michael teaching

Drum Lessons

About Drum Lessons

Whether you have some playing experience under your belt and want to improve your skills, or you are brand new to drumming and enthusiastic about learning a new craft and exploring music, drum lessons at Chicago Piano and Drums can help you achieve your goals.

I teach private lessons on drumset mainly focused on improvisation and American music traditions such as jazz, R&B, and popular styles. In my teaching I place emphasis on the following concepts: Relaxed Technique Ear Training Timekeeping Idiomatic approaches to improvisation

Pricing/Rates

As of 2024, prices for piano lessons are as follows:

  • $35 for each 30 minute lesson
  • $50 for each 45 minute lesson
  • $60 for each 60 minute lesson

Michael Whalen (he/him)

michael onstage

I offer private instruction in drum and vibraphone lessons. I have worked as an educator since graduating Berklee College of Music in 2016. In addition to private lessons, I have worked at multiple high schools and middle schools as a percussion instructor. I also have taught at the South Bay Summer Jazz Intensive, and served as music director of the Cats Big Band, a community big band based in San Jose, CA.

I'm also an active performer and have played at various Chicago venues like Schuba's, AliveOne, Fulton Street Collective, and more.

Photo by Taylor Pate

My website