How do we do drum lessons online?
Post-COVID, I imagine we are all used to this by now, but: Most students use a tablet or laptop, I use a webcam and desktop computer. I usually use MS Teams— I’ve found it to be more free of sound quirks than some other platforms. I have also used Zoom and Skype, and have done lessons on a smart phone via FaceTime, with surprisingly good results.
Point your device’s camera at your drum set or practice pad, so I can see your hands, and hopefully face— you should disable any background blurring and sound filters— disable any “music” or noise cancelling settings. Sometimes it’s necessary to use headphones, so keep some handy just in case.
How long should my lessons be, and how often?
See the lessons page— usually weekly, usually for 45 minutes or an hour. Half hour is acceptable for very young students, I think it’s a poor value for others. I only recommend biweekly lessons when students after we’ve built up enough things for you to practice to keep you busy during that time.
How much do you charge?
See the lessons page— $75/hour – $55/45 minutes – $45/30 minutes – $95/90 minutes. Add $25 (sometimes more for exceptional travel time) per lesson to do them at your home in the Portland metro area.
What if I can’t afford those prices?
We can figure out a custom arrangement to fit most budgets. It’s best to do lessons close together, so the best way to economize is to do some lessons on the regular weekly schedule, then take a break.
So if your budget allowed for you to do, say, 12 lessons in one year, then you would do three months of weekly lessons, and then take a break to work on those materials. Most people’s monthly budgets don’t work that way, but that would be ideal.
Doing three weeks a month is also a possibility— we can talk about a schedule that fits your budget, that is the best value for the money you are spending.
Do I need to own a drum set?
All you need to get started is a practice pad, some drum sticks, and a couple of books which I will assign you. But I do like to move students to the drum set earlier than most teachers, and it would be good to get one early on if that is the instrument you want to play. Student drum sets can be very affordable, and I can advise you on what to buy. See the buying guide for more.
What are your policies on payment, missed lessons, etc?
My policies are very similar to every other professional music teacher— see the policies page. I’m remarkably unruthless about enforcing them, but we should all know the basic expectations going in!
What should I bring to my lesson?
Just bring your sticks and books. If it’s your first lesson, bring whatever books you already own. If you don’t have anything yet, just come to your lesson and I’ll tell you what you need to buy.
How do I get to your studio?
We are quite conveniently located in North Portland, approximately 12 minutes from downtown when the traffic is with you. Here is our nearest intersection on Google Maps. There is easy access by I-5 (S: Interstate exit, N: Lombard West or Columbia exit), N. Greeley Ave, N. Columbia Blvd., N. Lombard St., and N. Interstate Ave.
We are also less than a 10 minute walk from the Kenton/Denver Max stop, as well as the 4, 35, and 75 bus lines.
How much do I need to practice?
Daily is best— even a few minutes. See my page on practicing for my advice/recommendations. In your lesssons we’ll talk about how much you need to do it for your goals.
How do you accept payment?
I can accept cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
Venmo: @Todd-Bishop-16 (last 4 of phone is 9259)
PayPal: toddbishop [at] cruiseshipdrummer [dot] com – write that like an email address!
Hey, Mr. Bishop, just how good a drummer are you?
I spend more time teaching than performing live these days, but you can go to my Bandcamp page and listen to some of my albums, and judge for yourself. You can also visit my drumming blog CRUISE SHIP DRUMMER! (yes, I had a regular job on a Columbia river boat many years ago) and check out my writing on the drums.