Drum Lessons
(face-to-face & online)
Are you interested in learning to play the drums or looking to level up your existing drumming skills?
Besides teaching at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, I also teach privately and offer personalized drum lessons to students of all levels. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an aspiring professional, beginner or advanced player, I welcome anyone to explore the art of drumming and music-making with me.
Jazz Drumming
My passion is Jazz and improvisation, and my extensive experience playing everything from early Jazz to bebop and modern, and in settings ranging from small combos to large ensembles, allows me to tailor lessons to your specific goals and dreams. Learn the essential styles and how to play within an ensemble. Master comping, soloing, stick and brush technique – all the skills you need to become a versatile and expressive drummer, valuable not just for jazz, but for other genres as well.
The World of Music
While my expertise may lie in Jazz, my love for music extends far and wide. I am an open-minded and experienced musician, always eager to explore various musical forms and expressions – on stage and with my students. In my classes, I cover a wide range of genres, including Pop, Rock, Funk, World and Latin music. Our lessons are a collaborative journey, so please join in actively. Your ideas, interests and feedback are always welcome!
Languages
My lessons are available in English, German, and Japanese.
ドラムレッスンは、主に英語とドイツ語で教えていますが、日本語も多少話せます。私のレッスンに興味のある方は、お気軽にご連絡ください。
Location
My private drum lesson studio is located in Shin-Kawasaki near Motosumiyoshi station (元住吉駅), making it easily accessible from Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki by train or car. (Free car parking available)
Online Drum Lessons
In addition to in-person lessons, I also offer the convenience of remote learning through online drum lessons. Online education has exploded in popularity, and for good reason – it works! Thanks to advancements in technology, I can provide the same high-quality, personalized lessons online as I do in person. Interactive platforms and real-time feedback ensure a dynamic learning experience, and you’ll forget we’re miles apart. Whether you’re across town or across the globe, I have taught students in Japan, Germany, USA, Canada and Taiwan, proving that location isn’t a barrier to learning.
I also offer hybrid options, combining in-person and online lessons for flexibility.
Lesson Fees
A one-hour lesson costs 8,000 JPY (including tax), with options for longer sessions of 90 or 120 minutes available. Online classes are also offered in 30-minute and 45-minute sessions. There are no joining or membership fees; you simply pay for the lessons you take.
To learn more and see if we’d be a good fit, I offer a free online meet & greet session via Skype or Zoom. Feel free to reach out and book a meeting.
Contact
About Me
I am a professional drummer and music educator from Germany, living in Japan since 2009. I am a teacher at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (Jazz Course / JAM) and operate my own drum lesson studio for private instruction. Throughout my career as an educator, I have taught at various music schools and conducted workshops and ensemble classes on Jazz and Improvisation at middle and high schools in Germany and Japan.
I studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA (Class of 2004).
As a performer, I have participated in concerts, tours, and recording sessions across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Additionally, I have made several TV appearances in Japan.
Artists I have worked with include Makoto Ozone, Sadao Watanabe, Seiko Matsuda, Lisa Ono, Dan Nimmer, Sarah McKenzie, Tomonao Hara, Kengo Nakamura, Michel Reis, Martin Sasse, and Roman & Julian Wasserfuhr, among many others.
Find out more about my drum lessons
in this interview!
Drum Lessons in Karuizawa / Collaboration with Sibe Music School
(シベミュージックスクール、軽井沢)
I am collaborating with my dear friend and exceptional drummer colleague, Kungo Sadanari, in Karuizawa, Nagano. Kungo operates his own music school there, and I will be offering private drum lessons approximately once or twice a month. For more information, please visit his website: www.sibemusic.net, or feel free to contact me directly with any inquiries.”
What the students say…
Yuki O.
“I highly recommend Dennis as a drumset private instructor, I’ve been taking drum lessons from him for about 3 years now and I’m very happy with the progress i’ve made with him! Currently preparing to study jazz performance at a college level and Dennis has really helped me with that.” (2023)
Chris M.
“I’ve been studying with Dennis both in person and online since 2019. He is patient but persistent, always pushing me forward while encouraging and guiding me in my efforts to be a better musician. He has also helped me work on any type of music I have wished to. Taking online lessons with Dennis on forte has been quite smooth; he understands and uses the technology effectively. I recommend Dennis without hesitation.” (2023)
Sebastian S.
“Our son started drums lessons with Dennis about 3 years ago, at the beginning face to face lessons and later due to pandemic situation online. So we know Dennis very well and we strongly recommend Dennis not only as a very good teacher, but also as a very nice person. Our son enjoys a lot the lessons and he plays with fun and confidence because Dennis finds a good balance between challenging drums theory, relaxed communication and playing together drums. Dennis writes personalized music notes for the level and music interests of our son. Even if we live know in Germany, Dennis is very flexible in providing us a proper and reliable lesson schedule: he never forgets appointments, he is always punctually and in a good mood! We are very grateful for his engagement in teaching our son in a high quality and fun drum experience!” (2023)
Gary L.
“Dennis has been giving my son online lessons in English for two years. He is a kind and patient teacher and is always creating new ways to keep the lessons interesting and fun for my son. The online technology works great and makes it possible for us to attend lessons remotely from our home in Tokyo. I highly recommend Dennis for drum lessons!” (2023)
