The Surprising Journey of Becoming a Drum Teacher

As a seasoned drummer, my path to becoming a drum teacher was a surprising and enlightening journey. My career didn’t precisely move in the direction I initially planned, but instead, it led me to a fulfilling and impactful role in music education.

From Recording and Gigging to Teaming Up with a Local Manager

It wasn’t until a local music manager and radio DJ rented a building and transformed it into a music store and recording studio that my journey as a drum teacher began. Along with the traditional business aspects, the studio also offered lessons, a unique twist that I initially unintentionally embraced. The manager saw potential in us giving music lessons and, being a musician myself, I found myself in the position of teaching drums to young kids.

Engaging and Inspiring Young Students

My students were mostly boys and one young girl, including my sisters and my girlfriend, now my wife. Teaching drums to these kids was a joy and a challenge. I focused on teaching not only the basic drum transcriptions and rudiments but also on showing them how great drummers of the day performed certain beats and rolls in their hit songs. We talked about drum brands and music genres, which the kids found intriguing. My credibility as a well-known local drummer and the exposure I had in the media added to the respect and admiration the kids had for me.

Expanding My Career Through Music Lessons

My lessons opened up new doors for me. I learned the importance of versatility in music, which my former teacher emphasized when I approached him with my initial reluctance to become a teacher. He advised me to expand my music career by learning to read music, mastering as many rudiments as possible, and even singing. This advice helped me move from being just a drummer to a session drummer and performer on tours. Teaching music allowed me to pass down my knowledge and inspire others to follow their passion in the same way that I was inspired by my initial teacher.

Teaching as a Fulfilling Career

While teaching isn’t for everyone, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It provided me with the opportunity to share what I loved with others. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. I could create unique presentations and activities, bringing in my love for anecdotes, literature snippets, movie clips, and songs to make each lesson memorable and enjoyable. Despite the potential challenges, the decision to commit to teaching was made easier by a dream I had, which symbolized a sense of peace and purpose in my career.

The teaching profession is filled with its own set of challenges, but it also offers a unique satisfaction. The autonomy to design and implement my own curriculum, the opportunity to laugh with my students, and the joy of sharing music have made it a deeply fulfilling journey.

In conclusion, the journey from a drummer to a drum teacher has been a pivotal part of my life. It has taught me the value of sharing knowledge, the joys of mentorship, and the rewards of a career that aligns with my passions. For me, teaching continues to be an unending source of inspiration and fulfillment.