Chris | Teacher #4127
About Chris
Chris is a versatile music teacher offering online lessons in composition, drumset, and percussions for students aged 8 to adults. With a Bachelor's in Percussion and Composition, his teaching philosophy emphasizes the fundamental human connection to music, ensuring that technique and music-making go hand in hand. Chris excels in tailoring lessons to individual learning styles, whether through sheet music, customized lead sheets, or ear training, making him an ideal choice for students seeking a well-rounded musical education.
Drumset Percussions Composition Music History Composition
Online Lessons
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Blues Broadway Musicals Hip Hop Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Punk
English
Teaching Philosophy
I believe music is a fundamental part of being human which means everyone can contribute. In over a decade of teaching I have always prided myself on an ability to teach fundamentals and technique while clearly applying them to the context of making music. I am always excited to teach drummers to play via sheet music, customized lead sheets or by ear alone. One of the greatest things about teaching music is that as long as there is a little bit of dedication and enthusiasm anyone can learn it. All of the fundamental building blocks of speaking, listening, and story telling are all the same skills we need to make music and I am excited to show you how!
Musical Education
Hello there! I have over 20 years experience playing Drums and Percussion. After 4 years of High School Concert and Jazz band I attended the University of Ottawa for 4 years where I studied Percussion and Composition. My training there also included performing in Wind Ensemble, Choral ensemble, and contemporary music ensembles. I also formed and directed ensembles for my personal compositions both in class and out. During this time I began my career playing as a Drummer and Percussionist in Ska, Alternative Rock, and Jazz bands. I continued doing this for several years in the GTA and Halifax Region. I have also produced several of my own solo albums featuring me on percussion as well as synthesizers and guitars. I currently play in Funk band "Smelloship" and Ska-Jazz project "The Oscillators" and work on my own material in my home studio.
Special Skills and Trainings
I have always been fascinated by percussion. I got my first drum set at 13 and took a few lessons as well as high school music. I was largely self taught until I went to The University of Ottawa in 2008 where I studied percussion as well as composition. I have taken this knowledge and recorded and played with dozens of bands on drums and percussion ever since.
Lessons on an online platform
Chris can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Chris is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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