  • Master Studies– Joe Morello

  • Modern Reading Text in 4/4 – Louis Bellson & Gil Breines

  • The New Breed – Gary Chester

  • Ostinatos for the Melodic Drumset – Rob Leytham

  • Portraits in Rhythm – Anthony J. Cirone

  • Rudiments Around the Drums– Joel Rothman

  • The Rudimental Cookbook– Edward Freytag

Additional Resources

  • Afro Cuban Rhythms for Drumset – Frank Malabe & Bob Weiner

  • Complete Modern Drum Set – Frank Briggs

  • Groove In – Tommi Rautiainen

  • Instant Guide to Drum Grooves – Maria Martinez

Rates

$75 per hour.

I believe music education should be accessible. If lesson fees are a barrier, please don't hesitate to reach out—I'm happy to discuss options whenever possible.

Whether you're looking for private drum lessons for yourself or a family member, I'd be happy to answer your questions and discuss how lessons can be tailored to your goals.