Lessons at Austin's Drum Studio

Greetings... I'm a unique and versatile percussionist who has studied rhythm and drumming from near and far. By combining techniques and concepts from many cultures, I've forged a universal approach to playing and teaching. I am currently accepting private drum students of all ages and all levels of ability. I teach drum set and a number of worldly hand drums including: tabla, kanjira, doumbek, and a variety of frame drums. I also teach universal hand drumming techniques that can be applied to any drum, as well as rhythmic concepts and exercises that will benefit any musician seeking to expand their rhythmic horizons.

I teach from my comfortable home studio in Thousand Oaks, Ca, where I have two complete drum sets and an array of percussion instruments from around the world. Additionally, depending on your location, it may be possible for me to make house calls.

Because each student has individual needs, I maintain a flexible approach to teaching. I strive to make the learning process relaxed, fun, and engaging. My goal is to inspire my students to find their own voice on their instrument.

I am a well traveled working musician with a Masters degree in music from California Institute of the Arts. I have many years of teaching experience. I am easy going, patient, and work well with people of all ages. (More about me on my Bio page)

Some of the things you will learn: (with consistent practice!)

	Drum Set Lessons - Basics of rhythm and rhythmic structures. Reading of rhythm and drum notation. Fundamental drum set hand/foot coordination. Snare drum rudiments and technique. Both style-specific (rock, jazz, world) and universal approaches will be explored. Listening / Role of the drum set in various styles of music. More advanced concepts include creative phrasing and odd time playing ideas.
	Tabla Lessons - Play and recite rhythms and compositions from the classical repertoire of North India. Understand North Indian musical concepts and structures. Maintain proper sound and technique. Listening / Understanding the role of the tabla player in North Indian Classical Music. Apply tabla techniques and concepts to other instruments. Drum tuning and maintenance.
	Hand Drum Lessons - Universal hand techniques that can be played on any drum. Specific techniques for kanjira, doumbek, variety of frame drums. Explore various rhythmic concepts, structures, and compositions. Exercises to develope a strong sense of time. Even and odd time playing. Ideas for both solo and group playing. How to compose for hand drums.

Rates: $50 per hour lesson $30 per half hour lesson House call fees are established on a per location basis. For more information or to schedule a lesson, kindly email austin@austinwrinkle.com or telephone (805) 370-9107