Nicholas | Teacher #5825
About Nicholas
Nicholas is a drummer currently enrolled in the Drum Jazz Performance Program at McGill University, studying performance, theory, ear training, and arranging. He has studied drums and percussion since age 14 under classically trained and jazz performance educators. Nicholas tailors lessons to each student's musical interests and emphasizes proper technique and sustainable posture to prevent injury. He teaches from his studio, in homes throughout Montreal, and online.
Drumset Percussions Ear Training Music History Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Appreciation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Jazz Country Pop Rock Latin Heavy Metal Folk Blues Christian Hip Hop Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Punk
English French
Teaching Philosophy
I want to know what gets someone excited to jump on the drums and play. My job is to find out what kind of music really excites my students and to foster it so that they are motivated to learn more. Everyone's tastes and experiences are different, so my goal is to draw out the spark that brought them to the drums in the first place and build a strong foundation from that passion
Musical Education
I am currently enrolled in the Drum Jazz Performance Program at McGill University, which involves classes in performance, theory, ear training, and arranging. The performance program also requires frequent performances at the esteemed Upstairs Jazz Bar in downtown Montréal. I have studied the drum kit and percussion since the age of 14. My previous teachers included a professional classical percussionist for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, with whom I studied technique and snare drum for a year. My second teacher is a McGill Jazz Performance alumnus and an established Jazz drummer on the West Coast of Canada. My current teacher is a nationally recognized drummer and educator who has expanded my coordination, time, and musicality on the drum set.
Special Skills and Trainings
My mother is a professional violist and educator for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, and Vancouver Academy of Music. She instilled in me the values of hard work and dedication to the instrument at a young age. As a child, I struggled to find an instrument I truly loved, and bounced from piano to violin to clarinet. The drums became that instrument, and I understand what it takes to keep a student engaged by tailoring the instrument to their interests. Additionally, I have lots of experience with developing good technique and sustainable posture on the instrument due to chronic tendinitis I developed because of overplaying. I believe it's essential to develop a relaxed yet engaged posture and technique at a young age to prevent future injury and promote body awareness.
Lessons in your home
Nicholas is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Montreal, QC
Lessons in a music studio
Nicholas 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
Nicholas 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:
Nicholas 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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