Online group drum class

A 10-week drum class for complete beginners.

Drumset Jumpstart 1 (DJ1) is a small online cohort taught over Zoom — no drumset required to start.

Master's, Eastman School of Music
9 years teaching
Small group, capped at 10

Text or call (585) 802-4247

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How it works

Ten weeks, ninety-minute sessions, ten people.

10 weeks

Structured curriculum

A guided arc from your first stroke through reading, technique, and groove fundamentals.

90-minute sessions

Long enough to play

Each class leaves room for individual feedback — not just lecture.

Capped at 10

Small group format

Small enough that I can hear you. Big enough that you'll learn from each other.

What to bring

Pad, sticks, book

A practice pad, a pair of sticks, and Ted Reed's Syncopation. No drumset needed to start.

What private students say

Wins from the private studio.

I had an audition for a jazz camp and decided to take one lesson with Jacobo. He helped me improve so much that I ended up getting in.

— Will, college student

I got into the conservatory in Brussels — thank you so much for all your support. I learned a lot from you.

— Annie, music school graduate

He is a drummer first and a teacher second, so everything he teaches comes from a practical base of knowledge and mastery.

— Joseph, hobbyist

Rates

Two ways to join.

Best value

Full course

$250 / 10 weeks

Locks in your seat for the whole cohort. Works out to $25 per class — $50 less than drop-in.

Pay as you go

Drop-in

$30 / class

One session at a time, no commitment. Subject to space — full-course students get priority.

Payment via Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Full course due before the first class; drop-in pays per session.

Ready to claim a seat? The pilot cohort is capped at 10 — get on the waitlist and I'll be in touch with dates.

Join the Pilot Cohort Waitlist

About me

Why study with me.

Practical, honest, steady wins.

I'm a working drummer first and a teacher second. Everything I assign comes from a practical base — the same things I'm using on stage and in the studio.

Most of my students start as beginners, and there's nothing to “catch up on” before week one. The path is clarity about what to practice, honest feedback, and steady wins. We figure out where you want to go, then build the habits to get you there.

Background

EducationMM, Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media — Eastman School of Music (2022, Schirmer Prize in Jazz Performance) · BM, Classical Percussion Performance — New Mexico State University (2019, Crimson Scholar) · Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead alumnus (2023)
TeachingPrivate instructor 2015–present · K–12 and adults · Beginners through advanced
PerformanceWestern New York Big Band, Las Cruces Symphony, The Swooners, Silver Arrow, Trio 55, Brendan Lanighan Octet · Festivals: Rochester International Jazz Festival, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Las Cruces Juneteenth Jazz Festival

Good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need a drumset?

Nope. You'll start with a practice pad, a pair of sticks, and Ted Reed's Syncopation — that's it. Many students stay on the pad for months and make great progress before investing in a kit.

Can I sign my kid up?

The pilot is for ages 15+. Younger students usually do better in private lessons where I can adapt to their pace and energy — reach out and we'll find a fit.

What does “small group format” mean?

Class size is capped at 10. Sessions run 90 minutes so I have time to give individual feedback to each student, not just lecture the room.

How does payment work?

Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. The full course ($250) is due before our first class. Drop-in students pay $30 per session as they go.

What if I miss a class?

Let me know ahead of time and I'll send notes plus what to practice. With a small cohort there's no formal makeup, but I'll get you caught up before the next session.