Teaching Background and Philosophy

Chris’s teaching philosophy has been informed by a lifetime of immersion in all aspects of a drummer’s life, from full time performing, retail, management and production experience in the music industry, and a home based business specialized for drummers.

As of 2021, Chris has taught more than 50,000 drum set lessons with students ranging in age from 4 to 72. His fundamental teaching approach and philosophy is that each lesson should be relaxed and enjoyable while also ensuring that skills and learning are progressing within the player’s ability. Players and their goals are not all the same, so customizing lessons is especially important.

 

Students include youngsters who’ve never played before, middle to high school band students, adults who want to get back to playing the drums they once loved or finally get that drumset they’ve been dreaming of, and increasingly, empty-nesters and elders who always thought it could be fun to try drums. It’s never too late to learn! And just as student goals differ, so does the aim of instruction. Tailoring lessons to the player might include:  mastering some basics prior to band try-outs, leaning into sight reading skills, enhancing school-based jazz band styles, sharpening snare drum playing, preparing to perform with church bands, brushing up on technique, problem-solving ergonomic issues, creating effective practice habits, preparing for audition or competition — or just having an expert approach in which rocking out with your favorite music is the lesson!

 

Additional Information about Chris

- Joined Austin School of Music in 1998

- Teaches in person or via Zoom

- Started working and performing as a full time drummer and band leader as a teenager many years (and memorable stories) ago

- Enjoys playing with various bands in the Central Texas area

- Founded Bopworks Drumsticks in 2006, a home-based specialty drumstick business shipping internationally that can be found represented at major trade shows