Happy Drumming Instruction
Happy Drumming Instruction

Happy Drumming Instruction

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Drum type
Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.
Introduction: NOTE: I AM NO LONGER TAKING NEW STUDENTS AT THIS TIME. COVID INFO: I’m fully vaccinated and boosted, and can wear a mask as needed for lessons. Students and parents can wear masks but are not required to. I teach children and adults, age 8 and up. NOTE TO PARENTS: I don’t usually take students under age 8. I will only teach children younger than 8 if the child has studied piano or another instrument for at least one year, preferably two or more years. For all lessons at my studio with children under 15, the parent MUST be committed to being present and involved in all lessons at all times. PLEASE READ MY FULL INTRO BEFORE CONTACTING ME. Prices: IN MY STUDIO—Half hour: $25/lesson, $100/month (4 lessons) One-hour lessons: $45/lesson, $170/month, 4 lessons FACETIME/SKYPE LESSONS—I'm no longer accepting new online students at this time. LESSON POLICIES This outlines my expectations as a teacher. Understanding these guidelines will make your lessons more enjoyable and productive. They help students maintain consistent progress and are standard procedure with most private music instructors. WARNING: Playing Drums Can Damage Your Hearing! Always Use Ear Protection When Practicing. FEES AND PAYMENTS: Like most music teachers, I follow a tuition-based policy. Payment is normally required at the first lesson of the month (or by the 7th at latest). Each month’s payment covers lessons for that specific month only, and will not be carried over beyond that month. Once the month is paid for, your commitment is expected for that entire month. If a student quits before the end of the month, no refunds will be given. You are expected to pay the full monthly amount each month. If you expect to be gone an entire month or more, I will charge half your usual payment to hold your place in the schedule. My bills are the same whether my students come or not, so I do not give credit or makeups for avoidable* missed lessons or bad weather. For unavoidable* missed lessons, finding a makeup time that works for both the student and myself is not always possible. (Please note this exception: if it was my fault a lesson is cancelled or missed, I will either do a makeup within the same calendar month, or credit you.) I take responsibility for my own illnesses, etc., so I expect my students to take responsibility for lessons missed on their account. TIME CONSIDERATIONS: For each student, I teach four half-hour or one-hour lessons per month, from the first to the 28th of each month. In months with five lesson days (5 Mondays or whatever), as a general rule I use the “fifth days”—the 29th, 30th or 31st of any month—for makeup lessons; please mark your calendar accordingly. Because I often have several lessons back-to-back and need breaks, I do not guarantee a full 30 minutes per lesson. I do guarantee at least 25 minutes, and most lessons do last 30 minutes or more. All my students experience my generosity with time. When extra time is available, lessons can extend to 35 minutes or more. For those who feel they don’t get their money’s worth if a lesson lasts less than 30 minutes, my philosophy is that I provide information, not minutes. However, I am committed to helping each student grow in musicianship as consistently and completely as possible. Therefore, before each lesson ends, I take the time necessary to provide information suitable to the student’s age and skill level, assign appropriate homework, and make sure the student understands it. ILLNESS: In order to limit the spreading of illness or disease, please be considerate and stay home when you are sick; if I’m sick, I’ll cancel. (No charge for missed lessons due to illness). PRACTICING: I deal with each student as an individual--no cookie cutter approach ever--but for all students, progress depends on regular attendance at lessons, and on consistent practice to become proficient at what is assigned in each lesson. The amount of practice may vary from day to day, but serious, scheduled practice at least 5 days a week for at least half an hour per day is necessary for best results. Students should practice as soon as possible after the lesson for maximum retention of learned skills and information. HAPPY DRUMMING! Gary *Unavoidable misses: job or school requirements, weather, illness, etc. Avoidable: movies, partying, etc.
Overview

Hired 32 times

Background checked

2 employees

27 years in business

Payment methods

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

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Specialties
Interested musical styles

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and value.

Excellent 4.9

19 reviews

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pro avatar
Ezekiel R.
Feb 15, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Gary has been incredibly useful in helping me learn new things for drumming. Can't wait for more lessons!

Details: 14 - 17 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Happy Drumming Instruction's reply
Zeke, you had the basic skill set already, so that makes my job easier and a LOT more fun! Looking forward to helping you continue having a great lesson experience!
Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Angie B.
Jan 9, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Gary set up and tuned the drums and gave my son a lesson. It was very worthwhile. The drums sound much better now, and my son is excited to practice what he learned. Thanks, Gary!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Snare drum • Bass drum • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • What the teacher recommends • Classical • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Happy Drumming Instruction's reply
Thanks, Angie! It was a pleasure to work with you and meet your family. Your son picked right up on what I was teaching him and could play several rock drum grooves immediately. He has all the makings of a future stellar drummer!
Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Jason S.
Jan 9, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Gary was easy to engage and work with and just in our two lessons gave me some important tips that I've already incorporated into my drumming. I would keep up lessons but had have to put them on hold for a while due to some unexpected life events.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Happy Drumming Instruction's reply
Thanks, Jason! Keep on rockin’. Whenever you want to get back into lessons, let me know and I’ll make room for you.
Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Vicki M.
Jun 8, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Gary is an enthusiastic instructor who tailors my lesson to whatever I need to work on at the time. He is very encouraging, which is important when you're just learning how to play. He has played all kinds of music professionally over the years. Gary has the experience required to be a well-versed teacher, and to help make you a well-rounded drummer.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Rock • Blues • Country • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • The drum teacher travels to me

Happy Drumming Instruction's reply
Thank you, Vicki! I love it when a student is as fired-up and proactive about music as you are. You’re headed for rock star status! At least in my book.
Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Bryce P.
Jun 27, 2011
Gary has given me lessons since I first started drumming when I was twelve years old- he is a fantastic musician and has been a great friend to me over the years. Lessons are always fun, Gary has been a big part of making me love drums. Today, I've graduated high school, and am recording an album with my band, Flies with Buffalo, mostly thanks to my years of lessons.
Happy Drumming Instruction's reply
Bryce is one of those students who absorbed everything I could teach him and was soon ready for something bigger. He just kept getting better and better, and he makes me so proud! Way to go, Bryce, you’re the real deal!
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Gary Hassig