Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm, 9/30–12/2; No class 11/25

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Designed as a continuation of Drum Set for Beginners, this course helps students strengthen their technique, coordination, timekeeping, and drumming vocabulary. Through hands-on instruction, guided exercises, and playing along with tracks in a variety of styles, students develop greater control, fluency, and confidence.

Topics include:

• Expanding basic beats, fills, and grooves

• Improving coordination and independence

• Developing stronger timekeeping and dynamic control

• Applying rudiments to the drum set

• Reading and interpreting basic drum notation

• Exploring grooves in jazz, rock, funk, blues, and other styles

• Listening, responding, and supporting other musicians in an ensemble

Students play in class each week and work toward connecting grooves, fills, and musical ideas more smoothly. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to play complete songs, adapt to different musical settings, and participate effectively in a band.

Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm
9/30–12/2
No class 11/25
Jason Levis, $450
(in-person)

Prerequisite

Prior completion of Drum Set for Beginners or equivalent experience is recommended.

Materials

Students should bring a pair of drumsticks and brushes to class.

About Jason Levis

Jason Levis is a composer, drummer, and percussionist whose work blends jazz, contemporary improvisation, modern classical composition, and dub. His music is shaped by a strong sense of timbre, rhythm, and sonic space, reflecting a lifelong interest in exploring uncommon musical intersections.

Levis has led and collaborated with numerous ensembles in the San Francisco Bay Area and Berlin, Germany. He currently teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in composition.