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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I've been doing it for longer than most and have refined my techniques over the years to help drummers learn faster and better. I also have a broad background. I work in almost all styles of music including commercial rock, funk, bop, swing, country, blues, Latin, African and Reggae.
I also played in marching bands and teach from this broad perspective. I was taught that if you are a musician, you can play anything. This is especially true for drummers now days. So I have always pursued that as one of my goals. I feel this has paid off because I came to realize that the groove is all about style. All forms of music contain elements of others. This is what gives your groove "authenticity".
I taught drums in schools for almost two decades including Roosevelt HS and Eckstein MS. Although its almost impossible to learn drums without learning to read, its important to balance it by developing your ears. I teach beginners to advanced students of all ages.
I love music and I like teaching. I like hanging with my little friends [and big ones too]. I like watching my students grow, become monster drummers and join their own bands. I like the 'right livelihood' aspect of it. Even if they don't become musicians, I know that studying music is one of the most effective ways to develop their minds and will enrich their lives in a myriad of ways for as long as they live.
Overview
Hired 12 times
Serves Federal Way, WA
Background checked
1 employee
31 years in business
Business hours
Sun1:00 pm - 9:00 pmMon1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Zelle.
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Drum type
Traditional drum kit
Snare drum
Bass drum
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Excellent 4.9
16 reviews
5
94%
4
6%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Venkatesh K.
Jun 1, 2015
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ed is the most patient and amazing drums instructor I have ever met, my 10 year old son has blossomed in his coaching. Ed never rushes the class and paces the lesson according my son's ability and learning potential. He is also very flexible when it comes to accommodating our schedule needs. He has also helped my son with learning to play his favorite songs and kept his interest levels high.
He has truly inspired my son to discover his passion for drums and has helped him become much better than what he used to be. We are so glad we found Ed and I highly recommend him as an drums instructor for all ages and skill levels.
Drum Lessons
Ankit J.
Sep 16, 2018
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I took drumlessons with Ed and really enjoyed working with him to improve my drum skills. He has a lot of experience and knowledge to share when it comes to music and he was very patient with me. Recommend taking lessons from Ed.
Details: Adult (18 years or older) • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Can't read music • What the teacher recommends • Traditional drum kit • Bass drum • Snare drum • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase drums and would like the teacher's advice on it • 60 minutes • I travel to the drum teacher • The drum teacher travels to me
Drum Lessons
Ingrid W.
Nov 14, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ed listening to me and understood that I wanted to learn more about the percussion section and specifically the drums. I also had the chance to become comfortable with the "sticks" and so appreciated his patience.
Drum Lessons
Paul S.
May 27, 2015
Ed is very patient with younger students and provides helpful encouragement. He's understanding about the fact that some weeks kids are ready for lessons and some weeks they are worn down by other things they are busy with. His knowledge about teaching drums seems very deep, and he is highly competent and dependable.
Geng T.
Sep 12, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ed is a great teacher, very passionate about music, very knowledgeable and love to share his passion with kids. We are very lucky to have him as the teacher, i even learned a lot from him not just music and other areas in life too. A real treasure!
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Can read sheet music • What the teacher recommends • Jazz • Rock • 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
Ed Mays Drum Instruction's reply
Thanks, Geng!
Drum Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Clarence Edward Mays
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Basically I don't raise the rates as long as the students stay with me. The music store is always upping the price so I have to charge the new students the going rate. So yes, it is complicated.
If I do house calls, I have to charge more because it takes twice as much of my time to get there and back. On the other hand if I don't have to go anywhere and you come to my house, you get a super discount.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I try to find out what their goals are and what motivates them. I have to take an age appropriate approach, but learning drums all starts with learning the basics- correct technique, rudiments, coordination, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm not sure there are any "latest" developments. I took drum lessons for many years and have some collage but most of my knowledge was from "the street" playing professionally in bands. The last time the drum set was reinvented was in the 70s with the linear fusion revolution, I learned that style from Mike Clark of the Headhunters back then. But I used to teach at the Donn Bennett Drum Shop in Bellevue. It's a great resource. I keep an eye on who is in town giving clinics and lessons there. So that's how I learn, these days- by studying with the masters and going to hear them when they are here.
