“ Neil is an amazing drummer and teacher! He started me off in high school on a practice pad (and anything else I could get my sticks on), he helped my buy a killer kit, and got me thoroughly addicted to drumming of all flavors. Even as a teenager just starting out, Neil always treated me like a completely capable equal. He is totally laid back but somehow always manages to get you so excited about drumming and eager to learn more. He is also highly encouraging, and keeps you on point, challenging you to constantly improve. Of course he taught me the basics, but interspersed that with so many new styles and techniques at the perfectly tailored pace to make me never lose interest. He taught me how to sight read and work through complex pieces, how to improvise like a boss, how to play with other musicians, and rock all sorts of crazy time signatures. Learning how to play so many different styles of drums also gave me a beautiful window into whole worlds of new music that I have carried with me far beyond my kit. I am so grateful for the skills he taught, but also for my ever-developing love and understanding of music that only a great teacher can plant.”

“I’ve had two lessons so far with Neil, and he impresses me as an authentically positive and patient man and teacher. As an ‘over 50’ person and just learning snare (and later the set), I’ve been happy his method of teaching matches my learning style. He listens to what I feel I need to learn my best (and stay motivated through the times I’m not feeling confident), and he adjusts whatever he had planned to meet my needs. I think I’ve also improved in just a couple of weeks, as a result. Yay! I look forward to many more lessons with Neil, and to much more growth as a budding embryo drummer!”