How do we do drum lessons online?
Quite easily! Most students use a tablet or laptop, I use a webcam. You can install free Skype or Zoom software on your device, and we simply connect normally that way. I’ve 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; I set my camera up similarly, and we’re off! Sometimes it’s necessary to use headphones, so keep some handy just in case.
How long should my lessons be, and how often?
Most students should take one 60 minute lesson every week; this allows plenty of time to drill the previous week’s assignments, and introduce new material.
For beginners and younger students (up to age 13 or so), I recommend starting with weekly 30-minute lessons.
Advanced students have more leeway to do lessons every two weeks, but I prefer to meet weekly for at least the first month, to get acquainted and establish a body of assigned materials.
How much do you charge?
In 2022 my rates are $65/hour, or $40/30 minutes, or $80/90 minutes for lessons at my studio in the Kenton neighborhood, in North Portland. I will drive to your place in the Portland metro area for an additional $15 per lesson. I also teach lessons via Skype at my regular Portland studio rate.
What if I can’t afford those prices?
My rates are in the middle-range for the best professional teachers, but if you can’t afford to take the recommended 1-hour weekly lesson, you can economize by doing 30-minute lessons, or 1-hour lessons every two weeks. Another approach is to do a few lessons and take a break— four weeks on, four weeks off, for example— or whatever fits your budget.
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.
What are your policies on payment, missed lessons, etc?
See my policies page.
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, N. Greeley, N. Columbia Blvd., N. Lombard St., and N. Interstate Ave.
For students coming via I-5N, I strongly recommend taking Greeley Ave. during peak traffic hours. If you’re coming from the west side, I suggest finding your way to Greeley via I-405N > Kirby exit— check your map. 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?
See my page on practicing for my advice/recommendations.
How do you accept payment?
With online lessons I can accept Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. With in person lessons I can accept cash or check, or those electronic methods.
Venmo: @Todd-Bishop-16
PayPal: toddbishop [at] cruiseshipdrummer [dot] com – write that like an email address!
Hey, Mr. Bishop, just how good a drummer are you?
You can go to my audio downloads page and judge for yourself. I’ve mastered a large amount of very challenging material, and have 30 years of professional experience performing around the world, in a wide variety of musical settings. See About Todd for more info on me.