If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Most adults dream of playing music but life gets in the way, instruments gather dust, and lessons often don’t fit your goals. That’s why I created The Setlisters: a coaching approach that helps you build your own personal setlist of songs you love, while developing real skills along the way.
I’m Johnny Wicker - a drummer, guitarist, and music coach with over a decade of experience teaching and performing. I’ve helped hundreds of students discover their sound, whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after years away.
With me, you’re not just “taking lessons.” You’re becoming a Setlister - someone who plays the music that tells their story. My coaching blends learning technique with expression, creativity, and confidence building, so you’ll enjoy the process as much as the progress.
Whether your first song is a rock classic, a soulful ballad, or a modern favorite, we’ll build your setlist together one song at a time.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
42 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
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1
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Read reviews that mention:
Laurie B.
Nov 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I really enjoyed Jonny’s approach to teaching guitar. He was patient and encouraging and I would definitely recommend him.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Johnny Wicker - Music Coaching for Adults's reply
Thanks Laurie! It was great helping you learn your favorite songs and get started on your Setlister journey!
Guitar Lessons
Philippe J.
Nov 19, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
My skills have improved so much in just a few lessons. Johnny is very knowledgeable, snd calm. Makes you feel there will not be obstacles to overcome. Very skilled to offer advice or alternative technique to overcome being stuck. As simple as a way to count the beats without messing up the actual stroke. Listen and offers feedback based on what the student is experiencing. Always looking forward to his next class. Only teacher I know that sends a recap of every lesson along with homework.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Johnny Wicker - Music Coaching for Adults's reply
Thanks Philippe! It's been great working with you to advance your drum skills. You've got a lot of natural ability and are doing great with the concepts. Looking forward to our next lesson!
Drum Lessons
Heather G.
Nov 14, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Johnny is awesome! I’m finished with my 4th lesson and can’t believe my progress- so amazing! Johnny is such a great teacher! He’s open to my ideas and allows me to go off on my own while still bringing me back to basics(rudiments!) I would highly recommend him as an instructor to anyone! Doing this in line has been a great experience. I never would have thought that I’d get so much out of private Zoom lessons but being able to play in my own kit, in the privacy and comfort of my own home makes the quality of my learning so much better than having to drive someplace, play someone else’s instrument and then have to stop and go home. This is totally worth the value and then some!
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can read sheet music • Understands note durations and rests • Traditional drum kit • Snare drum • Bass drum • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Johnny Wicker - Music Coaching for Adults's reply
Thanks Heather! It's been great working with you. You've progressed a lot in 4 lessons and are becoming an awesome drummer. So glad you're enjoying online lessons. Looking forward to next week!
Drum Lessons
Meagan D.
Jun 12, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
I had no prior guitar knowledge so Johnny quickly educated me and we jumped right in learning a melody of my choice. He is patient and encouraging. I appreciate the lesson recap and his suggestions on areas to practice to keep progressing. Thanks Johnny.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Country • Folk • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Johnny Wicker - Music Coaching for Adults's reply
Thanks Meagan! You’ve progressed a lot and are sounding great!
Guitar Lessons
Joseph B.
Aug 14, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Johnny Wicker was an amazing drum instructor. His patience, knowledge, and positive attitude most definitely made learning effective and fun. He helped me to achieve more than I thought possible. Johnny’s friendly personality and genuine enthusiasm for drumming made each lesson a pleasure. I would highly recommend him as an instructor to anyone looking to improve their drumming skills.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training • Can read sheet music • Snare drum • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Johnny Wicker - Music Coaching for Adults's reply
Thanks Joseph! It was great helping you prep for your college audition. Best of luck this fall 🥁
Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Johnny Wicker
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer 45 minute lessons for ($50) and 30 minute lessons for ($40). Most of my students have 1 lesson a week and pay monthly. I also offer a 20% discount on their first month.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with a new student I like to start with few questions to learn a little bit about their musical history and what inspires them. I usually ask them how long have they’ve been playing, if they have had ever lessons before, and what kind of music or artists they like. I also like to have students play something for me so I can see their style and where their skill level is. These things help me provide a learning path for the student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I attended Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC for an associates degree in music. There I studied piano, music theory, and also achieved an education in Jazz performance. Around the same time I studied privately with one of Charlotte’s greatest drummers for many years. I’ve also gained a lot of experience through teaching, which I’ve been doing for 10 years now. Ultimately, all of these things contribute to my ability to teach multiple instruments and various skill levels.
