Joel Litwin is a skilled instructor and enjoys teaching all levels of students. He particularly enjoys helping drummers and non-drummers achieve their musical goals. He teaches drum kit (all levels), and percussion (afro-cuban, Brazilian, cajon).
“I see each student as unique. Everyone has different goals, ambitions, likes and dislikes. I like to use quality curriculum when appropriate, but also customize the lessons to match each student’s individual development. All my lessons include real-world info and tips to share everything I’ve learned in my lifetime of being a professional drummer.
“I’ve learned and continue to learn so much from other drummers and musicians, including my students. I just like to give back and assist and encourage other drummers and musicians to reach and exceed their dreams.
“For young folks, drumming is a tremendous discipline, one that teaches about hard work and focus and rewards, one that develops the brain and creativity, a visceral and physical activity, and one that contributes to a lifetime of learning and dedication. I just love drumming and enjoy sharing and hopefully inspiring that same feeling in others.”
Joel is on the faculty of Bellinghome School of Music in Bellingham WA, and also teaches privately, in-person and Zoom drum lessons.
Teaching drum kit & percussion, all levels (beginner to advanced). Myriad styles (rock, funk, jazz, latin, Brazilian, New Orleans, country, polka, et.al.)
Photo: Bruce Hamilton
THINGS TO LEARN:
• Beginning Drumming: How to play a basic rock beat in one day. Yes, you.
• Hand Development: Maybe the most fun thing in the whole world, and you don’t need drums to do it.
• Readin’, Writin’ & ‘Rithmetic: Using your left & right brains together for the first time. Worlds collide!
• Playing Along with the Hits: How to accompany your favorite (and least favorite) bands, without them knowing it.
• Drumming Beyond the Drums: Everything is a percussion instrument. Your family will love that.
• Rudiments: What they are and why they’re so dang important and do we really need FORTY of them?
• Speed Training: How to get faster and faster until you reach the speed of sound and then no one can actually hear you.
• Practicing, Always Practicing: With a good practice pad, you can be doin’ you some ratamacues while watching Netflix.
• How to Play Quietly: And why on earth you would want to do that.
• Playing Between the Notes: Brazilian, New Orleans, Afro-Cuban, Dilla beats & other styles that don’t line up with western notation.
• The 3 Most Important Components of Drumming: Time, Time & Time
• Accompaniment: How to approach a song and fit in with the other rhythms so your band won’t hate you.
• Drumming is Really Fun: Who knew?
• Bass Players: How to become their favorite drummer.
• The Metronome: Why is it always speeding up or slowing down? What is wrong with this thing?
• Guitar Players: How to get along with them.
• Drummer Jokes: What do they mean?
Lessons for true beginners (never played drums before), other-instrument players (guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, vocalists who want to learn some basic drum stuff), Elementary/Middle/High Schoolers (looking to be prepared for marching band, drum corps, jazz band, etc.), folks who want to work on specific aspects of drumming, people who want to be able to play percussion at a jam session, etc.
TESTIMONIALS:
You’re never too old to start lessons, even if it’s your first instrument. Starting drum lessons at age 40 is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. My instructor, Joel, and the team are great.
– M.D.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for drumming with me. You inspire me to challenge myself and keep working towards my future career as Taylor Swift’s drummer. Happy happy holidays!
– L.D.
You are the best teacher ever!
– M.I.
You should also be proud, not only for the work with [son’s name] (which has been amazing to watch), but with all of your students. Not only did they perform well, but you can tell that you clearly make drumming (and learning drumming) enjoyable. You have a gift, my friend. Thank you for the positive influence you have on [son’s name] and helping guide his passion for drumming and music in general. We are blessed to have hooked up with you.
– J.C.
We are thrilled with [son’s name]’s progress since working with you and he LOVES his time with you. We are hoping to increase his lesson time once karate is finished (April or May) and maybe get his little brother started with some lessons as well.
– B.D.
I heard it was teacher appreciation week and wanted to say Thank You! for being a great instructor. I appreciate your patience with me and your no-stress instructional style. I didn’t think I had a music bone in me, but wow, here we are.
– M.D.
Bellinghome is a magical place ! The staff is amazing and the opportunity to learn and grow with them seems endless. Joel has inspired my youngest musician to take on the drums like never before!
– J.L.
Sat in on my granddaughter’s drum lesson with Joel. Great fun, he was terrific with her and she is learning so much for her future as a wonderful human being!
– S.C.
Our son has had an awesome experience learning to play the drums at Bellinghome School of Music. His teacher, Joel, is amazing and the school is so supportive of young musicians.
– J.P.
Thank you Joel! I can’t thank you enough for how much of a mentor you’ve been for me, and how big a part of my life you have been. I will always think of you as the best teacher I have ever had, by far.
– J.L.
Thank you so much for being an amazing teacher and role model for me these past 3 years. You’ve helped me develop my skills so much and I don’t know where I would be without you. You’ll be pleased to know I am joining band next year! I hope to come see you play soon.
– L.D.
We were so impressed by [son’s name]’s performance & loved watching him showcase his skills. Thank you so much for taking him on as a student. He has come so far in the short time he has been working with you. We are very excited for his continued success and to see his love and passion for drumming grow. He is already brainstorming ideas for the next recital!
– J.C. & B.D.
Thank you for taking the time to teach me! I greatly appreciate all that you’ve shown and taught me. If not for you, I would still be at square one. I’m happy to inform you that I’ve been practicing with a metronome as well as fills, etc.!
– K.C.
Thank you for being my drum teacher this year. I really liked it.
– J.P.
Thanks for being the best drum teacher ever! I am grateful for you being my drum teacher.
– M.I.