Neil Bettencourt

Certified Private Instructor

My first six years drumming I studied with a member of the San Francisco Symphony who was also the house drummer at Bimbos in SF. Under his tutelage I developed a mastery of classical drums while also gaining an understanding of the modern approach to the drum set. I have had the honor to play with some top notch musicians over the years. I have been teaching more than 25 years.

TEACHING STYLE

My teaching method includes:
Reading all levels in both snare drum and full drum set
Focused snare drum and sticking technique
Focused drum set and “feet techniques”
How to “groove”
Dynamics
Fills, posture and relaxation techniques for greater speed and endurance
One hour lessons include learning to “groove” with a bass player (via accompaniment on the Chapman stick)
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome and all styles are covered—rock, jazz, funk, swing, reggae, fusion, ska and more—just ask!