Drum Lessons From Billy-The Pocket-Barner

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Introduction: I've been blessed with a professional drumming career that has enriched my life for the past 51 years and have had the pleasure of teaching drums to a limited number of students for 33 of those years. I enjoy teaching nearly as much as I enjoy performing. The most important aspect of both teaching and learning drum playing is patience. One thing that is vitally important to instill in my students (especially beginning and intermediate students) is to be patient with oneself. I also encourage my students to practice diligently and I help them work out an effective (at home) practice routine that is both interesting and fun between lessons. I work with each student at their current level of proficiency to develop that proficiency at a rate that keeps it fun and reduces the frustration that can creep into a practice regimen. I have had a passion for playing drums (and actually started drumming on cardboard boxes) at the age of eight. I had made up my mind that I wanted to be a drummer from that early age. My dad was an exceptional piano and organ player and I was heavily influenced by his music collection and his love for playing. I have lived a blessed life as a musician and my most rewarding activity is sharing my experience and knowledge with people of all ages, genders and circumstances who have that same passion that I've had all my life to learn to play the drums. And after 51 years, I'm still learning. You never want to stop learning.

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Exceptional 5.0

10 reviews

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Roy B.

Dec 19, 2012

I have known Billy Barner for many years as a musician and a friend. As the education director of the Washington Blues Society, Im always interested in the teaching aspect of music. It isnt a hard topic on which to get Billy going. He is the consummate musician and teacher, his ability is only outweighed by his enthusiasm. The method he employs is one on one and geared individually to the level of each student. He is excited to see the progress and the pride in his students. Most new students have learned enough to begin to play with a band after the first lesson. Of course the complicated aspects to drumming are a long way off from there, but Billy will get you there IF you practice and if you are willing to learn. If I wanted to learn to be a drummer, Billy would be my teacher; and I know a lot of drum teachers.

Dan M.

Dec 19, 2012

Billy is a long-time experienced, highly skilled and knowledgeable drummer. There are few drummer/musicians here in the Pacific Northwest who have been at their craft professionally as long as him. (I know that it's been over 50 years for Billy~!) I highly recommend Billy as a teacher and professional who specializes in a vast awareness of all types of drumming styles and the application of the individual instruments included in the drum kit to create those drumming styles in music. He has played professionally with every kind of band you can imagine. In addition to all I've mentioned above, you will never find a nicer, more pleasant guy to be around and work with than Billy Barner!

Drum Lessons From Billy-The Pocket-Barner's reply

Wow, Roger! What a wonderful review. Please know I hold you in the same esteme. Thanks so much. Billy

Billy S.

Dec 21, 2012

Billy's nickname "In the Pocket" really says it all. I have had a very good fortune to play with Billy in several different bands. I am always pumped to walk into a gig and see Billy on the stage. Mr. Barner is a consummate musician, who's repertoire of rhythms is seemingly endless, Rock, Reggae, Funk, Soul, Ballads, Shuffles, Mambos, Sambas, 2nd Line, Blues, the list goes on and on.....AND he know at least 3 ways to play each one of them. Billy understands the term "rhythm section" to a 'T'. He is dynamic, spontaneous and solid as a rock. When Little Bill's longtime Drummer Tommy Morgan was injured this year we were so very lucky to have Billy Barner sub the rest of the year, wottah player!

Drum Lessons From Billy-The Pocket-Barner's reply

Throw some water in my face and pick me up off the floor! I hope I'll be able to wrap my head around my head after reading this. Now I'll have to live up to this! Seriously, though, Stapes... I really appreciate your taking the time to write a referral for my page. This is one of the best referrals I've ever received and from someone I truly admire. I so appreciate Little Bill & The Bluenotes choosing me to sub for our good friend Tommy. I'm deeply honored. Billy

Seven B.

Aug 14, 2011

An amazing drummer that tours with the band blues redemption. having gone to his concerts I have seen his musical prowess and believe that this is the drums guy. Check Him out, you wont regret it.

John Scooch C.

Dec 19, 2012

I am a Band leader. I have my own Blues/swing band and have had Billy play drums on many occassions. He keeps great time and is always midful of his volume.He is always very professional. He is one of the best drummers I have ever had in my band and a pleasure to work with. His patience makes him a great teacher.

Drum Lessons From Billy-The Pocket-Barner's reply

Thank you, John. I think you meant to say "mindful" instead of "midful", but I am so thankful for this referral, forgive me for correcting your spelling. I have enjoyed playing in all your bands. God bless you. Billy

FAQs

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When looking for a good drum instructor, its important to consider the amount of experience the instructor has had, not only as a drum instructor, but as a professional performing musician. There is a lot more to becoming a successful drummer than playing the drums. I have been mentoring students for well over thirty years on all aspects of the life and world of the professional musician; the right attitude, the right mindset for rehearsing and performing - the right things to do and the things to avoid to have a fruitful and rewarding career as a musician or for just the shear enjoyment of playing drums as your own outlet.