Chris | Teacher #2141
About Chris
Chris is an experienced drum educator with over 25 years of international performance experience. He offers online drum lessons and teaches at his studio, specializing in drum sets, jazz improvisation, and music appreciation. Chris is a self-taught drummer who has studied privately with renowned clinicians and has performed with numerous international jazz stars. He has received awards and distinctions for his contributions to the music industry, including being selected for prestigious career development programs. Book an interview with Chris now.
Drumset Music Appreciation Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Jazz Country Pop Rock Latin Salsa Rock and Roll Heavy Metal Folk Blues Gospel Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Rap Punk
English
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that learning an instrument is an extremely personal experience, and therefore each student needs to learn in their own way. I enjoy discovering the different methods that will unlock the spark in each individual student and tailoring their lessons to suit just their needs. I also feel that music can be such a powerful mirror for life itself and I like to use the journey of learning about music to help students look within themselves and learn about their journey in life as well. As a profession there are a great many skills involved in being a musician that don't involve playing an instrument. I like to let my students know how to behave as a performing musician, how to communicate and appear professional, how to be reliable, properly perpared and on time, how to practice efficiently and effectively and how to build up their unique brand as a musician.
Musical Education
I am a professional performing drummer with more than 25 years of international experience. I am a self-taught drummer but I have studied privately with the world's most respected drumset clinician and teacher, Dom Famularo. I have performed all over the world with a long list of international jazz stars like Ulf Wakenius, Barbara Morrison, Anderz Bergkranz , Canadian legends Lorne Lofsky, Bernie Senensky, Ted Quinlan, vocalists Billy Newton Davis and Gavin Hope (The Nylons) and many many others. I consider this to be as valid an eduacation as any other!
Awards and Distinctions
In 2010 I was one of only 5 musicians selected in Scotland to take part in the "Air Time" initiative. This was a week long intensive career development program produced by Serious Music Ltd. a London arts promotion company responsible for many large scale concert events including London Jazz Festival. Participants were nominated by peers and industry professionals and then chosen by a panel. The program focused on mentorship from high level musicians and provided a comprehensive program of information from all aspects of the music industry, advice directly shared from members of the press, record companies, management and agencies, festival directors etc. In 2012 I was again selected to take part in "Air TIme" 3rd edition which focused on composition of original music for jazz musicians with classical musicians. The participants were given a week to compose an original piece which would then be performed by a sextet of musicians from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. We were personally mentored by BBC orchestra conductor Howard Moody and UK jazz musician and living legend John Surman. In 2012 my original jazz trio "NeWt" was awarded the Scottish Jazz Ensemble of the year award.
Special Skills and Trainings
I have performed at the following international festivals: TD Toronto Jazz Festival TD Ottawa Jazz Festival TD Montreal Jazz Festival TD Sudbury Jazz Festival Oakville Jazz Festival TD Markham Jazz Festival TD Vancouver Jazz Festival Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Glasgow Jazz Festival Aberdeen Jazz Festival Dundee Jazz Festival Edinburgh International Jazz Festival Manchester Jazz Festival London Jazz Festival Adelaide Cabaret Festival Melbourne Comedy Festival I also composed and performed the live drumset score for the play "The Hard Man" which toured Scotland for 6 weeks in 2011 to rave reviews. I spent 15 years living in Scotland where every summer I performed with world class cabaret artists during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I have backed comedy, burlesque and cabaret acts of all styles. As a teacher I have taught privately for many years and I have also taught for private music schools in the Toronto area, taking on students of all ages and levels. In Edinburgh, Scotland I was the head drum teacher at Stevenson College (Now Edinburgh College) for 3 years until my leaving in 2013.
Lessons in a music studio
Chris offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.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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