Duran is an excellent instructor. He is very knowledgeable, patient and always made the lessons interesting and engaging. As a new drummer, he taught me the basic skills and essentials I needed to continue learning on my own. Would absolutely recommend Duran for new drummers as well as experienced ones!”

I had a couple lessons with Duran as he was a local drummer that was suggested to me by Ed Soph from the University of North Texas. I was looking for a few pointers and suggestions on technique as well as the UNT curriculum. I found Duran to be kind, considerate and willing to share his knowledge with grace and a happy vibe. He gave me some suggestions that were immediately helpful. I would highly recommend Duran as a drum teacher whether you are a beginner who needs the right teacher so you are starting correctly or whether you are a pro looking to up your game and gain insight, knowledge and guidance on the most efficient way to proceed toward your goals.”

For me, drum lessons with Duran were an ideal mix of technical and fun.  I really appreciated that, despite my starting lessons with nominal previous experience, Duran’s approach was to presume that the technical side of drumming was within my reach.  In a relatively short time I felt that I learned a lot, and I noticed a great improvement in my overall technique.  He was always encouraging, and made a point of finding out my music tastes, so that I started playing along with some favourite songs right away.  I definitely plan to go back!”

Duran was great at understanding my current skill levels and adapting his teachings to my needs and what I was looking for. Great teacher, enjoyed every lesson!”

Duran is an excellent teacher and a really nice guy. He is an extremely talented and versatile musician who inspires and does not intimidate. He is fantastic at integrating theory and technique based learning into the songs and/or styles you have chosen to learn, which makes it really fun. I came to Duran with a decent amount of drumming experience and I improved more in one year while taking lessons with him than I did in the three years prior combined. My drumming has become much more well rounded and diverse under Duran’s tutelage, as he has taught me many different styles and techniques. Some of the highlights include learning samba, Afro-Cuban, linear drumming, odd time signatures and funk!”

I started learning the drums with Duran while I was on my one month vacation in Vancouver. 

Being a busy, professional drummer, I didn’t expect Duran to be able to adapt to my wishes but he got right back to me. 

The lessons were a lot of fun not only because Duran was motivating and passionate about what he’s doing but also because the drum kit he let me play on is of high quality. Even if I was only a beginner he took the time to listen to the songs I like – which I thought I was never gonna be able to play – and wrote down an entire drum chart for me so I could continue working on my favorite song back home. The exercises he showed me were varied and thus never got boring and we even practiced how to tune a drum. Duran is a joyful, attentive and flexible drumming teacher and I would definitely take lessons with him again if I make my way back to Vancouver.”