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Bettencourt Drumming

Top Pro

Drum type

Online now


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About
“Bettencourt Drumming” I AM TEACHING ALL LESSONS REMOTELY for students all over the country! Lessons are $40.00 per half hour, $55.00 for 45 minutes, or $65.00 per hour. Currently, I teach 41 students each week. I am only available for remote lessons. I have 53 years of drumming experience, most as a professional. I love playing, but my passion is teaching others which I have been doing for the past 37 years. I am great with kids, and I have taught many adults. I have numerous students who developed into pro drummers. My first 6 years drumming, I studied with a member of the San Francisco Symphony who was also the house drummer at Bimbos in SF. Under his tutelage I developed a mastery of classical drums while also gaining an understanding of the modern approach to the drum set. I have had the honor to play with some top-notch musicians over the years. My lessons are individually tailored to each student’s ability, musical interests, and goals. Instruction includes: * Music reading at all levels for both snare drum and full drum set * Snare drum technique, rudiments, and sticking development * Drum set coordination and foot technique * Developing a strong, musical groove * Dynamics, feel, and musical expression * Fills and transitions * Proper posture and relaxation * Techniques for developing greater speed, control, and endurance * GADDIMENTS, the acclaimed book by legendary drummer Steve Gadd, along with many other outstanding instructional books and materials All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced and advanced drummers. I teach a wide variety of musical styles, including rock, jazz, funk, swing, Afro-Cuban, reggae, fusion, ska, and more. If there’s a style or technique you want to learn, just ask. My Philosophy Great drummers aren’t simply born—they are developed through good instruction, dedication, practice, and a genuine love of music. There has to be a future generation of great drummers, and great teachers help make that possible. After decades of playing and teaching, helping create that next generation of drummers is still what I love most. Bettencourt Drumming — Learn to read. Learn to play. Learn to become a musician.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 118 times

1 similar job done near you

Background checked

1 employee

36 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

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Top Pro status

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2025

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2024

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2017

Services offered
Interested musical styles
Drum type

Traditional drum kit

Snare drum

Bass drum

Work location

My customers travel to me

I work remotely (phone or internet)

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

91 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

3

0%

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pro avatar
Anthony L.

May 15, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Neil is a spectacular instructor! His drum knowledge is unparalleled and his teaching style is exactly what I was looking for. This is your guy for learning to play and understand drums!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Folk • Blues • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Ron S.

Sep 20, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

I've had a couple other drum teachers over the years, and Neil is by far the best. He's helped me develop my hand speed and accuracy to a point I didn't think I would get to. We've been working together for a year and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him.

Details: 65 years or older • 4+ yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Candice P.

Feb 5, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Neil is a wonderful instructor! Knowledgeable and precise. Knows exactly what a 10yo needs to hear to do well and move forward with their learning. Amazing attitude and funny to boot!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Snare drum • What the teacher recommends • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • Classical • Jazz • Folk • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Emily W.

Sep 4, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

My kiddo has had four lessons with Neil and all of them have been wonderful! Neil is really fun, which is very helpful in keeping small children engaged. In addition, his encouragement keeps my kiddo interested in learning more. But what I like about Neil the most is that he is rigorous and knowledgeable. He teaches techniques, an essential part of drumming. He has had so much experience that he has developed a whole curriculum. This is great for us, because it allows me to help my kid track his progress. Furthermore, it helps my kiddo see what he has learnt and is capable of doing. All in all, we are very happy to have found Neil, and we are looking forward to all future lessons.

Details: 6 - 9 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Country • Classical • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Hana O.

Aug 24, 2017

Hired on Thumbtack

Neil was terrific with our seven-year-old son. It was my son's very first drum lesson and Neil had a great, quiet energy that kept my son engaged for the full hour! My son is definitely even more enthusiastic about the drums after his lessons with Neil. I was worried that formal lessons at this age would dampen his enthusiasm, but Neil clearly has experience with students this age. My son has been practicing every day without being told and seems to have gained confidence and has an outlet for his crazy energy!
Drum Lessons (for children or teenagers)
Credentials
Background Check

Neil Bettencourt