dRUM 4 life studios mission—is to create a personalized lesson experience for all students. my lessons focus on the value and appreciation of drumming and music theory fundamentals. through this process i’ve seen my students progress and grow in their playing skills and their unique creative self-expression.

instrument instruction—drum set, concert band & orchestra percussion instruments (snare, bass drum, mallet percussion, etc…), Hand drumming (congas, djembe, and others)

music styles—rock, funk & soul, jazz & latin, and world drumming.

LESSON PROGRAM instruction will include:

technical skills

  • snare drum rudiments and the application of the rudiments to the drum set are fundamental and essential to having proper musical control of snare drum, drum-set, cymbals, ETC...

  • drum-set coordination/ INDEPENDENCe — this is the ability that allows drummers to play and interpret all music styles with relaxed skill and freedom of musical expression. this is vital to listen and blend well with the ensemble.

    MUSICIANSHIP skills

  • applied music theory knowledge and competency for drums and percussion is essential. this practical knowledge is critical to for reading of drum set & percussion MUSIC notation.

    this is a core skill for all students for ensemble placement - whether, middle school & high school, or at college level performance, and beyond. i have found that this ensures a rewarding and enjoyable experience within the school ensemble experience.

  • i use a song form charting system to teach students to easily grasp the “How does the song go” aspect of music—some basic ear training skills are added to discover and break down the drum parts for songs in varied music styles.

    this imparts the musical facilty to play a song’s form and musical transitions with ease. students find this to be the fun part of knowing and playing the song!!

    my bio and music education background:

    MY musical BACKGROUND comprises 50 YEARS OF PLAYING, PERFORMING AND TEAChING EXPERIENCE—this has allowed me to bring a broad base of knowledge and insight to all students. my father was a professional drummer, and multi-talented musican all his life. through my mother’s association with Walt disney’s studios, is wehere she found my first drum teacher, hack o’brien—i was very blessed to grow up playing and studying drumming and music in an wonderful era of rich musical and artistic creativity and opportunity.

  • los Angeles valley college - music major program (1974-1977). My Emphasis was upon ensemble performance, music theory, and commercial music.

  • the dick grove school of music -music performance & music theory (1973-1977). Comprehensive music workshop study & performance with the best musicians of the local studio, recording and jazz music scene.

    my early private lessons - los angeles, california

  • hack o’brien, father of 1950’s mouseketeer cubby o’brien (1970-1974)

  • Freddie gruber (1984-1986) renowned teacher to hundreds of professionals

    later professional development (2006-2012 Seattle, wa)

  • mark ivester, master drummer - lonnie mardis (seattle central jazz orchestra) consummate musician, composer and music director - arturo rodriguez, master percussionist and teacher of latin and world percussion - steve korn, master drummer.

    ages 7 years through adult of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome. i hope to hear from you soon and see you soon, at drum 4 life studios.

    kind regards, glenn thilman