YOUTH & ADULT LESSONS
Lessons take place either online (via Google Meet or Zoom) or in person at Dale’s studio in Durham, NC. Once you have scheduled your lesson, you’ll receive a confirmation email with additional information including the studio address (online and physical) and payment links.
If you are unable to find a time that works for you, please Contact Dale .
Please note Cancellation Policies at the bottom of this page.
PRICING
SINGLE LESSONS
Single Lesson payments are accepted when you schedule your lesson online, above.
✩ 30-Minute: $55
✩ 60-Minute: $110
LESSON PACKS
Lesson packs are 12 lessons for the price of 10. Students have a full year to use up their pre-paid sessions, but note that lesson packs are non-refundable. To purchase a pack, contact Dale directly.
NOTE that when you purchase a package, you’ll book for the first lesson for that package at the same time.
✩ 30-Minute 12-Pack: $550
✩ 60-Minute 12-Pack: $1,100
SCALABLE PRICING
Dale wants people playing drums, which is why almost 40% of his students receive scaled-down pricing. If the lesson fees are out of reach for you, please contact Dale directly.
PAYMENT TERMS
Lesson payments are nonrefundable, and lesson credits expire one (1) year after the date of purchase.
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Since his childhood in Branson, MO, percussion has been Dale’s happy place. As an instructor, he aims to share that joy by helping students of all ages build skills, find inspiration, and express themselves through rhythm.
Dale has been teaching for almost two decades. His instruction, informed by his degree in music education University of North Texas, is based on literally thousands of lessons he’s taught over the years. He approaches every lesson with the individual student in mind, and shares his wisdom, enthusiasm, and support throughout the learning process.
Learning a new, unfamiliar skill is hard, but it should also be fun. Over the years, Dale has learned how to break down the basics of drumming so that you or your child will be up and drumming within your first lesson. And, after a few lessons, you’ll learn to think like drummers and listen like musicians. Progress comes quickly and is a major motivator in Dale’s studio.
The end result of lessons with Dale should be drumming, certainly, but also a clear celebration of the creativity and energy that drumming will help you discover within yourself. A deeply satisfying vehicle for self-discovery and growth, drumming can be a grounding force and lifelong practice, both private and public.
It’s never too late (or too early!) to become better acquainted with rhythm, time keeping, drumming, and music in general. Dale welcomes people of all ages, from beginners to established musicians. And, he also takes great satisfaction in working with neurodivergent clients, as he sees how quickly and well music lessons can help kids with focus, social skills, and self-esteem.
CLINICS & SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION
Dale is also available for drum clinics, master classes and guest instruction. His 30+years as a touring musician, studio drummer, and teacher have included settings from musical theater to corporate gigs, worship bands to grammy nominated pop bands. He loves to offer small group instruction, clinics, and master classes, he offers them in public, private and church settings. Past clients have included Duke University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Summit RDU, Crossroads Baptist Church, Church of the Apostles Raleigh, First Colonial Baptist Cary, Christ Community Church (Pinehurst, NC), Durham Academy Extended Day, and Let There Be Rock School of Music.
Contact Dale to discuss and schedule a clinic for your organization or community.
TEAM BUILDING
Dale has led team-building events as a facilitator for Drum Team Collective, a company that offers 90-minute sessions that boost morale through fun, cooperation, and communication. He’s offered these rock n’ roll sessions at many companies, includingTeleflex, Epic Games, Fidelity Investments, Nutanix, and Vision Martial Arts.
If you’re interested in booking Dale at your company, please contact him directly, and he will help your organization offer a high-energy team building event like no other.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
24-Hour Cancellation Notice: Make up lessons will be offered to clients who give us at least 24 hours notice of their cancellation. This allows other clients an opportunity to fill the spot. If you are unable to give 24- hours notice, you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather for which there is a weather advisory, lessons will be rescheduled. This is the only exception to the 24-Hour Cancellation Notice, above.
Late Arrivals: If arriving late, your lessons may be shortened to accommodate a lesson that is scheduled after yours. Note that you will still need to pay the full lesson cost, as it represents the studio time that was scheduled on your behalf.
Illness: Please do not attend your lesson if you have any symptoms of cold, flu, or covid. If you arrive with any symptoms, we will reschedule your lesson for when you are feeling better.
"Every thing and every human action revolves in rhythm . . . Drumming is the simplest thing that we can do to bring us together.
—Babatunde Olatunji, Nigerian Drummer and Educator (1927-2003)