“I highly recommend San Diego Drum Lessons if you would like to learn how to play the drums well.”. John Pascual - San Diego, CA.

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I have been taking drum lessons from Simon DasGupta of San Diego Drum Lessons since June 2008. When I started, I had never played drums seriously, and I was very timid playing with other musicians. Now I have no problem playing in front of more than 200 people at my church (I started playing live after about 6 months of lessons). Simon is a wonderful teacher and his lessons allow you to go home and practice something very applicable to your needs as a drummer and musician. Simon's teaching style has lent itself to building my confidence as a drummer and has given me a firm foundation for continued musical discovery. Simon tailors the lessons to your specific needs as a musician as well as a drummer. I highly recommend San Diego Drum Lessons if you would like to learn how to play the drums well.

“His combination of knowledge, fun, professionalism, and the eloquence to bring everything together in a way that makes sense is what makes his lessons so useful and effective”. Chris Winery - San Diego, CA.

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Simon of San Diego Drum Lessons is a fantastic teacher, no question about it. He has an amazing sense for balance. By that I mean he teaches you what you need to know in your drum lessons; rudiments, reading music, music theory, and such; but also teaches you fun things to mix it up and keep you interested. He is also incredibly patient. He maintains a positive attitude even in the face of difficulty, and speaking of attitude; one of Simon's best traits as a teacher is that he is very friendly. Simon is an absolutely superb drum teacher. His combination of knowledge, fun, professionalism, and the eloquence to bring everything together in a way that makes sense is what makes his lessons so useful and effective. You can stop looking. You have already found the website of the best drum teacher in San Diego.

“I feel I can honestly describe Simon DasGupta as not just a drummer, but a world class musician. As a drummer, he is second to none. He is professional,positive, versatile, reliable, funny and above all, very talented”. PJ Phillips (Rod Stewart, Take That, Jewel, Vanessa-Mae, Tom Jones). www.myspace.com/pjphillips

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Having toured extensively (UK/Europe/US), recorded, been a band member with, as well as just watching from the audience, I feel I can honestly describe Simon as not just a drummer but as a world class musician. As a drummer, he is second to none – and I have worked with some of big names in the drum world: Thomas Lang, Graham Broad, Mel Gaynor, Cozy Powell (RIP) being just a few. As an all round musician Simon comes into his own. He really knows his craft and can be sensitive, dynamic, aware… to just plain aggressive behind the kit. As a bass player, this makes the perfect combination for me and makes Simon invaluable to any rhythm section. Just being a fantastic all round musician isn’t quite enough though. If a musician can’t get along with his peers and there are many, (imagine being stuck on a tour bus for two months with a diva?) you won’t be getting a call from me! Simon is a first call musician. He is professional, positive, versatile, reliable, funny and above all very talented. I would recommend him 100%.

“Simon is the consummate professional always bringing total dedication and energy to everything that he is involved in. I cannot recommend him enough as a drummer, colleague, teacher and friend”. Richard Harris - Songwriter/Producer (signed to Peer Music Los Angeles). www.richardharrismusic.com

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I had the pleasure of working with Simon DasGupta in both live bands and in the recording studio. In every aspect of his playing he always brought a great deal of creativity and technicality to the music he was working with. Simon is the consummate professional always bringing total dedication and energy to everything that he is involved in. I cannot recommend him enough as a drummer, colleague, teacher and friend.

“I can say that without question; Simon DasGupta's work is totally professional, knowledgeable, and caring, due to his enthusiasm and experience working with drummers in the industry for many years, and of course being a fine drummer himself”. Mark Brzezicki, (Big Country, Procul Harum, The Cult, Fish, Pete Townshend, Midge Ure, UK sessions). www.bigcountry.co.uk

"Suffice it to say that everything on this website is spot on. Simon had me playing and reading music during my very first lesson and I have looked forward to every lesson since. The learning pace is always comfortable: He is an easygoing, intuitive teacher who gauges my progress and tailors each lesson accordingly. Simon is also attentive to what interests me and brings those elements into my lessons whenever possible. However, probably the most important takeaway is that Simon has an incredible ability to break down the craft of drumming into understandable, learnable segments". Rachel Ralston - San Diego CA.

"Simon is a very talented musician and a great teacher.  His professionalism and attitude is unmatched, every lesson is a fun learning experience.  He has answers for all of my questions, whether it’s about equipment, reading music, patterns, technique, everything!  It’s these things that bring me back every week.  I would recommend Simon to anyone looking to take lessons". Robert Snow - San Diego CA.

"I originally went to Simon for a single lesson to help with my rhythm, as I am also taking guitar lessons. He took me through a lesson and I enjoyed it so much, I decided to continue with a couple more. I was so impressed with Simon's patience and process for teaching that I looked forward to each new lesson. He is very encouraging and is always positive. He allows you to make mistakes (without judgment), and then work through them and come out successful. Now I'm hooked and making incredible progress that I never anticipated – I can learn this, I can play drums!  And…. I can count 1..2..3..4..with a British accent!". Tom Flannagan - San Diego CA.

"Since I was younger, I have always wanted to play the drums. I was apprehensive to learn since I really have no musical abilities and couldn't read sheet music. Simon changed that in my first lesson! He had me actually reading and playing within one hour. I really appreciate Simon's patience and instruction. I look forward to my lessons every week and can't wait to see what I'll learn next. Simon makes sure my lessons are both educational and fun and I firmly believe that it is because of him that I am doing so well". Cindy Fleming - San Diego CA

"I have always wanted to play the drums and become a musician... Simon is making that a reality. He is the consummate professional, teacher and musician. Not only is he excellent at teaching me how to play the drums but his experience in the music and drum world allows him to be an all around mentor. He is able to instruct with patience, describe the intricacies of drum kit setup, and provide an insightful look into the ins and outs of acquiring drum kit equipment – He is the comprehensive and complete drum teacher. Simon has very quickly transformed me to have an ear for the beat in music; I am now always yearning to hear the rhythm. Above all he has made this experience fun...
I am always looking forward to my next lesson ". Eric Patten - San Diego CA

“Simons enthusiasm and patience really helped me to tackle new styles of drumming and work on my reading. I greatly enjoyed my lessons with him and would recommend him to drummers of all levels". Richard Stevens - London , UK

“Simon has a way of teaching that is rare. He is insightful and addresses your strengths and weaknesses quickly, and made sure that the balance between them was leveled as I progressed. His patience, understanding and amazing talent drove my great devotion to the drums and I was able to play fully within 4 months". Margaret Lewis - Los Angeles , CA

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One of the greatest feelings I believe a student can have is when all of the different components come together. Arms and feet are in full throttle and you can feel the smile on your face as you are actually playing the drums. I took up the drums late in life. I had always wanted to play. Frankly, I had always wanted to be Animal from the Muppets, only sound like Neil Peart. A bizarre duo to admit. But Simon got me, and luckily through his teaching steered me from the Animal mode to the more respected human side of drums.

I met Simon several years ago and began taking lessons out of my house, in my living room actually. Simon has a way of teaching that is rare. He is insightful and addresses your strengths and weaknesses quickly and made sure that the balance between them was leveled as I progressed.

From practicing with the metronome to building my kit, Simon guided me. I think the best part of the lessons was when he asked what drummers had inspired me and then directed me through listening to the music of those great drummers. My life is so full. I cannot go without saying however; to watch Simon sit behind my drums to demonstrate a specific point is a moment every student will want to experience. His talent is amazing to watch and you will be laughing a lot during your lessons as his wonderful adept personality shines in whatever he says or does. This is a teacher. His patience, understanding and amazing talent drove my great devotion to the drums and I was able to play fully within 4 months. I cannot recommend him enough. If you love music, the drums, and most of all want the ability to play, you will accomplish all of this and have the best time ever, every step of the way.