Private Drum Lessons in Vancouver
Looking for Vancouver drum lessons? You’ve come to the right place!
So often I hear, “I’ve always had a secret dream of getting on stage and playing the drums.” And why wouldn’t you dream of that? Being onstage playing music is amazing.
My name is Duran Ritz. I am a Vancouver based drummer. Welcome to my drum studio. I’m here to take you from dream to reality.
Whether you want to be a rockstar, brush up on old drumming skills, jam out with your friends, or just learn something new, I can help.
Welcome to My World
Learning to play an instrument is one of the best ways to exercise your brain and grow as a person. It has been proven that critical development and problem solving centers of your brain are activated while playing an instrument. Check out this article on what happens when you play an instrument.
I get excited when someone is interested in learning the drums. I love getting the chance to bring someone into my world and show them just how awesome drumming is.
Drumming has brought so many great things to my life that I want to share it with you.
I have a proven record of happy students and am always working to be the best drum instructor in Vancouver, BC. I am amongst the top drum teachers in the city, and I’m sure you’ll agree when you sit down for your first lesson.
Many of my past students have gone on to play music professionally in bands, studios, tours, and orchestras. Some have moved on to study at prestigious music schools such as Berklee, McGill, Humber, University of Toronto, University of Southern California, and the University of North Texas.
My policy is to help students explore music in a fun and interactive way. I find learning is encouraged in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, and I believe this approach to be the strongest method for lasting results.
Easy Studio Access
My central Vancouver private lesson studio allows easy access for students anywhere in the GVA. I can be easily reached by those in surrounding cities such as Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, or New Westminster.
4-1140 Clark Dr,
Vancouver, BC, V5L 3K3
(604) 992-7478
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My preference is to teach students locally in person, but if you are outside of Vancouver, can’t find time to drive in, or live outside of BC, I offer drum instruction online via Skype.
Some of my previous students have been in locations such as Edmonton, Montreal, Pittsburgh, and California. If that sounds like you, head to my contact page and fire me a message for more details.
What Are Drum Lessons Like?
Drum lessons with me are private, one-on-one style sessions. I find private lessons are better than a group approach since I can focus all of my attention on one student. Lessons are either 30 minutes to 1-hour in length and usually happen at a set time once a week.
I always use two drum kits in my studio. Two kits allows me to easily demonstrate things which you can try immediately.
Both drum sets I use are of professional quality and are maintained by me. These are the same sets that I personally use on gigs. Most standard drum schools use electronic kits or cheap sounding “beater” kits with low quality cymbals. Good equipment = faster learning.
Best of all, you don’t need to own any equipment to start! I provide all of the learning materials used, and will give you a notebook full of everything we covered for that lesson. If you have sticks already, great! I’ll always have a pair you can use if you don’t.
I prefer to tailor lessons to each student personally. Everyone is different and learn at their own pace. There is no one method that will work for every drummer, so the personalized approach is the only way to go:
Beginner
I love teaching beginners because they learn fast and always have a fun time.
Beginner lessons start with the basics: How to hold the sticks and use them properly, the names of the drums, where to sit, etc.
Next we move onto early coordination and reading. By the end of the first lesson, you’ll be playing a full beat.
With beginners, I tend to focus on rock and pop styles of music because they are the easiest to grasp quickly. Once you are comfortable behind the kit and understand the basic concepts, we can begin to move into styles and topics that are of more interest to you.
Don’t be fooled! Drums can be tricky at first, but I have never failed at getting a student to successfully play along to a song. I promise it will be the same for you.
Intermediate
Intermediate students are great because the basics are already under control. This gives me more time to fix bad habits and improve upon what is already there. These lessons are where things start to get fun!
Intermediate studies involve more technically demanding concepts such as jazz, funk and ghost notes, latin styles, reading, rudiments, etc.
Many of my intermediate students either want to get back into drumming after a long break or are already learning and want to get to the next level.
Initially, I’ll take the time to assess where you’re at and determine what needs improvement. Then I will give you a series of exercises and songs blended with your goals and interests. You will be challenged, but you’ll be up for it.
Advanced
If you’re an advanced drummer, I’m looking for you. This is because you’ve been here before. You’re no stranger to performing and have already spent time with a few private lesson instructors.
Since basics like reading, styles, and technique are out of the way, we can move into the ethereal, discuss concepts, tone production, and intense song and drummer analysis. If you are just looking for new practice ideas, technique checks, or even career advice, I offer that too.
I have helped students 2x the speed of their double strokes, increase sight-reading skills, prep for auditions, and in some cases, have subbed out gigs to them. If you would consider yourself an advanced student, come in for some new inspiration.
FOR ALL LEVELS: I like to know what kind of music interests you. We will play along to songs, which I find to be a great practice tool.
What Topics Do I Teach?
There is no shortage of topics to cover. Here is just a sample of some subjects that will be discussed:
- How to hold drum sticks
- How to hit a drum
- Stickings
- Using a metronome
- Reading drum music
- How to play rock and pop grooves
- Rim shots
- Drum fills
- Speed and accuracy
- Drumming mechanics and tone production
- Rudiments
- Accents
- How to build “chops”
- Hi hat techniques
- Bass drum techniques
- Funk and ghost notes
- Styles: bossa, samba, calypso, jazz, shuffle, etc
- Ostinato studies
- Trading 2’s, 4’s, and 8’s
- Playing in a band
- Music business info
- How to take care of drums
- Drum tuning
- Gig and audition prep
If there is a specific topic you’d like to cover, please send me a message and ask about it.
Why Choose Lessons With Me?
My lesson studio will not be for everyone. As much as I try, I simply cannot accommodate every possible person and scenario. If another situation is a better fit, you can always go in another direction. Above all, I want you to be excited about the drums.
It is no secret that there are a lot of options available for drum education. Here are the main differences between myself and the others:
Big Music Schools
Pros:
• Affordable way to have an instructor check in on technique and progress
• Plenty of teachers and options to fit any schedule
• Chance of finding a location close to home
Cons:
• Instructors are required to teach everyone that wants lessons regardless of age, style, or skill level. You are included in that list
• Music schools have overloaded teachers with too many students creating subpar lessons and an impersonal experience
• To keep the volume down, most schools use electronic drums providing an unrealistic and unsatisfying experience
• Low cost leads to underpaid staff causing you to take a gamble on the quality of your instructor
Online Lessons
Pros:
• Nearly limitless options in teachers and styles all at a (usually) very affordable rate
• Many free options available that could keep you busy without ever spending a dime
• Learn from home at your own pace and schedule
Cons:
• Overwhelming amount of resources available makes it is difficult to know where to start
• No way to know if the information shared is correct. This is the internet after all…
• No professional to physically check your technique leaving you alone with no benchmarks
• No accountability and encouragement from a professional. Works for the motivated, but for the majority, a possible waste of money
Lessons With Me
• Over 20 years of drumming education and experience at your disposal. Read my bio for more information on me or head to the media page to watch me play
• I have had the luxury of learning from some amazing instructors myself. Those teachers have also studied from their own amazing teachers. This generational knowledge is passed on to you
• I only take on as many students as I can properly handle. Providing proper attention and care to each one of my students is very important to me
• I provide REAL, professional level drum sets and cymbals for you to learn on
• I am available by phone, email, or text anytime
• I watch your progress and provide constant corrections on technique with every session. Your progress is very important as it keeps you motivated and excited to continue learning
What Do Drum Lessons Cost?
Click here to see my pricing sheet. For all new students, if you pay for the first lesson, I will throw in a second one for free!
* GST is included in the cost
* All drum lessons are subject to a 48hr cancelation policy
Can’t Wait to Start? Contact Me Today!
If you still have questions or are ready to start, please fill out the form below.
For more ways to reach me, head to my contact page. I personally read every message I get and will respond as soon as possible.
If you’re still unsure, check out the Drum Lesson FAQ page for a list of frequently asked questions and answers.