Drum Lessons & Coaching

Do you want to learn drums or take your playing to the next level? 

Alongside my teaching at   Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, I offer private drum lessons for students of all levels. Whether you're just starting out, refining your skills, or working toward professional goals, my lessons provide a supportive space to develop your craft and dive into the art of drumming and music-making.

What To Expect In My Lessons

We’ll explore a range of musical styles—including jazz, pop, rock, funk, and Latin—while focusing on learning essential techniques, developing groove, and expressing yourself musically. My approach is flexible, adapting to each student’s learning style and interests to keep lessons engaging and help you progress in a way that feels natural and fun. 


A Collaborative Approach

I encourage curiosity and active participation. Bring in any songs, grooves, or concepts you’d like to explore, and we’ll shape the lesson around them. Not sure what to focus on? No problem—we’ll figure it out together. Learning is a collaborative process, and I adjust my role between coach and teacher depending on what you need.


Personalized Materials & Classic Methods

I create exercises and music pieces tailored to each student’s challenges. Over time, this has grown into an ever-expanding library of materials that I continually develop. I also incorporate classic drumming methods and books and am happy to work with any materials you bring.


Jazz Drumming Lessons

While I play many styles, jazz is my passion and expertise. In my jazz lessons, we’ll focus on developing your swing feel and time, exploring different jazz styles (from it's roots to classic swing to bebop and free improvisation), and working on comping, soloing, and brushwork. We’ll also dive into the rich musical dialogue and the art of improvisation that makes jazz unique.

Whether you’re new to jazz or refining your playing, studying this beautiful music will deepen your musicality and enhance your versatility across all styles—so grab your sticks and brushes, and let’s swing!


Languages & Kids Lessons

Lessons are available in English, German, and some 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。興味のある方は、お気軽にご連絡ください。

I typically teach older children, teens, and adults. If you're unsure whether your child is ready for lessons, feel free to reach out.

Lesson Formats & Prices

I offer private drum lessons at my home studio in Kawasaki, located between Motosumiyoshi (元住吉) and Hiyoshi (日吉) stations, with Motosumiyoshi being the closest. It’s easily accessible by train or car from Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki. 

Online lessons offer a flexible and convenient way to learn, and with today’s technology and the right approach, they can be just as engaging, interactive, and effective as in-person lessons. I’ve worked with students from various countries this way, proving that fun and effective learning is possible no matter the distance.

Most of my younger students actually take lessons online. It’s a great option, because it’s safe, eliminates travel time, and fits easily into a busy family schedule.

Not sure if virtual lessons are for you? Feel free to contact me to set up a test connection and see for yourself!

Get the best of both worlds by mixing online and in-person lessons, making it easy to stay home when your schedule is tight, the weather is bad, or you’re not feeling your best. 


My coaching program is perfect for students who like to practice on their own but want expert feedback to stay on track. It gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace while getting personalized guidance to refine your skills, build good habits, and avoid common mistakes. 


How it works
You can send me questions and videos of your playing anytime—whether it’s an exercise, groove, or technique you’re working on, a performance, or even a YouTube clip you’d like my opinion on. I’ll review your playing and respond with detailed messages and videos, offering feedback, corrections, and exercises tailored to your needs. We’ll go back and forth to fine-tune and develop your skills and keep you moving forward.

This way, you can keep improving without being tied to fixed lesson times—and you’ll get feedback much faster than waiting for your next lesson. If you ever want extra guidance, you can always book a live lesson, either in person at my studio or online, giving you the best of both worlds.

Contact me to learn more and see if this approach is right for you! 

A standard lesson is 60 minutes and costs 8,000 JPY (tax included). Extended sessions of 90 or 120 minutes are available upon request.

Online lessons are also available in shorter formats:
• 30 minutes – 4,000 JPY
• 45 minutes – 6,000 JPY

For coaching plan pricing, please contact me.

Lessons are usually scheduled before each month, but the frequency is up to you. 

Payments can be made via cash, bank transfer, or PayPal (students cover any transfer fees).


Contact

Do you have questions or want to talk directly to me? 

Send me an email and schedule a video call—I’d love to hear about your goals and see how I can help. Let’s connect! 


frehsedrums@gmail.com


About Me

I am a professional drummer and music educator from Germany, living in Japan since 2009. I teach at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (Jazz and American Music Course / JAM) and run my own private drum lesson studio. Over my 20+ years as an educator, I’ve taught at various music schools and led workshops and ensemble classes on jazz and improvisation at middle and high schools in both Germany and Japan.

I studied music at Berklee College of Music  in Boston, USA (Class of 2004).

As a performer, I’ve played concerts, tours, and recording sessions across Europe, the USA, and Asia. My experience spans small combos, large ensembles, and orchestras, from intimate clubs to concert halls, arenas, and recording studios. I’ve also appeared on TV in music shows and commercials, and was featured in the NHK show 旅するためのドイツ語 . 

Artists I’ve worked with include Makoto Ozone, Sadao Watanabe, Seiko Matsuda, Lisa Ono, Akiko, Dan Nimmer, Yu Shirota, Sarah McKenzie, Tomonao Hara, Kengo Nakamura, Takana Miyamoto, Jun Abe, Michel Reis, Martin Sasse, and Roman & Julian Wasserfuhr, among many others. 

I am an endorder for Canopus drums and Zildjian cymbals.


Interview

Find out more about my online drum lessons in this interview with Forte Lessons:

 https://www.fortelessons.com/blog/forte-teacher-spotlight-dennis-frehse

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’m collaborating with my dear friend and exceptional drummer colleague, Kungo Sadanari, in Karuizawa, Nagano. Kungo runs his own music school there, and I’ll be offering in-person drum lessons about once or twice a month. For more details, visit his website: www.sibemusic.net, or feel free to contact me directly with any questions. 

Student Voices

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.”


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.”


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!”


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!”