Drum and Percussion Lessons in Geneva, IL
Our Approach to Drum and Percussion Lessons at Hix Brothers Music School
We fully acknowledge that each aspiring drummer is a unique individual. While it is true that everyone must begin in the same place, where you go from there is completely up to you.
The flexible style of our instructors will foster your musical creativity, offering wisdom, and guiding your technique to levels of excellence. While creative expression is strongly encouraged, we incorporate certain features across the board for all our students, especially in the beginning phases of instruction.
Our Approach to Drum and Percussion Lessons
GET STARTEDDrum Lessons Should Be Fun!
Few things in life are more satisfying than sitting down at a set of drums and playing your heart out. Students will find this unbridled joy in drum lessons at Hix Brothers Music School, as fun is the centerpiece of our teaching philosophy. We want our students to LOVE that feeling, whether it’s their first or five-hundredth time on the throne (and yes, it’s really called that!).
Whether your interest in the drums is currently an individual pursuit or you’re already part of a band or ensemble, Hix Brothers Music School passionate instructors are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals while having fun doing it!
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Students at Hix Brothers Music School can count on well-rounded instruction, rooted in proper technique. Working with a professional instructor, you will begin to master the fundamentals of drumming: a strong sense of pulse, how to control touch and tone, well-rounded drum vocabulary, ergonomic drum set configuration, good posture, healthy wrist action, four-limb independence, and efficient sticking patterns.
We strive to ensure that all of our drum students have a rich and varied lesson experience and become literate musicians. Students will be immersed in essential elements of music theory including rhythm and notation, and will gain exposure to the rich history of percussion.
We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals
Our teachers pride themselves on helping you discover new ways of connecting with the instrument while also working on music you know and love. The world of drumming is wide and deep – but through our tailored instruction, we help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.
Are you a member of a jazz ensemble? We’ll focus on swinging, dynamics, chart reading, and how to “kick” the band. Is your band hoping to be the next big country/rock/pop act? We’ll focus on playing with power, steady grooving, and bread-and-butter fills. Perhaps you desire to be a virtuosic drummer who can move in and out of all sorts of styles? We’ll help you identify the similarities and differences between them and navigate the precise skills needed for each.
Our Drum and Percussion Teachers
The highly-qualified drum and percussion instructors at Hix Brothers Music School are passionate, experienced, and versatile. With years of playing experience, our talented teachers understand the ins and outs of percussion and eagerly share their knowledge with you in an engaging, supportive, and nurturing environment. We offer customized lessons that give you a strong foundation and help you hone your talent and skill.Every teacher at Hix Brothers Music School is committed to your growth and provides a positive, engaging environment for bass lessons. With our personal, private instruction, you learn from a qualified, skilled and understanding musician who specializes in the bass and creates a customized curriculum just for you. While you will learn techniques, fundamentals, and expression, we also support your talent development and help you reach your individual musical goals.
Ed Breckenfeld
Drums
Ed has spent his entire career in music! He was a founding member of The Insiders, whose late-80’s hit “Ghost On The Beach” still plays on the legendary WXRT-FM. He has also been a member of Chicago’s longest-running Irish band The Dooley’s for 25 years!
Andrew Hix
Drums
Andrew Hix teaches drums five days per week, and is currently the general manager of Hix Brothers Music School. He has been playing drums for as long as he can remember, and has been an integral part of the making the Hix Brothers brand what it is today, as well as his brothers Carl and Peter.
John Hix
Drums
John Hix’s musical journey began when his father started giving him drum lessons at age seven. With love and support from an already musically inclined family and a drive to become a versatile player, John constantly sought out new experiences and challenges growing up. John discovered his passion for teaching when he began giving lessons to his peers in high school.
How it works
Together we explore student musical goals.
We match students with one of our expert instructors.
Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit
Your Schedule & Budget
Weekly
30 Min Lesson
$150
Monthly
30 minute lessons are great for learning the basics and building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly
60 Min Lesson
$300
Monthly
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
GET STARTED
What is the Minimum Age to Start Drum Lessons at Hix Brothers?
We welcome students of all skill levels to take drum lessons at Hix Brothers Music School. While we create a positive and inspiring environment for all drum players, we’ve found that children generally do better if they’re older than 7 and physically and mentally ready to begin drum lessons.
Physical development is important since drum players must have dexterity, control, and motor skills as they learn rhythms and hold and maneuver the drum sticks. Drum students must also know how to count and have an adequate attention span for lessons and practice sessions.
We welcome you to contact us and discuss your child’s needs, interests and goals as you decide if your child is ready for drum lessons.
Do I Need Any Prior Drumming Experience?
Players of all skill levels benefit from drum lessons at Hix Brothers Music School. You do not need any prior experience with drums or percussion.
You may learn faster if you have previous exposure to percussion, understand rhythm, and can read music, but our teachers create customized lessons that allow you to learn foundational skills, develop advanced techniques and discover the joys of drumming.
What Styles of Drums Can I Learn?
Hix Brothers Music School offers versatile instruction for drummers of all styles. Our drum instructors specialize in marching band, orchestral percussion, jazz, pop, country, R&B, and metal.
Tell us what you want to play, and we match you with an instructor who can help you achieve your goals. We can also grow with you as your skills improve or your interests change.
What Books Will I Need?
Every drum student has different needs and interests, and your instructor will customize a curriculum just for you. You’ll receive a personalized list of books to buy after your first lesson.
Your instructor can also recommend drum sets, cymbals, stools, and other equipment.
Are Drums the Right Instrument for Me?
We often think of drummers as people who like to pound on things. But drumming requires concentration, technical knowledge, physical stamina, and creativity.
Listen to a variety of music styles and identify the percussion parts, or meet with a drum specialist at Hix Brothers Music School as you decide if this instrument is a good fit for you. We are happy to help!
Why Choose Hix Brothers for Drum Lessons?
If you’re ready to express your musical talents, skills, and creativity on the drums, we’re here for you. Hix Brothers Music School personalizes lessons to your unique needs, and our experienced, passionate, and skilled instructors create an engaging environment that promotes learning and fun.
With our student-centered approach, you gain a balanced education that helps you develop excellent musicianship and prepare to achieve your future goals.
Ready to Begin Drumming?
Contact Hix Brothers Music School today to begin your customized drum lessons. We prioritize your needs whether you want to hone your natural rhythm, land a spot in the marching band, or prepare to perform on stage.
Discover how our balanced approach gives you the foundation and skills you need for success.