FAQs
Q: How often do I come to lessons?
A: Private lesson students have a half-hour lesson every week. Our AMPD band drummers have an hour rehearsal every week in addition to their private lesson.
Q: Do I need to have a drum kit in order to take drum lessons?
A: You actually can start learning the drum rudiments and hand exercises on a practice pad for a short time before starting on drum kit. Our program focuses on drummers learning how to play in a band. If that’s your goal, we recommend having drums around a month after starting lessons. Of course you can just learn snare drum rudiments only. In that case, no drum set would be needed.
Q: What kind of drums should I start with?
A: A decent 5 piece kit with a ride, 2 crashes, & hi hats is what is eventually needed. Check with Salt City Drums for the BEST deals on drums and percussion instruments. Located at 5967 south, State Street, SLC. 801-290-2580
Q: How old does my child need to be in order to start taking drum lessons?
A: Every child is different. We have had wonderful success with kids as young as 4 years old! Once a child reaches the first grade level they seem to be more capable of keeping to a regular (but fairly light) practice schedule. We do not recommend pushing a child into a heavy practice schedule at an early age. We would be happy to meet with any student for a free trial lesson to see what their ability level might be.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: We suggest a consistent schedule of 4 to 5 times per week for a half hour to achieve best results.
Q: Am I too old to study music?
A: Absolutely not! Many of our students pick up drums as middle aged or retired adults and see tremendous results.
Q: What kind of time spots are available for drum lessons?
A: Scheduling varies depending on the teacher but we do have time spots available Monday through Saturday. We can begin as early as Noon and teach as late as 9:00 p.m. (depending on the day of the week). The schedule changes periodically so the best way to find out what is currently available is to contact us directly.
Q: Do I have to commit to the lesson program for a specific length of time?
A: Private lessons are scheduled on a month-to-month basis. Summer Group classes are held from June – August and are specialty classes designed to be taken “in addition to” the student’s regular private lessons. Students who enroll in the Summer Groups make the commitment to the entire length of the Summer Program. Students enrolled in the AMPD Student Rock Band program must commit to the entire school year, September through the first part of June, and agree to perform in the annual Student Fest. Even though AMPD students are expected to commit to the entire length of the school year, they are still billed on a monthly basis.
Q: Can I learn to play the kind of music and songs that I enjoy listening to?
A: Absolutely! That’s what we’re here for. We know that you will work harder at practicing the songs that you want to learn. As a beginner you will need to spend some time getting down the ‘basics’, however you will find that we immediately begin applying those basic skills to great music.
Q: Do I have to read music?
A: No, but you should learn how. Drummers are notoriously poor music readers for which there is really no good reason. We start all students with a method that teaches standard drum set notation.
Q: How do I pay for lessons?
A: Paying tuition is easy and convenient. We use APS (Automated Payment Systems) which draws the tuition automatically from your checking account on or near the 1st of each month. Completely safe and there is no chance of losing checks or late payment fees.
Q: Does Sneez or Sherrie only take advanced students?
A: No. As a matter of fact, Sneez & Sherrie really enjoy teaching beginning and intermediate students in addition to advanced and professional level players.
Q: How do I book a spot on the schedule?
A: Simply contact Sneez or Sherrie directly by TEXTING, calling or e mailing us right from this web site. Sneez 801-550-8305 or Sherrie 801-867-8176