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About
I'm doing online lessons exclusively.
My education and 20 years of performing experience , enable me to communicate the process of learning the drums, in a clear, logical progression, no matter what your skill level may be.
I'm really patient and want to see you reach your goals no matter what they are.
I love watching my students progress. Some have gone on to gigs with major label rock bands, others are pursuing under graduate and graduate degrees in jazz and some just want to have fun jamming with their friends. Everyone is different so I tailor my concepts to you. You'll be having fun learning what you need to know and what you want to know. Sharing what I know and seeing it make you become better a musician is a pretty cool way to spend the day.
Let's set up a free phone consultation.
Overview
Hired 256 times
Background checked
1 employee
32 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2022
2021
2020
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2016
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Classical
Country
Drum type
Traditional drum kit
Snare drum
Work location
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
99 reviews
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98%
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Read reviews that mention:
John D.
May 10, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I'm 40 years old and really don't have a lot of time for hobbies. Deciding to take drumlessons for the first time, it was important to me to find someone who would be patient and understand that I can't practice 6+ hours a day. Sometimes I have a hard time doing that in an entire week. But Mike is always very encouraging, and works with me to push progress.
I was skeptical about live online lessons, and we've had a few technical glitches from time to time. But the process is quite smooth and Mike's setup is really good so you get to see and hear him play easily.
Great experience.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drum Lessons (Remote) With A Patient Pro's reply
Hey John,
Thanks! It's tons of fun working with you. You're progressing beautifully.
Drum Lessons
Paul S.
Sep 22, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
If you are looking for a great drum instructor, look no further than Mike Shapiro. After just 3 lessons I was playing better than ever. Mike tailors the lessons to your ability and if you are struggling with something, comes up with another way to explain it to you so you "get it". I highly recommend Mike.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Country • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Drum Lessons (Remote) With A Patient Pro's reply
Thanks Paul, It's a pleasure working with you.
Drum Lessons
Susan Y.
May 12, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Drumlesson for a total beginner - and Mike was terrific: kind, reassuring, extremely knowledgable. He had me playing to Hey, Jude before the session was over. And maybe above all, he made the whole experience lots of fun.
Drum Lessons (for adults)
Jeffrey N.
Jan 20, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I like to try out classes from different teachers before committing to one, but after my first session with Mike I don’t need to look further. Everything about the experience exceeded my expectations. Mike is a professional and his approach is intuitive - the pace and progression of exercises was just right. I had so much fun that the hour flew by and I left the class beaming, with a sense of fulfillment and a big smile on my face. If you want to learn the drums, Mike is your guy.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can read sheet music • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Snare drum • Bass drum • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • Classical • Country • Jazz • Folk • What the teacher recommends • 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 (Remote) With A Patient Pro's reply
Jeffrey! Thanks for the kind words. You're a great hang.
Drum Lessons
Keith J.
Sep 12, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mike has the experience, he has the skills, and he has the teaching technique that are necessary to be effective as a remote drum teacher.
Details: 65 years or older • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • Rock • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Drum Lessons (Remote) With A Patient Pro's reply
Thanks Keith, our sessions our always fun and productive. Keep up the good work!
Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Michael Shapiro
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
There are no extra fees. The price listed is what you pay. Depending on the circumstances, I may be able work out a package deal. Check with me if interested.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Until things open up, I'm teaching online exclusively. If you’re a beginner we learn a few basic technical things but the first lesson is mainly getting comfortable playing some simple beats along with songs and having some fun playing. We would get more involved with the rudiments, technique, reading etc. in the lessons after that. With more experienced players I look for strengths and weaknesses in the first lesson and come up with a loose game plan that we tweak along the way. Taking into account things you’re interested in working on.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to my B.M. from the Juilliard School in performance (drums) and my 20 years of teaching and gigging at a high level, I spend time on line checking out the latest stuff in the drum community. Staying in touch with other gigging drummers and teachers. I'm a member of the Vic Firth education team where we're constantly sharing information, new ideas etc.
