Check out FAQs for Online Lessons here!
Why should I take lessons at Gruv Studio?
I’m personally invested with each of my students. I help them to succeed, grow and surpass their expectations. Students can go from technique study, to the fundamentals of a book/method/sheet music, to transcribing parts of a song they saw on YouTube or just want to learn. Then, I’ll go back and show how everything is connected.
I have a passion for learning and music. I love that I can teach students something they’ll have for the rest of their life!
How much do lessons cost?
Please contact me directly and schedule a free “meet and greet” for tuition cost information. There are multiple billing options/discount incentives and the meet and greet covers everything. Additionally, parents/students can meet me, see the studio and make sure they are comfortable with me and the studio. I usually try to squeeze in a mini lesson as well. I prefer not to post tuition to reduce price “phishing”. I also find that when I have released information in text, email or over the phone it can lead to misunderstandings about cost or schedules. It’s much easier to discuss face to face.
How long is each drum lesson?
Most lessons are 30 minutes in length but hour lessons are also offered. I have some students that want more time to be able to dive deeper into each lesson and opt for the hour lessons.
How often should I have a drum lesson?
The most common is a weekly half hour lesson. Weekly half hour lessons provide consistency and reinforcement that students need. Once we find a time that works with your schedule, we’ll lock it in. That said, everybody has busy schedules and I always strive to be flexible when schedules change.
How do you pronounce Gruv?
It’s pronounced “Groove”. I first read the phonetic version in an magazine article around 1998. It was an interview with a well known bass player. He said, “A great drummer has to G-R-U-V.” It stuck with me ever since.
When do I pay for my drum lesson?
Lessons are prepaid. Depending on which billing option you chose, payment is due at the beginning of each lesson, month or quarter.
How do I pay for lessons?
I accept cash, check, credit card or Paypal. Some students prefer to use the Cash app or Venmo app as well. (NOTE – Some payments, i.e. Credit Card, have a service fee added.)
What are your qualifications?
I have a B.F.A Music Education Degree, K-12. I feel I have an excellent blend of playing/teaching experience in different settings as well as solid educational fundamentals that help me meet a student on their level; beginner to professional. With that said I have been teaching for 21 years and playing professionally for 29 years.
How old should I be, before starting drum lessons?
I find that the ideal starting age is around 8 years old. However, that said, I’ve taken younger students on a case by case basis. My concern when taking on a younger student is that their attention span and desire may not be ready for the structured environment of lessons and the requisite practicing that is involved. The age range for my students has been from 3 years old to 65 years old. If you have any concerns about a student’s age, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to talk with you and work towards a solution that suits your particular student’s needs in an age appropriate way.
I’m an adult with no experience. Should I still start lessons now?
Yes. Absolutely! You’re never to old to start. It doesn’t matter if you want to do it on a whim for something new or possibly join a band and be a “Weekend Warrior”. Drumming is a great stress reliever and hobby. I’ve had adult students from different backgrounds, professions and even those who have moved onto retirement. Some parents of students see how much fun it is and decide to start taking lessons themselves.
How long should I practice?
I feel that between 15 to 30 minutes a day is a realistic goal for most students. It’s long enough to improve and short enough to fit into a busy schedule without causing burnout. Of course, I would never discourage a student from practicing longer. Personally, I wish I had 3 hours a day to practice. Here’s a quote I read awhile ago: Student to Teacher – “How long should I practice?” Teacher to Student – “How good do you want to get?” You get back what you put in.
Where to do you teach?
I teach in my home studio in Millard at approximately 180th Street between Q and Harrison Streets. There is a waiting room for parents and students to hang out in prior to and during lessons.
What do I bring to lessons?
Students should bring their sticks/mallets, method books and a binder which I provide during the first lesson. I provide the snare, drum set and xylophone. Several students bring their school music to review and to have questions answered.
What happens if I have to cancel a lesson?
My policy for cancellations is to contact me 24 hours in advance unless it is an emergency or sickness. Cancelled lessons are not refunded/credited but a make up lesson is offered. A lesson policy is provided and includes more details.
What do you teach?
My forte is Batter Percussion i.e., Drum Set and Snare drum. I also offer mallet, hand percussion, auxiliary percussion lessons and the technique used with each. All styles of music: i.e., Rock, Funk, Jazz, Swing, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Marching Percussion, Heavy Metal, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestral. I also help students with audition prep.
Why would I need lessons if I’m an experienced player?
All musicians should continue to take lessons regardless of age or experience. There is always something new to learn and gain from a new perspective. Even as a teacher, there are some professional players I would love to study with. As a musician you can never stop learning and improving. Fusion great Dave Weckl was an established drummer when he decided to study with Fred Gruber. Dave completely reinvented himself and became even better. Working with a teacher helps to provide new approaches and ideas.
What equipment do I need to take lessons and practice at home?
It depends on what the student wants/needs to study. A new drum student needs a pair of sticks and a practice pad. That’s it! A student that is interested in drum set will eventually need a drum set – either acoustic or electric, but I recommend starting on snare until fundamentals are established. A hand drummer needs to have a drum of their choice. A mallet student at a minimum needs a bell kit.
Do I have to spend a bunch of money on equipment?
No, you don’t. At some point, you will have to invest, but there are options available for every budget. You could consider used equipment, but it’s never bad to invest in high quality new equipment.
Do I have to take piano lessons before I take drum lessons?
I do not make it mandatory to have piano lessons in order to start private drum lessons. I do however, strongly advise to learn piano. Learning piano will teach you all of the elements that make up music.
How do I know if my child is getting better?
You can view notes from each lesson from different website that is exclusive to the parents and students. In addition, I host 1 to 2 recitals a year. The students can choose what they want to play for the recital and then perform it in front of their families and peers. It certainly isn’t like most recitals. Most often students are nervous before the recital, but afterward they start planning what they want to do at the next recital because it was so fun! I encourage parents to be involved. Some even occasionally sit in on lessons.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes! Please refer to the Online Lessons section of this website.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact me. You’ll find my contact information below or you can submit a form from this page: Contact Info