I'm currently working on this section of my website and will have it ready for you soon! In the meantime, if you're interested in drum lessons, I offer the following options:

• Asynchronous Drum Coaching—a modern and highly effective way of learning, especially when combined with live lessons. 

• In-person Drum classes at my private lesson studio right here in Kawasaki (located near Motosumiyoshi Station).

• Online Drum Lessons from anywhere in the world (or just around the corner!).

Please don't hesitate to ask for more information. I'm also offering a free 30-minute video call so we can chat directly and get to know each other.  That's much better than writing back and forth. So reach out, I'd love to hear from you!

frehsedrums@gmail.com

About Me

I am a professional drummer, music educator, and dad of two from Germany, living in Japan since 2009.

I teach at the renowned Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (Jazz Course) and run my own private drum lesson studio based in Kawasaki, Japan. From my studio, I offer both on-location instruction and internet based guidance, including asynchronous coaching and live online lessons. 

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I've taught private lessons at various music schools and independently. I've also 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), and since then, I’ve performed across Europe, the USA, and Asia — from small jazz clubs to concert halls, arenas, and recording studios. I’ve also appeared on TV shows and commercials, including a feature on NHK’s 旅するためのドイツ語 (German for Travelers).

Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of artists, including Makoto Ozone, Sadao Watanabe, Seiko Matsuda, Lisa Ono, Akiko, Dan Nimmer, Yu Shirota, Sarah McKenzie, Tomonao Hara, Kengo Nakamura, Takana Miyamoto, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Jun Abe, Michel Reis, Martin Sasse, and Roman & Julian Wasserfuhr, among many others.

I'm a versatile drummer comfortable playing many musical styles. Good music is good music, and I love anything from rock, pop, funk to classical, soul, world music, and of course jazz, which is my passion and area of expertise.

I proudly play and endorse Canopus drums and Zildjian cymbals.  

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!”