Summer Music Camps 2023 at Seattle Drum School of Music, Lake City & Georgetown!
Posted inSDSM News

Summer Music Camps 2023 at Seattle Drum School of Music, Lake City & Georgetown!

Now enrolling for Summer Music Camps 2023 at Seattle Drum School of Music, Lake City & Georgetown!Rock, Contemporary, Jazz Combo Camps+ introducing Digital DJ, Music Production / Ableton, & Littles Camps! ABOUT Seattle Drum School of Music Band Camps are an amazing experience for young musicians! It's their chance to unlock their creative potential, acquire rehearsal skills, and learn cooperation and teamwork. The band members will work with a full time coach who will encourage them to build their own sound and even to compose their own songs if they're interested!The final performance (Friday of camp week at 1pm) is…
May 4, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , , ,
How To Have A Successful Online Lesson
Posted inThe Woodshed

How To Have A Successful Online Lesson

These days, it's become more and more commonplace to study with an instructor over the internet remotely. After having taught upwards of 100 remote lessons via Zoom by now, I've come up with some things that will help anyone going into a "remote learning session" to get the most out of the experience. Know Your Gear! There's nothing more unnerving and frustrating than trying to get situated in a "live" setting where there's a time limit ticking, and the darn audio just...won't...work... so spend a little time and practice; call a friend from within the confines of your musical environment,…
January 23, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
Music Production Lessons at SDSM!
Posted inSDSM News

Music Production Lessons at SDSM!

Looking to acquire some fundamental skills or enhance current ability with your music software or DAW? Well look no further, we've got you covered at Seattle Drum School of Music. 🎶 Instructors are available to teach online collaborative sessions or in-person at our Lake City and Georgetown schools. Call us at 206-763-9700 or email info@seattledrumschool.com #musicproduction#daw#garageband#reason#ableton#musiclessons#onlineclasses#seattledrumschool#smallbusinessSince 1986
September 6, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , No Comments
Second Sundays at Six now with Open Mic + Jam!
Posted inSDSM News

Second Sundays at Six now with Open Mic + Jam!

ANNOUNCEMENT! Starting September 2023,Second Sundays at Six - Youth Music Showcasewill include OPEN MIC and JAM OPPORTUNITIES! We hear that young musicians are looking for ways to find others to play with...now this is that place!The event will still include a featured performer or two, so contact us to be booked. LIVE at The LAB at 1010 S Bailey St, #Seattle WA 98108 6pmBring $10 (towards the performers) or tune in on our YouTube channel and contribute via Venmo @ SeattleDrumSchool Contact us to play!SeattleDrumSchoolGeorgetown@gmail.com206-763-9700
August 21, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , , , , ,
New Youth Rock Band Class, Saturdays in Georgetown
Posted inSDSM News

New Youth Rock Band Class, Saturdays in Georgetown

Announcing a new Youth Rock Band Class in Georgetown! Starting in September 2023 Saturdays 3-4pm with Instructor Tige DeCoster. Play with a group and get performance ready! Drums. Bass. Guitar. Keys. Vocals. Horns. Requires instrument proficiency (minimum 1 year of training) + the ability to learn complete songs Our Rock Band Classes provide an ongoing band experience where the group can grow together. Tuition: $110/month for students currently enrolled in a monthly membership; $130/month for students not currently enrolled. Call us at 206-763-9700 to sign up... spots are limited!
August 16, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: ,
“Beatles with Bob” – a new class for youth & adults
Posted inSDSM News

“Beatles with Bob” – a new class for youth & adults

Announcing a new class for youth & adults!BEATLES WITH BOB Bob Lovelace will lead both bands - learn music theory, chord progressions and harmonizing along to #thebeatles catalogue.🎶🥁🎤🎸🎹🎷🎺 Starting in September on Tuesdays at #seattledrumschool Georgetown. Tuition: $110/month (for currently enrolled students); $130/month for new students. Sign up: 206-763-9700
July 31, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , ,
Announcing new Piano Instructor TIM KENNEDY!
Posted inSDSM News

Announcing new Piano Instructor TIM KENNEDY!

Announcing new #piano#keyboard Instructor TIM KENNEDY!🎹🎶🎉Wednesdays in Georgetown.Give us a call to schedule your one-on-one #musiclessons at 206-763-9700 About Tim:Tim Kennedy is a Seattle-based musician, producer, teacher, and composer. He can be found on any given night performing jazz, pop, country, and rock. A lifelong student of jazz, Tim has toured all over the world performing music. Tim has a passion for teaching music as well, and has taught and given clinics at the Stanford Jazz Camp, William Paterson University, and The Northwest School. He has a degree in Jazz Performance from the the acclaimed William Paterson University. He is…
July 31, 2023Posted inSDSM News
Seeking Music Instructor Substitutes for Summer!
Posted inSDSM News

Seeking Music Instructor Substitutes for Summer!

Seattle Drum School of Music is seeking high caliber, passionate Music Instructor subs (which lead to part-time ongoing Instructor roles) for afternoons / evenings and Saturdays for in-person, one-on-one, all-ages private lessons at our Lake City (north Seattle) and Georgetown (south Seattle) schools.   Immediate Summer Need for: ·  Voice ·  Guitar ·  Bass ·  Piano Please send: your resume including Instruction experience links to website / youtube / IG etc,  preferred location - Lake City (north) or Georgetown (south) or both,  Days & time frames of availability to ADMIN@SEATTLEDRUMSCHOOL.COM Or you can call us to discuss further at 206-364-8815
July 13, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: ,
Now enrolling for Contemporary Band Camps in Georgetown!
Posted inSDSM News

Now enrolling for Contemporary Band Camps in Georgetown!

From Instructor Chris CD Littlefield (click for profile): "There's still space to sign your student up and have them come play some Funk, Jazz & whatever else we can think of. Last year was a blast and this year is shaping up to be even more fun. So sign up while there's still time!" Engaging, encouraging, collaborative, rewarding and fun!We will be exploring various styles of music such as Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, World beat & Classical. In addition, the ensemble will have the opportunity to perform both original and learned material in a final performance. Contemporary Band Camp for…
May 20, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , , ,
Ableton Production Summer Camp in Georgetown! Jul 31- Aug 4
Posted inSDSM News

Ableton Production Summer Camp in Georgetown! Jul 31- Aug 4

Ever wanted to learn how to create and produce your own song? Well, we've got the answer! #SeattleDrumSchool Georgetown is now offering its 1st Music Production Summer Camp, July 31st- August 4th. Led by accomplished instructor & musician (+ Canadian Boss Loop Champion 2011) "Papa Josh" Surheinrich, students will be shown the fundamental ins and outs of using #Ableton Live, one of today's top D.A.W. software [Digital Audio Workstation]. In this camp, students will explore: * Beat making & looping * Creating their own track/composition * Learn fundamental music production skills * Cultivate their own personal musical style * Live…
May 8, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , , ,
acoustics vs electrics- which should I buy?
Posted inThe Woodshed

Acoustic Or Electric Drums? What Should I buy?

In the day and age of modern city dwelling, it's oftentimes a challenge to be able to get a set of drums and bang away til your heart's content. Usually that "expression session" can be interrupted by a different sort of banging; that of an angry neighbor or even the local police department! We don't want that in our lives and so the debacle rages as to "how to play drums and not anger the locals". Hopefully I can shed some light on the situation. Drums, by nature are LOUD. That's what they're meant to be. There's an allure that…
March 31, 2023Posted inThe Woodshed
Multi Grammy winning artist Brandi Carlile was at #seattledrumschool!
Posted inSDSM News

Multi Grammy winning artist Brandi Carlile was at #seattledrumschool!

Multi Grammy winning artist Brandi Carlile was at #seattledrumschool!She was supporting her young family members and their SmallTown Strings band for their first Veeps livestream! From The Lab at 1010 - Seattle Drum School Georgetown. Turns out that both Steve Smith and Kristy Smith have connections to Brandi, so we were lucky to capture this moment of them together. The band was incredible, kicking off their first national tour. The Livestream is still available at veeps.com for the next couple of days, and we will be posting some clips as well. #allthecoolkids#grammywinner#brandicarlile#veeps#musicliveshere#seattle#pnw#livemusic#familyband#youngmusicians
March 28, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: ,
New Class! “Musical World for Littles”
Posted inSDSM News

New Class! “Musical World for Littles”

New Class! "Musical World for Littles" 8 weeks of Group Instruction for 4-6 year olds Instructor Ava Chakravarti Songs and circle time to explore - percussions - guitar - bass - keyboards - drums - singing while playing with others. TUESDAYS 11am-12pm Starting April 4, 2023 Tuition: $200 for Eight weeks ($25/session) Or $30/single session (drop-ins subject to available room in the class) Seattle Drum School of Music 12729 Lake City Way NE, Seattle WA 98125 206-364-8815 seattledrumschool.com
March 13, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: ,
Our Student Liam Sampson Is Headed To NYC For Essentially Ellington!
Posted inOur Wonderful Students!

Our Student Liam Sampson Is Headed To NYC For Essentially Ellington!

Garfield High School are headed to The Lincoln Center "Essentially Ellington" Jazz competition, designed to elevate High School level musicians to a place of exceptional musicianship and performance. They performed at Clark College in Vancouver, WA and came out on the top of their heap! We're really proud of Liam and Garfield High for making such an incredible stride for Seattle local music!
March 8, 2023Posted inOur Wonderful Students!
Isolation Headphone Choices
Posted inSDSM News The Woodshed

Isolation Headphone Choices

As a drummer with a home studio, I'm always looking for ways to upgrade my space in the "sub-$300 price bracket" and in that quest, decided it was time to begin collecting isolation headphones. Not just as a hobby (we all have our quirks) but also to accommodate other musicians who come over and record/rehearse with me. My drums are quite loud, so having a somewhat sealed aural environment would make for a better experience for everyone. Plus, they also help to protect the wearer's hearing. This is not a review; that's a forthcoming story, but rather a piece to…
February 23, 2023Posted inSDSM News, The Woodshed
Review: KODO Percussion Ensemble
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Review: KODO Percussion Ensemble

KODO were recently in Seattle, but my wife & I caught their show in San Diego and I cannot tell you how much of an inspiration that was. Being a professional drummer, there's always the allure of "let's go watch some drumming event", but coupled with the centuries-old art of Taiko Drumming, this group of performers took it from barely a whisper all the way to a roaring cacophony that you felt all the way into your DNA. From their website: "The taiko: a traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities. Kodo’s mission is to explore these possibilities, and in…
February 13, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags:
Seattle Drum School of Music in Seattle’s Child Magazine (2017)
Posted inSDSM News

Seattle Drum School of Music in Seattle’s Child Magazine (2017)

Steve Smith has loved performing since he took the stage as a kid in green-and-orange-striped bell-bottoms, a Nehru jacket, Apache scarf tie, and Beatle boots. “I was the rock star in my elementary school talent show,” recalls Smith, an accomplished drummer and founder of the Seattle Drum School. Now, he and his singer/songwriter wife, Kristy, thrive on helping other aspiring musicians perfect their craft through their music school, one of the largest in the Northwest. Here, students of all ages (from age 3 through adults) and abilities can learn to play a wide range of instruments, including drums, guitar, bass and…
February 9, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , ,
Article on Success feat. Seattle Drum School (2018)
Posted inSDSM News

Article on Success feat. Seattle Drum School (2018)

FTA: https://www.furious.com/perfect/creativesuccess1.html Creative and Professional Success for Independent Artists/Musicians Part One: What Defines Success? Article & photos by Jack Gold-Molina(June 2018) Defining success is something that preoccupies most professional artists. It could be making music that is creatively satisfying and will attract listeners. It could be marketing themselves effectively to get people to buy their music and attend their shows. It may also be achieving a very high level of musicianship, partly in order to be more competitive, but also to be certain that they are challenging themselves and putting in the countless hours of practice that it takes to…
February 9, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , ,
SDSM Student on King 5: “8-year-old wants to change state hearing aid laws”
Posted inSDSM News

SDSM Student on King 5: “8-year-old wants to change state hearing aid laws”

Our drum student testified to WA State Legislature yesterday on House Bill 1222, which would require private insurance companies to offer hearing aid benefits. He was such a professional! Hugo’s family would immensely appreciate community support in pursuing this legislation. Please see how to support below the article/video. #thankyou UPDATE 2/3/23 Hello WA friends, Please click below and sign in as pro for HB 1222's public hearing in the Appropriations Committee on 2/8 where only 4 people have been asked to testify and Hugo and I are two of them! If this passes our insurance premium will go up by $0.40/month…
January 19, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , 1 Comment
The Mental Game Of X
Posted inThe Woodshed

The Mental Game Of X

The activity of picking up and playing a musical instrument opens up many synapses and channels in the human brain, due to all of the concepts being put forth at once. The act of forming a thought in your mind and using whatever technique you've learned to produce a sound from said instrument requires a great deal of focus and practice. Eventually the channels of "thought/action" become easier and at some point, as natural as speaking. It's safe to say that once you get the physical motions and actions mastered, playing said instrument becomes a more cerebral and mental "game".…
January 12, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
It’s All About Showing Up!
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It’s All About Showing Up!

Some time back in the 1980s, I read an article in Modern Drummer by Rick Van Horn entitled "Show Up!", hence the similar heading. Nevertheless, the message stands clear and has stood the test of time, as I've used this "one weird trick" to keep myself working as a creative for nearly four decades. Rehearsal is where you go to learn how everyone else's part fits together with yours, not where you go to learn your part...Unknown As a lifer in the music business, one of the most oft-asked questions I hear is "how does one get a gig?" My…
January 11, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
Lake City Way Student Miles Baker Absolutely Slaying “Two Seconds To Midnight”
Posted inOur Wonderful Students!

Lake City Way Student Miles Baker Absolutely Slaying “Two Seconds To Midnight”

My student Miles Baker (12yrs old) is playing some pretty advanced stuff for his age, and it's for this reason I wanted to feature him on the website. He's got a great attitude, is keen on learning and he challenges me to be a better instructor. This tune is by The Alan Blaylock Jazz Orchestra. Way to go, Miles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6mbuMM-WsQ All from memory too. He does read though! For comparison, here's the original, as performed by the Alan Blaylock Jazz Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXFlq-CKB6k&ab_channel=AlanBaylockJazzOrchestra-Topic
January 9, 2023Posted inOur Wonderful Students!Tags: ,
Effective Practicing
Posted inThe Woodshed

Effective Practicing

As an instructor, I hear a lot of excuses for not practicing, and I can certainly see the "dark cloud of shame" that follows in a student whose "dog ate their exercise sheets", or "I had homework all week"...or just "I forgot..." I believe there's a simple solution to it all. When one makes the decision to learn drums and invests in the initial outlay of acquiring proper equipment, there's an expectation placed that "one must practice in a manner congruent to the space that this gear is taking up in the corner," and so the need to "practice an…
January 8, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: , ,
Buying A Drumset- The Abbreviated Ins & Outs
Posted inThe Woodshed

Buying A Drumset- The Abbreviated Ins & Outs

The oft-asked question "Do I need to buy a new drum set, or is used a good option?" The short answer: Used is certainly acceptable, as it's the drums' shells and accompanying hardware/cymbals that are the important things. Drumheads can be replaced rather inexpensively. Purchasing "new" should be for the "second" kit; meaning, it's good to start on a used kit, until the player's ear is developed to be able to discern the difference between various wood. To be totally honest, any player who begins their "walk with the drums" on "kick/snare/hats" (bass drum, snare drum, hihat stand + cymbals) will…
January 7, 2023Posted inThe Woodshed
Posted inSDSM Instructors' Shows

Roz Events

Calendar Roz Performances. Roz Performances JANUARY 16 - Roz REGISTER AT: www.bellevuewa.gov Bellevue City Hall Online MLK Day Celebration 21 - Roz Trio Old Stove Brewing Co. 600 W. Nickerson St. Seattle, WA 6-9pm FEBRUARY 17 - Uncommon Combo Latin/Jazz & Funk Crossroads Market Stage Bellevue, WA 7-9pm APRIL 19 - Uncommon Combo Latin/Jazz & Funk The Spar Tacoma, WA 6-9pm
January 4, 2023Posted inSDSM Instructors' Shows
Posted inOur Wonderful Students!

Co-Composing!

I build melodies and songs with my students by encouraging them to create three notes, then we take turns adding notes ~ and memorizing the melody as it grows. Sometimes we add chords. It's a great way to encourage creativity, strengthen the ear and musical memory, and have fun! My student Simon Englehardt and I came up with a lovely ditty called D. Thing. The Seattle Composers Alliance recently called for new music for string quartet, so I arranged our masterpiece for string quartet! It will premiere at the Chapel Performance Space in Wallingford on February 16, 2023! All ages…
January 4, 2023Posted inOur Wonderful Students!Tags: , ,
Our Very Own CD Littlefield Made The Cover Of EarShot Jazz!
Posted inSDSM News

Our Very Own CD Littlefield Made The Cover Of EarShot Jazz!

We are so proud of our Instructor Chris CD Littlefield, who is getting some long overdue attention for his contributions to the local Jazz scene via the pages of Earshot Jazz, a local juggernaut of what's happening in our local Jazz scene. Not to mention, he also teaches a range of trumpeters from kids to senior citizens so his attention to education and excellence to education glows and shines, as it ought to. Way to go, Chris! We Love You! FULL ARTICLE: https://www.earshot.org/project/2023-01-chris-littlefield-a-road-warrior-heads-home/
December 28, 2022Posted inSDSM News
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL DRUM: Steve Smith and the Seattle Drum School of Music
Posted inSDSM News

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL DRUM: Steve Smith and the Seattle Drum School of Music

July 2022, Profile Steve Smith photo by Daniel Sheehan BY JONATHAN SHIPLEY Leonard Bernstein’s “Young People’s Concerts” was playing on the TV, and Steve Smith was watching it with his family in the living room of their Richland, Washington home. This was about 60 years ago. Smith was no older than the fingers you can count on one hand. His parents would watch their son swing his arms around, conducting to the music like the famous maestro on the TV was doing. He’d do that and then start tip-tapping his hands on his legs. “My grandma,” Smith says, “would see me…
December 27, 2022Posted inSDSM News
Posted inSDSM User Guide and FAQ

Gift Certificates

● Seattle Drum School offers physical or virtual gift certificates for purchase in custom amounts based on ourcurrent tuition rates detailed in Lesson Pricing. ● Gift certificates expire six months after the date of purchase. ● Call, email or stop by one of our schools to purchase your gift certificate(s). Wishing you the best always & thank you for keeping music alive! Thank you for supporting our Instructors and Seattle Drum School of Music. You make us happen!
December 2, 2022Posted inSDSM User Guide and FAQ