Mark Damian is a professional touring and session drummer with over 28 years of experience teaching the beginners where to start, the intermediate how to refine, and the experienced to explore and rediscover.
Lessons are tailored for the individual and customized to achieve your musical goals. All ages are welcome!
TARGETED LEARNING PROCESS
-Applying Rudiments
-Chart Reading
-Stick Control
-Bass Drum Technique
-Groove Studies
-Improving Your Time
-Improvising
-Playing to Loops
-Tuning Techniques
-Recording Techniques
-Music Theory
The lessons are tailored to your goals on the instrument. All ages are welcome.
Lesson studio located in North Hollywood, CA
Testimonials
Joel M. 02/03/2023
I strongly recommend Mark Damian as a drum instructor. I’ve been taking lessons with Mark for over 8 months and my drumming has improved dramatically.
He strikes a perfect balance of teaching technique, musicality and most importantly ensuring the process is fun/rewarding. We’ve gone from learning basic things like how to hold the sticks and how to improve hand speed to 6 months later I’m learning to sight read and play with backing tracks while recording so we can listen back and analyze what I’m doing well and what I need to work on (like rushing my fills…!)
Over he has been a pleasure to work with and I am confident no matter what your skill level is Mark has the expertise and commitment to take your playing to new heights.
Christopher T. 12/18/2021
Great teacher, fun and relaxed. Been going to him for the past 8 months and will continue to do so. His method has taught me among other things that I have a lot of work to do but that I can actually accomplish my own drumming goals. I would recommend him for any drumming level.
Amanda Aug 12, 2019
Doesn’t really get any better than Mark. The thing that really sets him aside from others is he is able to tailor the lessons to what the student needs at that time. All while keeping it fun and interesting and helping the student get better at techniques and general knowledge of the instrument. If want to take lessons for whatever reason at any level, this is the guy!
B.B. Nov 15, 2015
Mark has been teaching my teenage son twice a week for about a year.
All I can say it that my son loves the lessons and has become a Very good drummer. I think it’s because Mark knows how to combine his fun, easy-going, patient and kind teaching style with actual formal teaching techniques.
Plus he’s very convenient to the Valley or Hollywood, his prices are reasonable and his drum kit is amazing !
Troy Aug 30, 2015
I’ve known Mark for a few years now. As a musician, Mark is crazy talented & super fun to work with. He is an amazing talented Drummer, has an incredible ear & a fantastic voice. He’s patient, extremely qualified in all aspects of music & music theory.
If you need an amazing Drummer for sessions, live playing or as a drum teacher, you would have to go a long way to find a guy who would be better. Great all round musician & a fantastic guy! Great with all ages!
Everything you would want in a Teacher to take you to the next level.
I highly recommend Mark Damian.
See for yourself!
John Mar 22, 2012
I took lessons from Mark for a little over two years, and only stopped because I had foot surgery and couldn’t play. I would recommend Mark to anyone considering lessons. I was 55 years old at the time and hadn’t played on a set for over 30 years. It was always my dream to play again, but after that long I realized I needed some help. Luckily I found Mark. I had to pretty much start over again on all the basics. Mark was very helpful, very encouraging, and VERY patient. He always found a way to pump me up when I didn’t think I would ever pick it up again. I hated to see him leave for California. But I wish him the best, and would not hesitate to take lessons from him again. You won’t be sorry.
Madonna Mar 21, 2012
Mark taught private drum lessons for my son for over a year. He started us out right, by making sure Matthew’s set was appropriately fitted for him. Mark was very good at relating to my son, with a patient and encouraging attitude. Mark is extremely dependable and was reasonably flexible in regard to the occasional scheduling conflicts. My son continues to play drums and would still be taking lessons from Mark if he was still in Michigan. Mark would be a superb choice for anyone wanting to learn how to play drums, from beginner to advanced, and from young to young at heart.
Bill Mar 15, 2012
My experience with Mark for a short time has been awesome! I had several lessons at my house for about 6 months and learned a lot! Mark has a unique stile to his skills in drumming, he is a very dedicated musician who cares about what people enjoy in their music. and he sounds better every time i hear him play! I hope to sound like him some day….. mark I believe makes any band sound Great!
David Mar 5, 2012
I decided to take drum lessons from Mark Damian a few years back, and I have to say that his passion for music and great motivation has helped me achieve a great deal in my music career. Throughout my beginning years of drumming I tried many different instructors, and I felt that they were all just out for my money. Mark was different. He taught as a music instructor for the love of music. It was very clear to see and it made all the difference. Mark and I keep in contact to this day and he still supports my music career. He is an excellent musician, performer, and friend.
Bobby Mar 1, 2012
I knew Mark Damian in the Michigan music scene for roughly four years. During that time, we played 30+ gigs together. Mark defines the balance of mastery of technique and crowd pleasing flare. His knowledge of pop music, its artists, and the nuances that can bring songs to life all helped fuel a performance that was respected by both audiences and musicians alike.
Ken Feb 28, 2012
Mark is not only the best drummer I’ve worked with but he is also a great multi instrumentalist ( guitar, bass, keyboards). Mark is always professional and extremely dedicated
Lucas Feb 27, 2012
I am the bandleader for a group called the Lucas Paul Band out of Ann Arbor, MI. We do roughly 80 pop/rock shows per year in the Midwest for original venues, cover-band clubs, weddings, and fund-raisers. Mark played in our group from Jan 2011 – Jan 2012 and I couldn’t have asked for a more complete package. Mark’s fundamentals, playing ability, showmanship, dedication, and work ethic are some of the best I’ve ever seen in my six years as a professional musician. Mark is a very smooth player, his transitions and fills are well thought out, and he locks into the other musicians very naturally. Mark is also one of the most dependable musicians I’ve ever worked with. I fully recommend him for my band, but he no longer lives in Michigan!
Ruth Feb 25, 2012
Mark gave our oldest son drum lessons for over two years. He took him from a beginner with no knowledge to a kid who knew how to play and read music. Mark knows the way to teach, have discipline, but make it interesting and fun. My son really loved that Mark knew what he was talking about and the fact that he plays drums for a living. Mark will always hold a special place in my son’s memory – he would say he was his best teacher ever. From a parent’s perspective, I agree.
Wendi Feb 25, 2012
Mark Damian was my drum teacher for 2 years. I was new to the drums when Mark became my teacher, he taught me more than I ever expected. He taught me all the rudiments, how to play to a loop cd, many grooves, and helped me learn many songs. He is very professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone at any level. He is very patient and understanding also, and he has given me the confidence to continue in my drumming career.