I am 34 years old and thinking about teaching drums in my area for some supplemental income. I love teaching/coaching as much as the drums themselves... so the real reward for me is helping others learn the instrument. But at the same time, I would like to use this opportunity to "create" a part-time job for myself. I don't need (or plan) to make a killing or even good money by any means... but I do intend to have a small income from it. I have a beautiful home studio (room) dedicated to drums/music (I also compose orchestral film/game style trailers via midi keyboard and virtual instruments and Logic).
With that said, I would only classify myself as an intermediate drummer. I grew up playing and then got serious again about 2-3 years ago (and have taken many lessons myself). But, I do think I am a great teacher... so while I am not an advanced drummer or know every single style and every rudiment in the book, I am very passionate about my work and am confident that I can offer some value.
My thoughts (and herein lies my question or conversation piece) is to target beginners and at a very affordable rate. Is there a market for beginner teachers (meaning, to only take on clients/students who are starting out or want to try the instrument)? Is it necessary to be an advanced drummer to teach beginning playing/theory? I am questioning myself if I am a good enough drummer to start teaching it... is there a certain time or level when you are "accepted" as a teacher? Again, I think I am a great communicator and love teaching/helping others... so my only hiccup is whether I am good enough at the instrument. I know a lot about the instrument and can hold my own at playing... but I wonder if it is necessary to be lightning fast at rudiments, grooves, fills, etc to have the credibility to teach. I am not a "fast" drummer... I don't have great "chops"...and I don't play double bass. However, I am a solid drummer and value the pocket and control more than anything.... think funk and rock more than death metal or Gospel chops. And, I am not a trained jazz expert either. But, I do feel I am an expert teacher/coach (at anything that I know something about). I am just passionate about helping others learn.
I would love to hear some advice, experiences, or just some general dialogue on this topic.
With that said, I would only classify myself as an intermediate drummer. I grew up playing and then got serious again about 2-3 years ago (and have taken many lessons myself). But, I do think I am a great teacher... so while I am not an advanced drummer or know every single style and every rudiment in the book, I am very passionate about my work and am confident that I can offer some value.
My thoughts (and herein lies my question or conversation piece) is to target beginners and at a very affordable rate. Is there a market for beginner teachers (meaning, to only take on clients/students who are starting out or want to try the instrument)? Is it necessary to be an advanced drummer to teach beginning playing/theory? I am questioning myself if I am a good enough drummer to start teaching it... is there a certain time or level when you are "accepted" as a teacher? Again, I think I am a great communicator and love teaching/helping others... so my only hiccup is whether I am good enough at the instrument. I know a lot about the instrument and can hold my own at playing... but I wonder if it is necessary to be lightning fast at rudiments, grooves, fills, etc to have the credibility to teach. I am not a "fast" drummer... I don't have great "chops"...and I don't play double bass. However, I am a solid drummer and value the pocket and control more than anything.... think funk and rock more than death metal or Gospel chops. And, I am not a trained jazz expert either. But, I do feel I am an expert teacher/coach (at anything that I know something about). I am just passionate about helping others learn.
I would love to hear some advice, experiences, or just some general dialogue on this topic.