Beginner, Intermediate an Advanced students welcome.
I have a studio in South Austin, and I am open to in home lessons as well.
I am 44, and I have been performing since the age of 15. I have played in Jazz, Rock, Pop, Zydeco, Funk, Cover, and Experimental projects. I am a top drummer for hire in town. (I’m the guy you call on short notice when your drummer quits or can’t make it for some reason).
I also play in a Variety band and a Classic Rock band.
I have studio experience as well as extensive stage experience.
I am particularly interested in students who are ready to take their stage dynamics and ability to the next level.
I teach from the perspective that:
Some musicians have a large vocabulary, (many chops)
Some musicians have a lot to say, (phrasing and dynamics)
We will work on what you have to say and express and how to say it through this the most powerful and passionate of instruments.
I have also worked for Fortune 500 Company and been in the business world for many years as a consultant and headhunter. You can count or a professional and conscientious experience. I also have many years of experience as a coach and an adult educator.
Rates are $35 per hour at my studio near South First and Ben White, or $45 per hour in your home on your drums.
I love drums and I love teaching.
Here are quotes from recent students:
I highly recommend lessons with Kirk. Kirk is technically gifted and very capable at teaching you drumming.
Most impressive to me is how well Kirk listens. Kirk genuinely listens to what you want, what you do, how you play, and how you react to guidance. Some teachers are determined to teach you what they know is best. Kirk is always listening for who you are, listening to how you are playing, and working to get you were you want to go.
Kirk is genuinely happy for your successes, and helps you to hear your success as well. Whether you are a highly skilled, technical drummer, seeking a fresh set of ears and a new riff, a teenager exploring a rock and roll attitude, or a middle aged beginner trying to have a little fun, Kirk can be a great fit for you.
John Foote
"When our twelve year old daughter begged us for drum lessons, we definitely had our doubts about the instrument (as in, it’s loud!) and finding a knowledgeable instructor who would be willing to teach at our home. We feel extremely fortunate to have found Kirk because not only is he a fabulous instructor and musician but he is a delightful person. He is punctual, dependable and very easy to work with in general. In a relatively short period of time, Kirk has taught Olivia a great deal about rhythm, style, technique, and having fun while she’s learning it all. She thoroughly enjoys her lessons, and oddly enough, we thoroughly enjoy listening to her practice! In fact, not only has Kirk completely eliminated our doubts about our daughter playing the drums, but we’re tempted to take it up too!" - Jane and Andy
"They say those who can not do, teach. Kirk CAN do, AND he teaches. SWEET!
Kirk takes a very personal yet professional approach. He immediately recongnized the level I was at, and together we are paying attention to detail to polish that, while steadily raising my level with every lesson. I have never been so confident, and excited about each new step. I have a renewed passion for playing.
Kirk, thanks so much for hearing my cries for help through my playing. What I thought was good, you are helping to make better. Where I thought I had peaked, you raise the bar higher. I love watching you incorperate what we went over into a more complex jam at the end. It's so inspiring to know that's the direction you're taking me." - Jake
Kirk's style of teaching is energetic and positive. His passion about drums and his real world experience are fully present when he teaches. In one particular lesson, he had me take a complex rhythm and break it into a concept where it was as simple as walking down the street. Most of all, his lessons translated into real improvement. I highly recommend him.
- Dan
"Kirk is a great instructor who knows how to get the best out of me as a student and performer. He has improved my ability and technique quickly and has noticed great improvement in me which has driven me to do even better." - Tom
The experience was truly rewarding. Each time I went, I was able to take what I learned and bring it home and apply it to what I already knew. The lessons have increased my passion for drumming.
Thanks. - Jake
"As a self-taught, brash, overly loud punk drummer looking to expand his horizons, I came across one of Kirk's ads and started lessons. When I left our first session a few things had become overly clear: I was WAY worse than I thought, Kirk's WAY better than I expected, and if anyone can get me to where I want to go, this is the guy. Kirk's teaching style has been top notch and consistently helpful. I've never hit a stumbling point that he couldn't help me attack with at least six or seven teaching approaches. It wasn't until I started playing with a new set of musicians that I realized just how much I had accomplished with Kirk. Everything has been applicable to playing original music, I'm far less sloppy, my endurance has improved a great deal due to changes in mechanics, I've developed an ear for minutia that's helped me perfect each and every beat, and my arsenal has grown far more than I could have hoped for. Above all, the plateau I was stuck on when I first started lessons has become a mountain; I can't even see the peak yet, but the climb continues to be a blast!"
