A Drum Teacher Who Makes House Calls? Now That's Nice.

David Bendena teaches drum lessons to a small roster of kids, as do lots of drum teachers around town. But Bendena's lessons boast a bit of a twist. He makes house calls.

He said drummers have it good in Montclair these days, with plenty of opportunities to show their stuff at the new School of Rock, as well as at Drums of Thunder.

"Whether a student wants an edge to be able to succeed in these groups or if someone just wants to learn how to play for their own fun and musical development, I can help," he said. "I work with all age groups and am a patient teacher and work to create a solid musical foundation that a drummer can build on for the rest of their life."

Bendena said he generally teaches in the Montclair area and is able to travel and -- most importantly - is able to teach lessons in a student's home.

"The students do not need to own drums to be able to study. If they do, that's terrific," he said. "But a small rubber practice pad and a pair of sticks is all they really need to get going. This keeps the startup costs (and the volume) low."

Bendena said he tailors lessons to meet the students' needs and that he likes to focus on playing techniques, reading music, and understanding the basic rudiments of playing drums.

"I also teach drum set playing, including rock and roll and jazz and swing drumming," he said.

Lessons generally run $40 per session and are typically an hour in length. (Sometimes they run a little over; sometimes a little under. He said he is not a major clock watcher.) "I like the lessons to go as long as it needs to for everything to sink in," Bendena said.

"If I am teaching a student who works better with a shorter lesson time, I am willing to negotiate the price if the lesson is kept to a half hour," he said.

Bendena currently plays with the "3rdValve Jazz" group around Northern Jersey and has played drums for nearly 25 years. He has experience playing Classical/Orchestral Percussion, Rock Drums, Jazz/Swing Drums, and also some Pit/Show Music.

Reach Bendena via email at boomchickabop@gmail.com