with Lisa Ann Schonberg
Have you always wanted to learn drums, but were afraid you had no rhythm?
Does your kid/friend/mom/dad want to start playing and is looking for a fun teacher?
I believe that a student becomes a drummer as soon as they pick up the sticks and start playing.
I am an accessible and supportive teacher, and I adapt my teaching approach according to each student’s learning style and preferences.
I am currently enrolling new students for drum kit in NYC.
I specialize in teaching beginning to intermediate levels.
I teach kids ages 6+ and adult students. It is never too late to start drumming!
(yes, gift certificates are available!)
You can start to learn even if you don’t have your own kit yet. All you need is a practice pad (~$25) and sticks (~$10) to start. There is so much you can work on to develop your coordination before starting on the kit - and when you are ready to practice on the full drum kit, I can guide you to rental and studio-share options.
LESSON STRUCTURE AND CONTENT:
Lessons are 30 or 60 minutes, and are tailored to the students’ particular interests. 30 minute lessons are suggested for kids 8 and under.
I am flexible on the material we practice, and adapt lesson content to student interest and ability.
I generally begin lessons with 5-10 minutes of rudiments, sticking and warmup exercises.
Lessons might include:
Learning your favorite songs - you can make requests.
Beats, fills, and improvisation in many genres and styles.
Ergonomic and effective form and technique, to avoid injury and play more smoothly.
I wrote a book on how to play the drums that is available here. It was published by Tom Tom Magazine, and was featured in the Paris Review and Modern Drummer magazine. The book is a great representation of my teaching style.
LOCATION:
I teach primarily at my drum studio in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY. However, I am able to teach at your home/studio within the 5 boroughs.
There is an additional fee of $30 for MTA travel times over 1h round trip.
For students outside NYC, zoom lessons are available for specialized lessons on stick technique and rudiments.
ABOUT ME:
I have been playing drums since I was a kid and teaching privately for over two decades. I taught at Revival Drum Shop in Portland, Oregon for 10 years, at Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, and in the Music & Sonic Arts department at Portland Community College. I am currently part-time faculty at Parsons/The New School, and I am an artist mentor at Union Docs in Ridgewood, Queens. In Aug 2025 I received my PhD in Electronic Arts, for which I developed music composition methods involving environmental sounds of insects and percussion.
I currently drum in the Secret Drum Band, and perform solo. My past bands include Kickball, Explode into Colors, and STLS. I have drummed for/with Nadia Buyse/Dubais, Mirah, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Erase Erata, Jonathan Sielaff, Tara Jane Oneil, Cloud Eye Control, Tune-yards, Harry & The Potters, Thanksgiving, Gabriel Salomon & Peter Broderick, and the Need.
SCHEDULING:
Please email me at drummer.schonberg@gmail.com to inquire about lessons, and to schedule your lessons.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATIONS:
Payment for single lessons is due by the scheduled lesson.
For discounted 4-packs, payment for all 4 is due by the first lesson of the pack.
You may purchase lessons below, or pay by Venmo, Paypal, or cash.
SALE RATES THRU 12/5: $90 for 1 hour-long lesson, $350 for 4 hour-long lessons. Gift Certificates are available.
Inquire at lisaannschonberg@gmail.com
Lessons are normally $75 for 30 minutes or $100 an hour. They are available at bulk rates of $275 for 4 half-hour lessons, and $375 for 4 hour lessons.
Cancellations and rescheduling are allowed up to 24h in advance with no penalty.
With less than 24h notice, full payment is required.