Bettencourt Drumming
Bettencourt Drumming

Bettencourt Drumming

Top Pro

$65/hour
estimated price


Drum type

Responds in about 1 hour

Introduction
I AM TEACHING ALL LESSONS REMOTELY for students all over the country! Lessons are $40.00 per half hour, $55.00 for 45 minutes, or $65.00 per hour. Currently, I teach 41 students each week. I am only available for remote lessons. I have 52 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 35 years. I am great with kids, and I have taught many adults. I have numerous students who developed into pro drummers. My first 6 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. My teaching method includes: - Reading all levels in both snare drum and full drum set - Focused snare drum and sticking technique - Focused drum set and “feet techniques” - How to “groove” - Dynamics - Fills, posture and relaxation techniques for greater speed and endurance -Now teaching GADDIMENTS, The new book by legendary Steve Gadd. (In addition to many other great books) All levels are welcome and all styles are covered - rock, jazz, funk, swing, Afro Cuban, reggae, fusion, ska and more -- just ask! Professional experience includes drumming with The Square Roots, The Road Hogs, The Room Shakers, The Gravity, and many others. There has to be a future of great drummers! Without teachers, there aren't students! I love helping to create future great drummers!
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 111 times

Serves Cupertino, CA

Background checked

1 employee

34 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

Top Pro Icon

2023

Top Pro Icon

2022

Top Pro Icon

2021

Top Pro Icon

2020

Top Pro Icon

2019

Top Pro Icon

2018

Top Pro Icon

2017

Featured Projects

17 photos

  • Drum Lessons - San Jose 2023

    Drum Lessons

  • Drum Lessons - Stanford 2024

    Drum Lessons

  • Drum Lessons - Cupertino 2023

    Drum Lessons

  • Excellent experience. He is an excellent teacher.

Specialties
Interested musical styles

, , , , ,

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

87 reviews

5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Emily W.
3 days ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

My kiddo has had four lessons with Neil and all of them have been wonderful! Neil is really fun, which is very helpful in keeping small children engaged. In addition, his encouragement keeps my kiddo interested in learning more. But what I like about Neil the most is that he is rigorous and knowledgeable. He teaches techniques, an essential part of drumming. He has had so much experience that he has developed a whole curriculum. This is great for us, because it allows me to help my kid track his progress. Furthermore, it helps my kiddo see what he has learnt and is capable of doing. All in all, we are very happy to have found Neil, and we are looking forward to all future lessons.

Details: 6 - 9 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Country • Classical • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Scott E.
Aug 28, 2023
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been taking lessons with Neil for about 8 months. He has incredible expertise and experience, and is simply great at what he does. I have made tons of progress in a short time, and I am really enjoying drums. Thanks, Neil!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Tong S.
Mar 7, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The lesson experience with Neil is great from the beginning. Neil gave a list of gear/books to prepare, and provided recommendations for practice gear. During the lesson, Neil was very encouraging, while giving clear instructions about what I could improve. Neil introduced the books and demonstrated the techniques, which was really fascinating! We went through the beginning of the books, and one hour just flew by. I am really happy to start this learning journey with Neil. Looking forward to all future lessons!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Can read sheet music • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Jazz • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Samuel W.
Feb 8, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 26 - 44 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Derek O.
6 days ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been a drummer for nearly 40 years, recording and touring professionally for most of those years with some pretty well known artists. I came to Neil because I wanted to improve my sight reading and writing skills. Without hesitation, he took me on, tested my levels of where I am at with those goals and implemented the perfect structure, materials, and curriculum tailored to what I requested. Along the way, I get great advice and reminders that improve my technique and sharpen my skills in every way. I am constantly challenged and shown how to keep improving in many areas along this journey. Apparently an old dog Can be taught new tricks with the right teacher. Neil Is that teacher and I will continue to study with him indefinitely.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check

Neil Bettencourt