Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about lessons, books, and how this all works.
For full details on shipping and returns, see the Shipping Policy and Refund Policy pages.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons through this website are available to adult learners, working professionals, and pre-college students. Current Berklee students can access private instruction through the college.
How do private lessons work?
All lessons are conducted via Zoom — 60-minute sessions focused on your specific goals. After booking you’ll receive a confirmation with your Zoom link and any prep materials. My approach isn’t about running through exercises and moving on. We work on a small number of fundamental concepts repeatedly and from different angles until they’re genuinely internalized. That’s where real improvement happens.
Who are lessons best suited to?
Intermediate and advanced drummers who are serious about developing real mastery — not just adding more techniques. Students include working professionals refining skills for gigs and sessions, adult learners returning to the drums with serious intent, and pre-college students preparing for conservatory auditions. If you’re looking for beginner instruction or a quick-fix approach, I’m probably not the right fit.
What’s the difference between a single lesson and a package?
A single lesson is a good starting point if you want to experience the approach before committing. Packages (4-, 6-, and 8-session options) offer better value and are more effective — the deep repetition we do on core fundamentals builds meaningfully over consecutive sessions. Package credits are valid for six months from purchase.
What is your cancellation policy?
Single lessons — 48+ hours notice: full refund. 24–48 hours: 50% refund. Under 24 hours or no-show: no refund. Lessons are non-refundable once completed, though if you have concerns please contact us within 24 hours and we’ll work with you.
Packages — Full refund if you cancel 48+ hours before your first session. If you’re not satisfied after the first lesson, contact us within 48 hours for a refund on remaining sessions. After two or more lessons, unused sessions are non-refundable. See the Refund Policy for full details.
What is your rescheduling policy?
48+ hours notice: full credit toward a future lesson. 24–48 hours: 50% credit. Under 24 hours or no-show: no credit.
METHOD BOOKS
Which book is right for me?
Profiles in Jazz Drumming is the most comprehensive and the best place to start. The Beat, the Body, and the Brain II focuses on the physical and mental dimensions of rhythmic development. Broken Eighth Note Feel is a deep dive into one essential concept. All three are built on the same philosophy — work deeply on a small number of things — and pair well together.
Should I buy the physical book or the PDF?
Both versions contain identical content. Physical books are spiral-bound and hand-printed to order — built to sit open on a music stand. PDFs download instantly and work well on tablets. If you’re ordering internationally, the PDF is strongly recommended; it avoids shipping costs and delays entirely.
Are bundles available?
Yes — 3-book physical and PDF bundles are available, each at a discount off individual prices. Per-book physical + PDF combos are available as well.
What is your return policy for books?
Physical — physical books may be returned within 30 days of delivery if unopened and in original condition. Email us within that window with your order number, and we’ll provide return instructions. Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. If a book arrives damaged, contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos — we’ll send a replacement or issue a full refund at no cost to you.
PDFs — all sales are final. Because the file is delivered instantly, we’re unable to offer refunds once the download link has been provided. If you have trouble with your download, reach out and we’ll resolve it.
SHIPPING & DELIVERY
How long does shipping take?
Physical books are hand-printed to order and ship from Gloucester, MA. Allow 3–5 business days for processing, then standard transit time on top of that. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout. Tracking is provided once your order ships. For complete details, see the Shipping Policy page.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, international shipping is available for physical books. That said, we strongly recommend international customers purchase the PDF instead — it’s delivered instantly and avoids shipping costs and delays entirely.
How do I receive my PDF?
PDFs are delivered by email immediately after purchase. Your download link allows up to five downloads. If you have any trouble accessing your file, reach out through the contact page and we’ll resolve it.
ABOUT SKIP
What is your teaching philosophy?
“It’s not 1,000 different things you need to learn. It’s 10 things you need to learn 1,000 different ways.” Real improvement comes from developing fundamentals so thoroughly they become second nature — not from collecting techniques. That’s what the books and lessons are built around.
Do you teach in person?
Private lessons through this site are via Zoom only, which means students worldwide can work together. I’m based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and teach at Berklee College of Music — in-person instruction outside of Berklee is not available through this website.
I still have a question.
Use the Contact page and I’ll get back to you directly, usually within 1–2 business days.