Kristen's Drum Lessons (in Los Angeles and online)
Drum type
Responds within a day
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About
*Lessons available locally in Los Angeles or online*
- Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music (Drumset Performance)
- Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts (World Percussion)
I have been playing drums and percussion for 25 years and teaching for 20. I have had the pleasure of teaching students privately as young as 3 through adults, and in group capacities ranging from toddlers, to high school drumline students, to college pre-professionals. Aside from teaching I tour occasionally, play live in Los Angeles, and work as a session drummer around LA and from my home studio, both for independent artists and for TV. I also have a multifaceted background with orchestral and world percussion, which especially comes in handy with the younger students' shorter attention spans, as it allows us to switch around to different instruments in lessons to keep things interesting and fresh. Above all I strive to make students happy and teach them what they want to learn, while also making sure to create a well-rounded and safe lesson experience.
There's no place I'd rather be than behind my drumset. Add some extra people in the room that want to learn or share with me, and I couldn't be happier. The look on students' faces when they experience the love and joy of drumming and rhythm fuels me, and the energy I get from teaching is like no other. I'm a people person at heart and genuinely enjoy sharing my craft with others.
Overview
Hired 10 times
2 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
16 years in business
Business hours
Sun1:00 pm - 7:00 pmMon9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, value, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
10 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Rebecca L.
7 days ago
Kristen is an amazing drum teacher! I’ve been studying with her for the past year, and she is incredibly patient, thorough, encouraging, and knowledgeable. She has a wonderful way of keeping lessons positive while still challenging me to grow. I especially appreciate how she reminds me to notice and celebrate my progress rather than focusing only on how far I have to go. She even celebrates my milestones with recordings, which has made it really rewarding to look back and hear how much I’ve improved. Kristen is an expert not only in drum kit but also in world percussion, and I feel incredibly lucky to be learning from her. I’m excited to continue studying with her for many years to come!
Spike M.
7 days ago
I'm a long time student of Kristen's.
Kristen is not just a great drummer, but is she is also a great teacher. She has the method and materials to help her students develop the skills necessary to play the drums. She is professional, has a well set up studio, and is enthusiastic and encouraging.
I would encourage anyone who wants to play the drums to take lessons from Kristen.
Claire S.
Jun 11, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I have been taking drumlessons with Kristen on Zoom for over a year. I love lessons with her and would highly recommend her!!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drum Lessons
Ryan H.
May 15, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
My kids who are 12 and 15 love having DrumLesson's with Kristen. She is super fun and they both feel like they are learning a great deal.
Drum Lessons (for children or teenagers)
David B.
Jul 4, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Have only had one lesson so far but really feeling confident about goals
and where I’m headed! Definitely seems like a good fit with Kristen.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • Can't read 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
Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Kristen Gleeson-Prata
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing system for lessons at my studio or online starts at $60 for 30 minutes, $70 for 45 minutes, and $80 for an hour.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
In the first meeting with a new student, I like to talk for the first bit of the lesson to learn about them and their background, and most importantly to discover their goals in drumming. Then I like to jam a bit together to get the creative juices flowing before diving into some curriculum. If it’s a beginner student, we will start with the basics.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelor of Music degree in Drumset Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2010. Additionally I took two different Drum Circle Facilitation training courses in 2011 and 2019. I earned my Masters of Fine Arts degree in World Percussion from California Institute of the Arts in 2021.
