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Paul Michael Hurd

Drum type

Responds in about 31 min


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About
My studio is located in the Baker Neighborhood in Denver, equipped with an acoustic and electric set of drums. I can also provide in-home lessons if that works better for your schedule. I have been teaching drums for over 15 years. I strive to provide a relaxed, fun style of teaching that embraces musicality and encourages individual expression, while focusing on drumming fundamentals. I specialize in teaching beginning and intermediate drummers; helping them to develop the skills and musical vocabulary needed to play music in school band programs, jam with family and friends, or just have some fun playing along to their favorite songs. Creating music in the moment with another musician can be the most valuable part of studying any instrument, and I always try to set aside some time in each lesson to play some music together. This teaching strategy encourages students to become more engaged in their lessons, and allows them to aquire the experience and confidence they need to play music with other musicians. I can cover a wide range of styles including Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Grunge, and Latin music, on both drums and guitar...and I'm a huge Beatles fan. I'm passionate about helping students reach their goals, and I enjoy creating an open, positive, and creative learning environment. My goal as a teacher, is to provide an experience that encourages students to enjoy learning, playing, and creating music for a lifetime.  My live playing experience has taken me from hundreds of dive bar gigs, to The El Rey Theater, the Roxy, and Raji's in Los Angeles, Dazzle Jazz and the Bluebird Theater and the Sie Film Center in Denver, The Bowery Ballroom in New York City, and most recently, the Fire in the Mountains Festival in July 2026. I really enjoy teaching; it's just as rewarding as playing music for me. I'm always excited for the opportunity to guide students on their own musical journey, helping them through challenges, and sharing in their success. I currently have students that have been with me for 7+ years.
Overview

Hired 34 times

Serves Denver, CO

Background checked

1 employee

11 years in business

Business hours

SunClosedMon10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Check.

Services offered
Interested musical styles
Drum type

Traditional drum kit

Snare drum

Bass drum

Hand drums

Work location

My customers travel to me

I travel to my customers

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

27 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

3

0%

2

0%

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pro avatar
Marissa U.

May 2, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Paul is truly one of a kind! he is so fantastic with younger children while teaching the fundamentals of drumming. he is kind, patient and good at redirecting when kids are having a hard time or not focused. Our son looks forward to these lessons every week!

Details: Younger than 6 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
John D.

1 month ago

Hired on Thumbtack

I’m 54 and recently got back into drumming. I bought a Roland electronic kit and I wasn’t sure if I had everything set up properly for my size, playing style, and comfort. Paul came to my house and spent over an hour with me getting the entire kit dialed in. He helped position the drums, cymbals, pedals, and throne so everything felt natural and comfortable. Just getting the setup right made a huge difference. He then worked with me on several practice techniques and exercises that I can already tell will help me build coordination, timing, and confidence behind the kit. Paul is extremely professional, patient, and knowledgeable—and trust me, this guy knows drums! I was very impressed with both his playing and his ability to explain things in a way that made sense! I’m really glad I booked the lesson and will definitely be working with Paul again. Highly recommend!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Rhianna U.

May 14, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

We’ve had a wonderful experience with Paul as a drum instructor for my teenager. He’s patient, encouraging, and does a fantastic job balancing technique, rhythm, and making lessons genuinely fun and engaging. One thing I especially appreciate is that he often plays guitar alongside her while she’s on the drum kit, which helps her learn how to play *with* other musicians instead of just practicing beats in isolation. It’s been great to see her confidence, timing, and overall musicianship grow because of that approach. Highly recommend Paul for anyone looking for an instructor who really understands how to teach and inspire young musicians.

Details: 14 - 17 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Zoe H.

May 8, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

I booked Paul for drum lessons for my husband and we've had a fantastic experience working with him. I play the guitar as well so it's turned into jam sessions with the three of us playing and learning new songs. Paul's done a great job at covering the fundamentals while also keeping it fun and meeting us where we're at with skill level. 10/10 recommendation!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Jonathan S.

Oct 5, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

My 11-year old son has been taking drum lessons with Paul for a year and it has been a great experience; we feel so lucky to have found him. Paul is an effective and fun instructor - the best music teacher I've seen in action. His lesson plan and expectations are clear, but he really listens to the student and meets them where they are. The lessons combine technical drills and applied practice with Paul playing guitar while my son drums. I am always impressed by Paul's patience and encouraging attitude while holding my son to a high standard. His suggestions for practice are reasonable and consistent. It is obvious that Paul really enjoys teaching and his passion for music is contagious. Logistically, Paul is always responsive and punctual and on top of billing. It is truly a pleasure to watch my son improve his drumming skills and discover this fantastic way of expressing himself with Paul as his guide. Highly recommend!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check

Paul Hurd