Jim Erickson Wins Nashville Drum-off 2010

What makes a good drum instructor?

Patience: Anything learned is a challenge. Not everyone learns the same way, nor at the same pace. It is important that an instructor can "hang in there" with the student as he or she progresses in his or her learning experience.

• Experience: An instructor should have a variety of real world experience from session work to live performances and importantly, in teaching. A career instructor who doesn't know what it feels like on stage or in the studio can't mentor a promising drummer effectively. Theory is only part of the picture. And in a world where youth rules, being a little...ummm..."seasoned" is a definite benefit in a drum instructor.
• Quickly teach drum notations: Without this foundation, practicing on one's own is difficult, slowing a student's progress.
• Adaptation: EVERY student has different learning styles, different playing styles and different personalitites. Whoa to the student who finds himself being taught by someone who teaches the same way for every student.
• Passion: A GREAT instructor LOVES drums and passes the excitement of drumming on to his students. When the going gets tough while trying to get better, passion helps break through the plateau.

From what I hear, I've got all that it takes to make you the drummer you aspire to be. Call or email me to set up your first lesson. I was happy to hear my grandson, Derek (pictured), has been drumming on everything. When I visited for Christmas, he got HIS first official lesson!