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Neil B

Cupertino, CA, USA

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About Me

I have 46 years of drumming experience, most as a professional. I love playing, but my passion is teaching others which I have been doing for the past 25 years. I am great with kids, and I have taught many adults. I have numerous students who developed into pro drummers.
My first six years drumming I studied with a member of the San Francisco Symphony who was also the house drummer at Bimbos in SF. Under his tutelage I developed a mastery of classical drums while also gaining an understanding of the modern approach to the drum set. I have had the honor to play with some top notch musicians over the years.

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Reviews

  • Lisa French 6 years ago
    Neil's breadth and years of experience make him an exceptional teacher. He has experience with adults and kids and works well with both. He is well-versed in many styles of music; classical, rock, funk, Afro-Cuban, and more. His best trait as a teacher, in my opinion, is that he is able to explain/demonstrate things in multiple ways and doesn't give up until you "get it". A bonus is that he plays bass, so you have opportunities to apply and practice what you've learned in a genuine, playing situation.
  • Kyla Haimovitz 6 years ago
    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.