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About
I have been teaching for 26 years. I have played with Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers, The Boss Jaguars, Hog Branch Groove Band, and The Pearl Snaps and can be found on various sessions as a percussionist, including Styx and Todd Sucherman. I own and operate Cascade Studios Austin, which is a teaching/recording studio for the last fourteen years.
In addition to playing, I absolutely love teaching. I am of the opinion that everybody learns differently. What may work for one student, may not for another. My lessons are one-on-one and are tailored to each student.
My goal is to help my students learn, and have fun while doing it, so that they build the skills needed to enjoy music for a lifetime. I love seeing the light click on when a student, no matter what age or skill level, realizes they can do it.
Overview
Hired 22 times
13 similar jobs done near you
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 Cash, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
22 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Ryan B.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Excellent instructor that is engaging and encouraging and makes percussion fun while being knowledgeable of fundamentals!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • 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
Drum Lessons
Brooke C.
Dec 6, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Super patient and down to earth. Really cool setup if you're trying to learn how to play drums.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • Rock • What the teacher recommends • 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
Drum Lessons
Lyn N.
Aug 19, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
My 11 year old son has been taking drumlessons with Michael for the last month. Michael is a fantastic instructor. He’s patient, kind and makes it easy for my son to catch on. Michael is extremely affordable, is always on time and professional. My son looks forward to his lessons and I can’t wait to see where these lessons lead him:) I highly recommend using him!
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Snare drum • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Drum Lessons
Tabitha A.
Oct 28, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
My 12 year old daughter has been taking drumlessons with Michael a couple of months now. He’s fantastic at teaching, super patient! Highly recommend.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Can't read music • Traditional drum kit • What the teacher recommends • Rock • 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
Drum Lessons
Varun K.
Jul 24, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
I have been taking drum classes from Michael for about a month now. What stands out with Michael is, he is very accommodating with the timings and makes learning fun. He has been giving additional notes that are more fun to play then the book we follow.
He is fun to talk to and is open to questions. I am looking forward to our next lessons. I hope to come back here and update the review.
COVID Note - He is very cautious and ensures to wear a face mask every second of the class and so do I.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Can read percussion notation • Can read sheet music • Traditional drum kit • Hand drums (bongo, conga, etc.) • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student already has drums • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Michael Bahan Percussion's reply
Thank you so much Varun! It’s been a pleasure starting to work with you and looking forward to the next lesson!
Drum Lessons
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Michael Bahan
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Tuition is $120 per month for weekly half hour sessions or $220 per month for weekly hour-long sessions. There is a small discount for weekly hour sessions.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start with an evaluation to assess the student's goals and what they expect from their lessons. I like to implement their musical tastes into the lessons as well, so the process is more personal and enjoyable. I work with my students on rudimentary drumming and applying those rudiments to the drumset.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching for 23 years. I play with Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers, The Boss Jaguars, Hog Branch Groove Band, and The Pearl Snaps and can be found on various sessions as a percussionist, including Styx and Todd Sucherman. I have also owned and operated Cascade Studios Austin, which is a rehearsal/teaching/recording studio for the last ten years.
