Los Angeles Drum and Percussion Lessons

Kristen grew up listening to Al Green, the Rat Pack and 70s funk.  She fell in love with the drums after seeing Billy Cobham in concert when she was nine, and hasn’t stopped playing since.  After attending DePaul University’s School of Music and Berklee College of Music, Kristen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Performance and moved to Los Angeles.

Kristen has studied under drumset masters John “JR” Robinson, Aaron Sterling, Kenny Aronoff, John Blackwell, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kim Plainfield, Jamey Haddad, Bill Ransom, Steve Wilkes, and Dave DiCenso.  She studied Japanese taiko drumming under Eitetsu Hayashi, Brazilian percussion under Marcus Santos, and West African drumming under Joe Galeota.  In addition, Kristen traveled to Ghana to study Ewe drumming and dancing under Emmanuel Agbeli.  You could say that she is well-rounded

Kristen loves teaching drumset, and percussion to both complete beginners and highly advanced students.  She is known for her impeccable time, feel-good pocket, stylistic versatility, and bright personality.

*Kristen is also a certified drum circle facilitator.

What people are saying about Kristen’s drumming:

“Kristen has that rare combination of patience, rapport, and sense of humor that allows her to connect with every student.   The students at my school are not only better musicians because of her, but they are better people as well.”

- Ed Kline (Director of Bands, Solon City Schools, Solon Ohio)

“Kristen is an amazing drummer/musician who can lead the future of music. . . she will pass on knowledge and wisdom to the students of the future.”

-John “JR” Robinson (Grammy winner & studio great, the most recorded drummer in history)

Neil’s began performing professionally at the age of 15,  and spent his teenage years playing with many famous South African artists, including Falling Mirror, Winston Mankunku, Thandi Klaasen, Marc Alex, Wendy Oldfield and The Usual.  Neil studied at the University of Cape Town College of Music, and moved to Los Angeles to attend Hollywood’s Musician’s Institute.  Neil’s groups have opened for Tom Petty, Styx, Paul Simon, and Brian Wilson, and you can hear his drumming on TV shows such as Smallville and Felicity.  Neil was recently the house drummer on “The Fran Drescher Show,” where he enjoyed performing with artists such as Shelia E, Dan Aykroyd and Wayne Brady.

Neil loves teaching.  His vast experience and fun style have made him one of Los Angeles’ most popular drum instructors.  Neil enjoys giving drum lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, including those with special-needs.

Neil was a featured judge in the Guitar Center Drum-Off, and endorses DW Drums, Pro-mark sticks, Remo Drum Heads, Zildjian Cymbals and Gator Cases.  Neil also loves PG Tipps tea.  (And in case the PG Tipps people read this — he’d consider a PG Tipps endorsement the biggest honor of all . . . hint, hint

What Red Pelican Music customers are saying about drum lessons with Neil:

“I had an amazing experience with Red Pelican! I got drumming lessons for my brother, who has special needs, and the teacher was very patient, super nice, and knowledgeable. I liked the manner in which the instructor explained things in detail. He also provided my brother with encouragement and motivation. My brother had a blast! In addition, the registration process was very smooth and everyone is super friendly, approachable, and open minded. I would definitely come back and I highly recommend them.  Neil is an awesome teacher!”

- Shelly G.
(Yelp)

“I have never played drums before . . .Neil has been showing me the ropes. He’s a great instructor and definitely knows what he’s doing.”

-Claire G.
(Google)

Brian graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Specializing in Jazz drumming and World Music, Brian has performed with jazz legends Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Hal Crook and many others.

Brian has toured extensively in the United States, Europe and South America, recently returning from a two week engagement in Columbia.

In Los Angeles, Brian teaches, performs regularly with rock and jazz groups, and composes for film and TV shows.

Brian has a real passion for teaching, and enjoys working with students of all ages and experience levels – beginners, professional musicians, or special-needs children.

Stylistically, Brian is equally comfortable teaching school marching band percussion, rock ‘n roll drum set, latin percussion or jazz.

*In addition to being a professional drummer, Brian studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Royce Gracie. So you’d better practice!. . . (or he’d patiently encourage you to work harder).