Nick Balkun's Drum Lessons
Nick Balkun's Drum Lessons

Nick Balkun's Drum Lessons

$70/hour
estimated price


Drum type

It’s free, with no obligation to book

Introduction
Nick Balkun is a Connecticut based drummer, producer and drum instructor who has over fifteen years experience teaching drums to all ages. In addition to teaching privately over the past 10 years, Nick was also the recipient of the 2016 Top Percussionist In Connecticut Award from the Percussive Arts Society Of America. Since 2009, Nick has performed live in 7 countries including USA, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. Nick Balkun is a charismatic and insightful teacher who works his hardest to help his students grow through music and education. Each student receives a unique practice routine to help maximize their studies and excel quickly and efficiently in whatever style of music they play. As a performer, Nick is an accomplished Connecticut-based musician who is in several internationally touring bands including Balkun Brothers, Legalized, Death Bear and more. Performing live and recording in the studio is the core of Nick's everyday life. From drum lessons, to music production lessons, to live band concerts, Nick is a musician who brings the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail in every facet of his work. Nick specializes in teaching all styles of music and bases his lessons on rudiments, technique and musical expression on all levels. The Connecticut native has studied with various teachers since he began playing, including notable drummers Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Tony Royster Jr. (Katy Perry, Jay-Z), David Garibaldi (Tower Of Power), Tim Alexander (Primus), Jaimoe (The Allman Brothers Band), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Neal Evans (Dopapod). Nick worked with the University of Connecticut marching band while in college. He specializes in rock, funk, and blues drumming but also has been trained in jazz, heavy metal, punk rock and marching. Some of Nick’s biggest influences include Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl, Mikkey Dee and John Bonham. Nick is currently touring the World with his award winning rock n’ roll band, Balkun Brothers. Balkun Brothers has shared the stage with acts such as Johnny Winter, Gogol Bordello and Gary Clark Jr. The band has also been featured on major festival line-ups alongside The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Motley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Slayer, Iggy Pop and Linkin Park.
Overview

Hired 21 times

Serves West Hartford, CT

Background checked

1 employee

14 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Square cash app, and Venmo.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Featured Projects

11 photos

Specialties
Interested musical styles

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

19 reviews

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pro avatar
Michelle A.
Sep 9, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Nick has been a very helpful drumming instructor. He allows the student to have freedom in what they learn and tries to tailor the learning to the student. He has consistently brought over different drumsticks and drumming gadgets and has taught using them. This is a part of what keeps each lesson unique, and Nick’s talent on drums also makes him a great teacher.

Details: 14 - 17 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read sheet music • Can read percussion notation • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Maria S.
May 27, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Nick has been an amazing asset in our sons drumming experience. He is responsive, creative, extremely conscientious and overall a wonderful teacher. He took the time to get to know his student, figure out how to best teach him, what his strengths and weaknesses are, so that each lesson is spent wisely. He is knowledgeable, patient and so creative. We really appreciate Nicks expert guidance and customized approach! I know this is just the beginning, but we're very excited about this continued partnership!

Details: 6 - 9 years old • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Ray C.
Nov 18, 2023
I have had a number of great drum lessons with Nick over the last two years and he is always extremely insightful in his teaching methods. From rudiments to learning grooves, he makes sure I can read drum notation and also learn by ear. He always has new warm ups, beats and fills every lesson. His responsiveness and flexible schedule make him one of the best teachers I have ever had! Highly recommend him for drum lessons!
pro avatar
Vinny T.
Sep 27, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I had my first lesson today and it was great!! I am probably one of the more difficult students as I am a 51 year old guy who has never played an instrumental and never learned to read music, Nick was patient and showed me the extreme basics. He gave me a couple simple beats to master and I have been practicing everyday. He shared some of his skills and music knowledge with me in our lesson! He is a really chill yet professional guy that has so much talent and knowledge to share !! I can’t wait for my next lesson!! I highly recommend Nick Balkun if you are looking to learn the drums!!!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Rock • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
pro avatar
Paul T.
Aug 2, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been a lifelong drummer with formal training in my earlier years, so my skill set was a challenge to pin down. Nick took the time to understand what I needed to quickly round out my basics, so that I was well-positioned to benefit from his training. And benefit I am, in ways that are very impressive and effective, thanks to Nick’s teaching approach. Nick is an accomplished professional drummer, who I’ve had the pleasure to watch him play a professional gig! Awesome is the term I’d use. If you truly want to learn from a friendly, patient, and overall cool pro drummer, choose no one else but Nick! I couldn’t be more satisfied with his services and the progress I’ve been making with Nick as my instructor. It’s a no brainer! Nick will provide the drumming instruction custom-tailored lessons to your needs, which is a win-win on every level. Thanks, Nick!

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Understands note durations and rests • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Yes, the student already has drums • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check

Nick Balkun