Study with Jeff Johnson:
a professional drummer
and drum book author






In-person drum lessons
in Richmond, VA

Online lessons
for students worldwide


About

Johnson Drum Instruction

Johnson Drum Instruction in Richmond, VA offers drum lessons on snare, drum set, and mallet percussion. Lessons are taught exclusively by Jeff W. Johnson, a professional drummer with extensive performing and teaching experience.

Johnson Drum Instruction prides itself in offering in-depth drum lessons above and beyond the usual course of study. Lessons are conducted in a creative environment designed strictly for educational purposes.

Johnson Drum Instruction offers drum lessons to all students – from beginner to advanced.  So whether you are learning from step one, or taking your playing to the next level, Johnson Drum Instruction has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals.

Learn from the best!  Johnson Drum Instruction is the place for drum lessons in Richmond, Virginia. 

Meet your instructor

Jeff W. Johnson is extremely active as a performer, author, educator, and clinician. He is included on the Dom Famularo/Modern Drummer Magazine list of drummers from around the world offering “top-notch education.”

Jeff studied privately with the legendary Joe Morello. He also studied at Capital University Conservatory of Music and Drummers Collective.

Jeff toured with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He also performed with America’s Got Talent winner, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. as well as the lead vocalists from the Temptations, Drifters, and Platters.

Jeff has written articles for Modern Drummer Magazine and is the author of the drum technique book, The Level System (Alfred Publishing).

Achieve your drumming goals.

Learn from the start or improve upon your existing skills.
Schedule a trial lesson.

What people are saying

Jeff Johnson is a pleasure to work with. He’s not only an outstanding drummer he is also a great teacher, taught by one of the greatest drummers ever, the late Joe Morello. He is very thorough and patient. I highly recommend Jeff for for anyone wanting to get to the next level of expertise at a fair price for all ages.
Scotty M.
from Google review
Jeff is a terrific professional who knows how to connect with people on their terms and deliver outstanding learning. He has guided my son through his middle school and high school performance career and has been instrumental in my son having the confidence to continue on in his music career through college.
Wayne F.
Google review
Jeff’s great, I’d been self taught for years when I first took a lesson with him. He was able to quickly identify and correct some bad habits I’d picked up while explaining the ways they were inhibiting me before showing me creative exercises to improve my vocabulary. Wish I’d taken lessons with him from the start
Jonathan W.
from Google review
If you are looking for a hands on, patient, highly skilled professional musician for you or your children’s instruction, Jeff is the one. His passion for drums and teaching is undeniable and it comes through in his lessons and comfortable studio environment. At least try the initial free lesson. You won’t be disappointed.
Michael S.
From Google review

Common Questions

I teach students of all ages and levels. I currently have students ages 5 through adult. Some students have only been playing for a short amount of time. Other students have been playing for years.

You do not need to have prior experience or knowledge of drumming. At Johnson Drum Instruction, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of drumming:

  • You will learn to read rhythmic notation.
  • You will also be introduced to hand technique, allowing you to play more effectively (and without unnecessary tension).
  • You will focus on drumset concepts such as coordination, knowledge of styles, and musical phrasing.

We would set up a plan to take your playing to the next level. I will assess your playing and devise a curriculum to fill in the “gaps” in your playing, making you a well-rounded drummer and musician.

In-person and online options are both available.

In-person: Lessons can in-person at my studio in Richmond, Virginia. The studio is equipped with two drum sets, practice pads, and other percussion instruments. I also have a vast collection of educational materials (drum books, DVDs, etc.) There is a waiting room for your convenience.

Online: I have offered online lessons since before the pandemic. My setup includes two video monitors so I can see the student at all times (even when I am sharing one of screens). I have an upgraded camera and microphone setup, ensuring that the student can see and hear me clearly. Students have access to a drive folder where they can access PDFs, mp3s, etc. from their lesson.

I have taught online students from the United States as well as Canada (and even Aruba)!

You do not need a drum set to take lessons. Drums are one of the only instruments that you can study without first owning the instrument! You will need a pair of sticks and a practice pad (a rubber pad that simulates the rebound of a drum).

I often help students in selecting drum sets. There are many size options. While there are “standard” configurations, many students (even adults) feel uncomfortable on a larger set.

I teach students of all ages and levels. Some of my adult students have been playing since they were still in school. Others are beginners. I actually designed and taught an Introduction to Drumming class for the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies. Due to my busy schedule, I have not offered that class lately,. However, I teach those same concepts in lessons here at my studio.

Start drumming today.

Schedule a trial lesson.