Drum Lessons & Coaching

Is this you?

You’re passionate about playing the drums and looking for new challenges and input to lift your playing to the next level?

You want feedback and guidance from an experienced professional drummer and teacher?
You often have questions while practicing or after performances, but don’t know who to reach out to?
You want quick answers — not having to wait until your next scheduled drum lesson?
Regular 1:1 lessons aren’t flexible enough for you. You want to work on your own schedule and pace, without having to follow a fixed plan?
You want to connect with other drummers who share similar goals, inspire each other and grow together?

If that resonates with you, then my drum lesson system might be exactly what you're looking for!

How My Coaching Works

Ask Your Questions

You can send me questions and videos of your practice and performances anytime.

Get Answers

I'll reply to you with effective feedback, guidance, and learning materials via video, text, and pdf.

Ongoing Support

No need to wait between lessons—get input when you need it, so you can stay on track and keep moving forward without getting stuck or losing momentum.

Coaching Advantages

You can revisit feedback, assignments, and video demonstrations as often as you like. Slow down videos, re-read comments, and take the time you need to truly absorb the material. Once you’ve mastered an exercise or task, you’ll receive the next step without delay to keep your momentum going.

The Power of Community

Learning takes place in a shared space where everyone posts what they’re working on. We’ll be able to see each other’s topics, questions, progress, and feedback, creating an interactive and inspiring community. This way, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, discover new ideas, and stay motivated by watching each other grow and interacting.

If you prefer a more private approach, no problem — coaching can also take place one-on-one between you and me.

All Levels Welcome

From beginners to experienced players, everyone is welcome to swing the sticks with me.

You’ll get individual guidance, that matches your level, and a supportive and fun environment to grow in.

Available Plans

Coaching Only

This is the basis option, and is perfect if you enjoy working independently but still want regular check-ins with a pro. You'll stay on track, avoid bad habits, and ensure you're getting the most out of your practice time to grow and move towards your goals.

Face-to-Face + Coaching

Add face-to-face lessons to your coaching plan, and get the best of both worlds!

Live-Lessons can be online or in-person at my studio in Kawasaki (Motosumiyoshi station) or Karuizawa (Nagano).

In-Person Lessons

If you’re not looking for ongoing coaching but still want to study with me in-person now and then, I offer 2-hour sessions for deeper, more focused work — no commitment required.

Why Study with Me?

I’m an experienced and versatile drummer and college teacher with a strong background in live performance and recording. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve worked with all kinds of students from casual hobbyists to dedicated amateurs to those preparing for music college, auditions, and a career in music.

Possible Topics

learn to play in various styles
learn how to play your favorite songs
develop proper technique, sound, and control
rudimental drumming
jazz drumming & improvisation
brush playing
open handed drumming
reading & music theory
Ensemble playing strategies
ask for more ...

Reach out to me!

It’s not possible to cover all details here in writing, so I’d love to invite you to a free 30-minute video call and chat directly. Let's talk about your playing , what you’re looking for, and whether my coaching style is a good match.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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 and coaching studio. Over the past 20+ years, 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), 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.

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 proud to endorse 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

Collaboration with Sibe Music School in Karuizawa, Nagano. (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 available for 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!”

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