Rick T

Tucson, AZ

Drum Lessons

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Experiance 17 years playing experien Years

Drum Lessons in Tucson, AZ

Rick T is a highly experienced Drum instructor based in Tucson, AZ, offering personalized lessons designed to meet the needs of students at every skill level.

With extensive teaching experience, Rick T has successfully guided students of all ages in developing strong musical foundations and advanced skills.

Rick T specializes in developing proper technique, improving musical understanding, and helping students progress through structured lesson plans.

What You'll Learn:

Beginner to advanced Drum mastery
Creative expression and musical interpretation
Building consistency and performance ability

If you're looking for high-quality Drum lessons in Tucson, Rick T offers flexible scheduling options, including both in-person and online sessions.

About Me

Rick is a passionate Drummer and Educator with 17 years playing experience and 4 years teaching experience. Committed to helping students have FUN while learning to make music and discover their own individual “voice” on the drum set. When Rick was 9 years old, his father played him the drum solo to Iron Butterfly's “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”; he knew he was destined to be a lifelong drummer ever since. From an early age, Rick was mesmerized by the bombastic power of Rock and Roll Drummers such as John Bonham, Keith Moon and Ginger Baker. As he progressed as a Rock player and his musical interests expanded, he found himself naturally gravitating towards Jazz and Afro-Cuban as well as traditional West African rhythms. The dynamic range, finesse and subtle possibilities within these styles challenges him to grow as a musician and keeps him coming back to his drums each day. Rick continues to learn from and be inspired by pioneers such as Babatunde Olatunji, Peter Erskine, Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Billy Cobham, Max Roach,Elvin Jones and anyone who is able to connect to their own inner rhythm and play joyfully from their heart. Teaching Methods: Drawing upon several years of teaching experience both in the classroom and on the drumset, Rick has developed a drum curriculum designed to meet you exactly where you are in your musical journey and give you the tools necessary to expand. In every lesson Rick strives to provide a friendly, patient and positive musical experience. Rick will take beginner students on an exciting tour of the drumset, show you how to properly set up your drums, demonstrate how to tune your set to get a great sound and instruct you on how to grip the sticks properly and play a perfect stroke. All students will learn timing, basic music reading, original beats and fills, different musical styles based on student interest, 4 way limb independence, etc. Perhaps the most important lesson Rick will teach and demonstrate is to always focus on having fun while learning and developing as a musician.

Rick T has over 17 years playing experien years of music experience in the Tucson area.

Rick T is proficient in and teaches Drum Lessons .

Formal Education:

Marching snare drum w/ Jim Gault/Hilliard City Schools (1996-2000) Minor in Music Theory from Ohio University (2003-2008)

Private Education:

Studied Drum Notation, Rock, Blues and Funk with Columbus, Ohio blues legend and highly sought after Nashville session drummer Daryl “Tutu” Jumper (1999-2001)

Performing Experience:

Rick has performed in various bands in and around central Ohio and Tucson, Arizona including: Jacob Freely and the Mixtape Bandits: (Reggae/Pop Rock) Vintage Green: (Blues Rock) Angela Perley: (Folk/Americana) Red Star Rebellion: (Rock/Alternative)

Experience Teaching:

Drum-set Lessons @ Cesar Chavez Middle School (2008-2010) Drum-set Lessons @ Aztlan Academy High School (2008-2010) Drum Circle Facilitator/Djembe Lessons @ Sky Islands High School (2010-2011) Drum Circle Facilitator/Djembe Lessons @ The Wildcat School (2012-2013)

Age Group Taught: