Lessons

Mission Statement

I don't just teach - I set an example for my students. Empowerment and inspiration are what motivates the hard work it takes to be a great musician. I cater to my students' learning styles and interests - prioritizing individualism and fun in every lesson! If you are a hobbyist and just looking to have a good time, welcome! If you are a dedicated musician looking to get to the next level, welcome! Whatever your inspiration is, I am glad you are playing music and would love to meet you.

I am a family man, with a wife and a two year-old son. I understand and have whole-heartedly adopted the responsibilities of being a great teacher. Keeping students of young and old safe, offering well-crafted first associations with music, and helping students learn how to build skills through disciplined practicing are a few of my priorities.

Reviews

"Yes, he is a world-class and award-winning musician, but he is also an amazing teacher, role model, and mentor. Attending Berklee College of Music was our son's goal, and Corey has been a huge part of his successfully achieving that goal."

-Becki Saltzman 

If you are seeking high quality lessons from a professional drummer, look no further!  Corey is an exceptional teacher, but even more valuable, he is a wonderful mentor for my young son.  His innate ability to both communicate and interact with my child while incorporating both compassion and leadership skills "fosters" mutual respect and strong rapport between teacher and student.  My sons drumming skills have grown leaps and bounds since working with Corey.  He is a wonderful person and instructor! 

-Kelli Keysar

"Studying with Corey has helped me acquire a strong sense of what being a musician means. He has helped foster my drive to be a hardworking, dedicated, and sensitive musician. These lessons apply far beyond the reach of playing an instrument."

-Michael Rodenkirch 

"My son has taken lessons with Corey Foster for just over a year. It has been a great experience for Ian. Corey is a good role model for younger people because of his professionalism and deftness at communication. For the  business aspects, I appreciate Corey's  promptness and communication for lesson times and planning ahead coming from  the parent scheduling and urging practice!! As a teacher, Corey has given Ian many avenues to think about for his musical future. Corey was helpful in finding a drum kit appropriate for Ian as young student. He also set up the drums and helped us understand what additions would be useful. lan plans to attend classes at the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2018, in addition to his  two high school band classes. Corey taught the class at PYJO Ian attended last winter, the Rhythm Ensemble. All these experiences shape Ian's opportunities for music in his life which I am so thankful.  Ian has some great modeling and a key piece is the joy of making music. Corey is doing a great job balancing his own musical career and his students and allowing for that joy to be part of the lessons.

-Sheila Custer

Subjects Offered

  • Grip: Matched and Traditional

  • Rudimental and Orchestral Snare Drum (prep for marching band, concert band, solo ensemble festival, etc)

  • Rock/Funk/Pop Drum Set Coordination and Repertoire

  • Jazz/Swing Drum Set Coordination and Repertoire (A Speciality of mine! Learn proper ride cymbal techniques, how to sound stylistically correct in the many jazz styles, how to “comp” behind soloists, how to solo, how to read charts, and study the jazz greats through the many transcriptions I have)

  • World Genres (Caribbean/African/South American)

  • Rudimental Applications on Drum Set

  • Brushes (basic to advanced patterns / lateral strokes)

  • Rudimental Ritual (Alan Dawson)

  • Drum Set Chart Interpretation (reading charts and setting up hits)

  • Fills (expanding your vocabulary, creativity, and applying fills to music)

  • Soloing (Open soloing and soloing over common song forms)

  • Transcribing (learn how to write out music you want to study)

  • Music Theory and Composition (we will learn how to read, write, and analyze rhythms/melodies/harmony. This is very important for advanced drummers to study alongside their drumming journey, and very rewarding for all students)

Location / Rates

Rooted Rhythm Studio

(Beaverton, OR)

$63/50min

$60/50min

(With Cash/Check Discount)

In-Home Lessons

$68/50min

$65/50min

(With Cash/Check Discount)

(SE Hawthorne, Sellwood/Moreland area are frequent stops)

     

Zoom Lessons

(live from Studio)

$63/50min

$60/50min

(With Cash/Check Discount)

Live from Rooted Rhythm Studio

 (Family/Multiple student discounts available - please inquire)

FEATURED STUDENTS