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About
My passion for drumming and education as well as my level of experience certainly sets me apart from most instructors. As an active professional drummer for the past decade, my vast experience performing in nearly every level of the music industry affords me a knowledge of the skills expected from drummers at each stage. I can pass that knowledge on to my students depending on each individual's goals.
I guide beginner students on what they should be practicing and focusing on. I help intermediates with learning their school band music or jamming with friends for the first time. I’ve got advanced amateurs that I assist in preparing music for their auditions, gigs, recitals. I’ve helped pros reignite their inspiration, sharpen specific skills, prepare for big studio sessions, tours or concert/arena performances. I’ve even acted as a career coach for several pro players through the challenging business/financial side of the music industry.
I’m still an active live performer and studio musician. As exciting as that can be, I've always felt it was more fulfilling, in many ways, to sit one-on-one with a student who is interested in the art of drumming, break things down to easily digestible fundamentals and then put it all back together. This process itself brings me great joy but the real fun begins when I start to see my students' long-term goals/dreams become reality.
Overview
Hired 12 times
Background checked
23 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Great 4.8
20 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Ryan M.
Feb 18, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Zhach is a kind, talented, and thoughtful professional. I've been learning with Zhach via Zoom for around 6 months and have picked up practice techniques, good habits, useful feedback, and musical theory that I've been lacking for over 1.5 decades of self-teaching. Lessons are always fun and productive, and Zhach is a cool guy to get to know. The man is an absolute machine - I highly recommend him!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Drum Lessons
Kristin B.
Feb 10, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
My 13 y/o has been working with Zhach online for a couple of weeks and only one word can truly evaluate my feelings...AMAZING! I am so thankful we stumbled across Zhach on thumbtack. My son has been self taught for over a year. He's done well to be accepted into jazz band and continue with his advanced band class in middle school, but he needed more! He needed one-one-one instruction to perfect the basics and find his groove. We are on the right path thanks to Zhach's investment! Zhach is a great teacher and is passionate about drumming! He offers a variety of options to work with your schedule/budget.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drum Lessons with Zhach Kelsch's reply
Thanks so much Kristin! Derek makes it so easy with his level of maturity, discipline & determination. He is one of the fastest growing/developing students I’ve ever worked with & it’s a joy watching him crush goals week after week!
Drum Lessons
John B.
Jan 18, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
As an old dude, but new drummer, Zhach immediately helped me to conquer my performance anxiety.
Zhach listened and asked questions to understand my goals, chief among them, learning how to learn to practice productively.
We are just getting rolling now, but patience, the ability to convey concepts clearly, and a genuine enthusiasm for seeing students grow all shine through.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Understands note durations and rests • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Folk • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drum Lessons with Zhach Kelsch's reply
Thanks for your kind words John. I can already tell we are going to have a lot of fun together and looking forward to your growth on the instrument.
Drum Lessons
Maggie H.
Sep 21, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Zhach is absolutely amazing!!! I’ve wanted to play the drums for as long as I can remember, but always too intimidated to try. I finally got the courage and came across Zhach in my search for a teacher and I could not have found anyone better!!! He is super patient and gives me the encouragement to be patient with myself being a brand new aspiring drummer at 33 years old (and assures me that I’m not too old to just begin my drumming journey) I learned SO much even after only a few lessons I was actually amazed. He has endless knowledge and he’s bursting with so much positive energy and great vibes!!! Everything you would want in a teacher. I feel lucky I found him !! I promise you won’t find better. He’s the best !!!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • What the teacher recommends • Blues • Rock • 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 with Zhach Kelsch's reply
Wow Maggie! Next lesson is on the house…haha!
What an incredible review, thank you so much for such kindness. Your passion is undeniable & I’m looking forward each lesson as well as watching you grow as a drummer.
Drum Lessons
Ravi C.
Jul 6, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Zhach certainly checks all the boxes when it comes to a great instructor. As patient as can be and always welcomes questions, during the class or through text at other times. Very clear and prompt communication. He's also an extremely observant person; he suggests subtle changes to make (with great results) while always being very encouraging. And above all, a very knowledgeable and talented drummer. He has quickly alleviated any apprehension I had about online drum lessons. I would highly recommend him to anyone of any age! I'm thrilled to have found him.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Zhach Kelsch
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have 3 different payment categories,
Pay as you go is the most expensive and requires a deposit to reserve the appointment.
Paying up front for the month is a 15% discount per lesson.
Enrolling in my monthly autopay subscription offers students a 30% discount off the pay as you go rate.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Learning their personality and musical goals so I can taylor our lessons toward those.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
A bachelors degree from Penn State University and I have studied drumset privately with Jim Riley (Rascal Flatts), Kevin Soffera (Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Greg Howe) Chad Szeliga (Black Label Society, Thin Lizzy) and Marko Djordjevic (Jazz Legend)