Lessons

Lessons are designed for beginners to adults, with a curriculum intended to meet the student's abilities where they are.

Instruments taught:

  • Snare, Drum Set, (single & double bass)
  • Marimba, (with addition of music theory)
  • Hand drums: Congas & Bongos.

Dennis Winkle's Drumguy Productions Teaching studio, is now located at:
Palen Music Center, 1560 E. Raynell Place, Springfield, Mo. 65804, 417-882-7000

Lessons are available:
Monday through Thursday, from 1:00PM-9:00PM and Saturday from 10:00AM-5:00PM.

Lessons are usually:
30 minutes once a week, but students can consider; 1 hour every week, 1 hour every other week,
or a 2 hour "Power Lesson" for those who will be traveling. Call or contact Dennis with special scheduling considerations, inquiries on lesson fees and length of time you'd like for your lesson.
ALL AGES CONSIDERED, no prior experience needed, no drumset needed to begin lessons, just a pair of sticks, a practice pad, and desire to learn, practice and have fun.

Call Dennis Winkle:
Phone:(417) 866-0448
Cell: (417) 872-5172
Mention this website and get the first lesson free!!!

Age: The most practical age for starting private music lessons on any instrument is about 8 years of age. This will usually be determined after a meeting with the parents and the child. At this time, the young would be student will be given a chance to play the drum set, understand the reading of simple notes and learn that the drums are a fun instrument, but must be practiced on a daily basis so the student can; see improvement, develop self-confidence and be excited to continue learning new musical ideas.

Pre-teen, teens, adults and seniors are all eligible. Scheduling and practice time equals commitment. This is absolutely necessary for your success. A little practice goes a long way. A little more can be amazing.

A.) For young students entering school band in 6th grade, it's important to get ready at least the Summer before school starts in August, or if possible, even sooner. A 6th grade band student can expect to start with Orchestra Bells, even though they have been studying snare drum. Usually, a student is expected to have their own set of bells and a snare drum. Kits of both, bells and snare are available from a variety of sources. When the time comes, I will be able to advise you of your options and choices.

B.) For students in, Middle School or High School, it is common to have had a history of band involvement from the beginning of 6th grade. Students coming from out of the area are usually allowed to "test" into the band program. This means they should have had some history from their previous, city or state. With Middle and High School, the opportunities become much greater, more interesting and challenging:

  • Pep-Band
  • Jazz Band
  • Marching Band/with optional Pit band assignment based on ability.

C.) Drumming prerequisites means a solid foundation. Before most students can enjoy different styles of music, they have to control the sticks and the bass drum pedal. All this is learned while the basics are being learned. Styles taught can be:

  • Rock, Jazz, Latin, Big Band chart reading (necessary for Jazz Band.)
  • Double Bass, (necessary for any Hard Rock or Heavy Metal style.)
  • School band considerations:
    • District band tryouts.
    • Honors band tryouts.