Alex's Drum Lessons And Jazz Entertainment Events
Alex's Drum Lessons And Jazz Entertainment Events

Alex's Drum Lessons And Jazz Entertainment Events

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Introduction: I have been teaching drum set lessons for 20 years and have had students go on to prestigious music schools, as well as be lifelong hobbyists. I teach all styles and specialize in jazz. I love to empower students of all ages, even as young as 3, learn to internalize how to grow while having fun with their instruments. I have had students stick with me for more than 12 years regardless of where I have moved (I am available for Skype lessons and they work just as well.). I'm always willing to work something out financially, so I use a sliding-scale method of payment where appropriate.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 75 times

Background checked

1 employee

20 years in business

Payment methods

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

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2023

Featured Projects

10 photos

Specialties
Musical style

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Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

48 reviews

5
98%
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Customers say...

This pro is a dedicated and skilled drum instructor who connects well with students of all ages and skill levels. They provide personalized instruction and tailor lessons to meet individual needs. Students appreciate their patience, enthusiasm, and ability to make learning enjoyable. Remote lessons are convenient and effective.

AI-generated summary of customer reviews

pro avatar
Paradox F.
Aug 9, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alex is an awesome drum teacher! He's absolutely incredible. I have been drumming for about 5 years now and am mostly self taught. I decided I wanted to take my drumming to the next level as well as branch into a new genre of music while I was at it. I had been searching for a drum teacher for a while and came across Alex. I decided to give him a shot and ohhh boy, was it the best decision I could have made. Off the bat he was willing to work with me on price which was super nice of him. When we met in person I could tell right away that he has a burning passion for teaching drums. Even though we were meeting each other for the first time it felt like I was interacting with a long time friend. We just clicked so well. He is super friendly, enthusiastic, and patient. After my first drum lesson, I was honestly mind blown. I had learned more from Alex in 1 lesson than I had from my past drumming teacher who I had taken 2 months of classes with. If you are new drummer or drummer with experience Alex is the man! I highly recommend him if you are looking to learn or want to improve and push the limits of your drumming skills 💯

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Snare drum • Bass drum • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Taylor T.
May 25, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I’ve been working with Alex for just over a month now, and I am surprised at how far I’ve come (with no previous formal drumming training) within that time. I don’t have a kit and I’ve been making progress on the drum pad. I take all of my classes online and haven’t had issues learning from afar. Each lesson builds upon the one before it, and Alex constantly keeps an eye on technique to ensure that his students don’t suffer the form/technique while learning new things. I’ve felt no rush and appreciate Alex’s patience and adaptability to my learning style. Also, one of the benefits of online learning has been taking short video during a session. Really helps with remembering the homework and seeing things in slow motion, at your own pace. If you’re like me and you’ve been waiting to start lessons, I recommend working with Alex. You will definitely learn, grow, and have fun doing it!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Understands note durations and rests • What the teacher recommends • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Folk • Blues • Classical • Jazz • 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
Ronnie B.
Apr 3, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

My 2 kids (ages 10 and 8) have been taking remote drum lessons with Alex for the past 5-6 weeks. Alex is truly incredible with the kids. He keeps them engaged, pushes them appropriately so they remain motivated but not defeated, and is always upbeat. Our kids had previously taken lessons with a local instructor and they never wanted to practice between lessons. Now they are constantly on the drum kit working on what Alex has been going over. Its impressive he's been able to instill this joy of learning the instrument in them, especially in these early stages of more rote fundamentals which may seem less exciting than learning songs they hear on the radio. I can see already in the early stages how these fundamentals Alex is teaching will lead them toward more complex concepts as he weaves them together. Honestly couldn't have asked for a better instructor. It is clear Alex truly likes teaching and finds personal joy in watching his students grow. He's selfless, engaged and pleasant. 5 star review for Alex is a complete no-brainer; he's a tremendous teacher.

Details: 6 - 9 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Patrick M.
Dec 4, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Being almost 56 years old with no musical instrument training, I was not sure how learning to play the drums(virtually, no less) would go. Alex put me at ease immediately. He is a very patient and skilled instructor. His love of music and passion for the drums shines through with his enthusiasm as he cheers me on even the smallest of triumphs. I highly recommend Alex as a drumming instructor. He has been willing to work around my schedule 3000 miles away. He has his virtual studio running without a hitch. It is a great and convenient way to learn(especially for an old guy like me, LOL). 10 out of 10!!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • What the teacher recommends • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Shibo W.
Jan 20, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

My son had been taking drum lessons from a local drum teacher for 2 years, before I decided to set off and started looking for someone who is specialized in Jazz drumming and can really bring him to a whole new level. I am so glad I found Alex. In the very first lesson, he quickly identified my son's skill level and start teaching in full pace. They were able to cover so much rythem patterns in that one lesson, and I was totally amazed. Alex is very passionate in teaching, he keeps motivating and encouraging my son to help him realize the full potential. My son was always excited to show me the new grooves he learned from Alex and the challenges that Alex gave to him. Alex not only teaches techniques, but also teaches practice approaches to help my son internalize these techniques, which is truly invaluable. In about a year, my son has moved on to some of the advanced techniques in books like Beyond Bop. With Alex's guidance, my son was fortunate enough to get selected as the drummer for California All State Junior High School Jazz band. I highly recommend Alex to anyone who would like to learn Jazz drumming, I bet he can help pave you the way for a professional path!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check

Alexander Snydman

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    I do have a sliding scale but my general rate is $60/hour. However, If I come to you then I need to charge for gas as well as travel time. For example, when I teach a student in Burbank they pay $100 for a 60min lesson (sometimes we go longer). This is because it takes me about 25min each way to travel and there is a gas cost as well.

  • What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

    I try to assess exactly what level a student is at. Then I proceed to try and find any "holes" in their knowledge. Then I devise an organized approach to build the holes into strengths while turning the strengths into GREAT strengths:) I also need to know both how much the student is willing to practice and what styles they are truly interested in. Beyond that, I spend a great deal of lesson time trying to coach the student and reveal to them what excellent practicing ACTUALLY looks like. This process really helps people develop great practice habits.

  • What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

    Outside of receiving my Master's in Jazz Performance at The California Institute of the Arts, I have studied with some of the greatest teachers in the world. This includes John Riley, Eric Harland, Bill Stewart, Bob Gullotti, Joe LaBarbera, Damion Reid, Gregory Hutchinson and more. I have a very earnest desire to understand the best way to teach concepts that a lot of teachers insists "can't be taught". I disagree and have created systems to codify aspects of drumming language to simplify this process so the student can truly learn to internalize vocabulary to express his or herself.