Testimonials
Our son has taken drum lessons at a variety of places. I can offer feedback on the following options:
- Bach To Rock - Bethesda location, hard to park and traffic is a beast. There was a regular rotation of teachers which was disappointing to my son/me for a variety of reasons. There were consistency issues, redundancy which lead to boredom since one teacher did not know what the other teacher had taught. Can't remember the price, but monthly billing via credit card for 30 minute lessons.
- School of Rock - Downtown Silver Spring. Very nice, friendly and attentive staff. Again, there was a rotation of teachers. One disturbing thing for me was to find my then 5 year old son standing outside with the drum teacher while he (teacher) smoked cigarettes. this happened more than once. Not quite the role model and/or environment I wanted for my young son. Since I was paying for this time, I was livid that my son was not practicing the drums observing a smoker. Finally, the program is supposed to lead to your child playing in a band after a few weeks. Since my son was so young, they were never able to place him with a band. Most of the other students were teen, pre-teen. Not exactly ideal for a 5 year old to hang with. Monthly billing for 45 minute lessons. In my opinion, 45 minute lessons are too long for a 5 year old. The lessons were pricier than Bach to Rock.
- Wes Crawford - Teaches out of his home in Aspen Hill. He has a basement full of percussion items as well as drum kits so kids are exposed to all sorts of instruments. He is very kid friendly in his voice, demeanor, patience, etc. Kids are exposed to all genres, jazz, rock, etc... Lessons are $25/half hour. My son thinks the lessons are fun and looks forward to going there. There is no credit card billing option and you pay up front for a month of lessons. There is a waiting room in his basement for parents to listen. We have been with Wes for more than 6 months now and are very pleased. If you try him out, tell him Anna's family sent you.
- Anna L.