Lions Way Studios Music school in Atlanta

I know that $75/hr for one-hour lessons, $50/half hour, $250/month seems steep for drum lessons. The reason for those prices is for the fact that not only do I deliver high-quality lessons, but I provide coaching and custom curriculum that is tailored to your goals, but I also teach relevant techniques that are used in current professional standards, as well as mentorship, guidance, and leadership. I have a lot of real-life experience in this business and life experience in general, so I am here to help. No situation is too much.

Our first lesson is an introductory lesson. I want to hear about YOU. I want to hear about what you want to accomplish, what are your goals, what do you want to do? Not all students want a book thrown at them and say "learn this." I'm about teaching to the student, not to the curriculum. I will tailor-make the situation to your liking to keep you engaged. Life is hard, drums and music is fun.

Going forward, the way the remote lessons will work is, I will set up a Zoom link that you'll access. From there, I will film weekly videos that we go through every week and talk through it in lesson. As part of the package, I film the videos in the week between lessons, and then I create a Google Drive folder that you'll have access to at any time for your practice. It's part of the added value of the course, real time instruction with 24 hour access to all materials.

I have 25+ years of professional experience in multiple genre. I have over 18 years of touring experience that has taken me all over North America. I have played clubs, large clubs, arenas, theaters, and ampitheaters. I have been featured in Drum! Magazine, and I hold several endorsements.

In terms of my electronic music production, my solo project, JD Lion, I have accumulated thousands of streams on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. I have released multiple albums, EPs, and singles, and I also recently became a licensed audio engineer through the University of New Hampshire

I got my start in music when I was 12 years old. I got my start playing rock clubs in Houston, TX, and by the time I was 14, I was getting paid $50 bucks a show and using that for spending money. I've kept up my career since then and have evolved as a drummer in my own bands, to playing with solo artists, then evolving into an Independent drummer, and now I am a Drummer/Producer appearing on nearly 50 recordings as well as a solo artist, an album and an EP, with more music on the way. My music can be heard online as well as in podcasts, and I am working on getting my music placed in commercials.

In my teachings, I have taught from age 4 all the way up to 55! I work with kids primarily, but adults are welcome! I like to work with all skills, all ages. My students range from those who are just picking up a pair of drumsticks or staring at a piece of percussion, to those readying themselves for arena tours and masterclasses. There's hidden talent in everyone. We just have to do the work, and the rest will come! One way or another, I will help you achieve your goals!

The recent project that I am fond of is my solo album/EP that I have released this year. They are emotional journeys that I have taken, and the projects have received wonderful reviews. They were a total validation of the path I chose in Electronic music. The process took me roughly 4 months.

In terms of hiring a provider for instruction, you get what you pay for. Not all teachers with low prices will add value. They provide good instruction, but it can be a cookie cutter. Make sure that in your search that you get a good initial feeling of the instructor you're with. Make sure that their background, their skill level, and their personality shines to you. When you find that right combination, it's the difference between a phase and a passion. If you're looking at me, I want to make this a passion, an escape. I'm a guide and I'm here for your success. You have ups and downs, let's ride the wave together. Most importantly, this is fun!

1. What kind of commitment am I willing to put in to my education?

2. Am I open to practicing and following the instructions of my teacher?

The rest can be sorted by conversations with the provider. Price isn't everything when it comes to your education and learning. Instructors can turn into lifelong friends. I have many in my career who were students who became friends!