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About
There are a lot of drum instructors out there; why go with me? One thing that sets me apart from many teachers is that I don't just teach students what to practice, but also how to practice. While the time a student spends with their teacher in a lesson is important, they will spend much more of their time playing their instrument without a teacher present; if a student doesn't know how to work on material from the lesson effectively, progress can be discouragingly slow. I recognize that most people have a limited amount of time, motivation, and discipline to devote to an instrument so I strive to help students zero in on the things which will yield the most results each week to and make practicing feel really worthwhile and fun!
I've spent the last 23 years playing drums and the last 14 years working with children ranging from preschool to high school age. Combining teaching and drumming has been a real joy -- watching people's love and understanding of music grow and seeing the moments when things "click" for them has been deeply rewarding.
Overview
Hired 9 times
Background checked
Business hours
SunClosedMon10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Classical
Country
Drum type
Traditional drum kit
Snare drum
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
9 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Alicia G.
Aug 1, 2018
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chris is a wonderful teacher! He is very motivating and encouraging. I appreciate how he points out what I need to work on and how I’ve been improving. He provides weekly “homework” so I can practice difference drum exercises. He is very professional yet makes drumlessons fun and exciting! I’d recommend Chris as a teacher to beginners or experienced drummers of all ages!
Details: No formal training; some self-taught experience • Sheet music • Traditional drum kit • 26 - 44 years old • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • As recommended by teacher • Once a week • 60 minutes • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday • Sunday • Late afternoon (3 - 6pm) • Willing to work around teacher's schedule • Ready to hire the right teacher now • I travel to the drum teacher
Drum Lessons
Rachael P.
Aug 15, 2018
•
Hired on Thumbtack
My son and I have been very happy to have Chris as a drum teacher. He has excellent methods and is always prepared. He finds music that my son enjoys and works really well with him.
Details: No experience • Yes, the student can read music • 11 years old • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Folk • Blues • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • Once a week • 30 minutes • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Late afternoon (3 - 6pm) • Evening (after 6pm) • On an ongoing basis • As soon as possible • Need some more information before hiring • I travel to the drum teacher • The drum teacher travels to me
Drum Lessons (for children or teenagers)
Veronica B.
Sep 5, 2017
Chris is a dedicated, creative drum teacher who knows his stuff! My 10 year old son loves learning with him, and has made steady progress since starting lessons about 6 months ago. Chris emphasizes developing good habits from the start, which has given my son an excellent foundation on which to build. One thing I really appreciate about Chris is that he's both firm, and totally supportive and encouraging. He also has a great sense of humor! I wholeheartedly recommend hiring Chris for drumlessons.
Nancy L.
Sep 8, 2017
Our 12 year old son has been taking drumminglessons from Chris Pollina for over a year. As parents we were truly amazed when we heard real rhythm coming out of the basement pretty quickly after the lessons started. Chris has built a great rapport with our son who enjoys the lessons and is continually challenged. Chris is a talented drummer and instructor. He comes to the lessons on time and fully prepared. He has a solid method to his teaching that develops the very important basics and builds upon them to keep the students excited and progressing.
We can wholeheartedly give our recommendation Chris.
Sally B.
Sep 8, 2017
Chris Pollina has been coaching my son on his piano practicing for 7+ years. He has helped my son to learn to practice effectively and consistently in a manner that is both encouraging and inspiring. Chris has a thorough background in music in all forms which has really added to my son’s experience and ability to break down a musical piece. Chris’s drum background has been invaluable in my son’s understanding of rhythm and pace. Chris is more than a musical coach, he is a musical mentor. A great resource!
Credentials
Background Check
Christopher Pollina
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The first lesson is free to ensure it's a good fit!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I first figure out what the student already knows, why they decided to play drums, what kinds of music they like, and what they are interested in doing with the drums. After this, I'll work with them on establishing (or refining) the foundational skills that are important to playing any style of music such as proper grip / technique, understanding music notation and rhythms, developing good time, and so on. Over time we'll work towards the student's more specific goals through learning songs and specific styles of drumming.
