Bettencourt Drumming
Bettencourt Drumming

Bettencourt Drumming

Top Pro

$65/hour
estimated price


Drum type

Responds in about 2 hours

Introduction: I am teaching IN PERSON LESSONS IN CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, at Play Music Studios, as well as doing remote lessons for students all over the country! Please note that I am not doing in person lessons anywhere other than Cupertino. Lessons are $40.00 per half hour, $55.00 for 45 minutes, or $65.00 per hour. Currently, I teach 45 students each week. Both remote, and in person. I have 52 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 35 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 teaching method includes: - Reading all levels in both snare drum and full drum set - Focused snare drum and sticking technique - Focused drum set and “feet techniques” - How to “groove” - Dynamics - Fills, posture and relaxation techniques for greater speed and endurance -Now teaching GADDIMENTS, The new book by legendary Steve Gadd. (In addition to many other great books) One hour lessons include learning to “groove” with a bass player (via accompaniment on the Chapman stick). This is basically a bass and guitar on one neck. I also play bass guitar for accompaniment too. All levels are welcome and all styles are covered - rock, jazz, funk, swing, reggae, fusion, ska and more -- just ask! Professional experience includes drumming with The Square Roots, The Road Hogs, The Room Shakers, The Gravity, and many others. There has to be a future of great drummers! Without teachers, there aren't students! I love helping to create future great drummers!
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 106 times

Serves Cupertino, CA

Background checked

1 employee

34 years in business

Payment methods

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

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Top Pro status

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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

Featured Projects

15 photos

  • Drum Lessons - Cupertino 2023

    Drum Lessons

  • Excellent experience. He is an excellent teacher.

Specialties
Interested musical styles

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

84 reviews

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pro avatar
Scott E.
Aug 28, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been taking lessons with Neil for about 8 months. He has incredible expertise and experience, and is simply great at what he does. I have made tons of progress in a short time, and I am really enjoying drums. Thanks, Neil!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • 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 • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Tong S.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The lesson experience with Neil is great from the beginning. Neil gave a list of gear/books to prepare, and provided recommendations for practice gear. During the lesson, Neil was very encouraging, while giving clear instructions about what I could improve. Neil introduced the books and demonstrated the techniques, which was really fascinating! We went through the beginning of the books, and one hour just flew by. I am really happy to start this learning journey with Neil. Looking forward to all future lessons!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Can read sheet music • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Samuel W.
Feb 8, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I’ve been drumming with Neil for a year now and it’s been a fantastic experience. He’s a teacher first, and he has the drumming chops to back it up. I’d recommend him to people of all backgrounds and ages. He’ll take your playing to the next level

Details: 26 - 44 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Douglas C.
Aug 4, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Neil is a unique combination of patience, expectation, skill & focus. He cuts no corners. He misses nothing. But the results speak for themselves. After 15 months with him, I now view myself as a legit drummer. My band is dramatically better, because I am dramatically better. He is not the cheapest drum instructor. He rarely gets an available time slot for a new student. If your willing to work your craft, this is the instructor!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Understands note durations and rests • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Nicole V.
Aug 3, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I don’t even know where to start. I’ve been taking music lessons since I was 11 and this was by far the best experience I’ve ever had with a mentor. Was it challenging? Absolutely. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! I was able to absorb so much and push myself. Very professional and made me feel like I was getting more than I paid for.. an hour has never felt so fast. Very lucky to have booked a slot with him as he does not have openings often! My advice? Take whatever slot you can get when one opens up

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Classical • Folk • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
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Neil Bettencourt

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