Carl D. Smelser, Drum Lessons

Carl is an incredible drum teacher. He is so invested in his students and their education and makes drums and practice extra fun. A wealth of knowledge, the guy has played with everyone and it shows. He gives you many invaluable tools and exudes love from drums, life and music. If you want a patient teacher he is your guy, never a coarse word comes from his mouth and he is an expert drummer so there wont be anything he cant teach you. He’ll set up your drums, get you better pieces for super cheap or trade, give you organized and productive resources to practice and have a blast while doing it. I wish I still lived in southern california so I could continue my lessons with him and if you are anywhere within 100 miles of Southern california you NEED Carl to teach you drums.

Carl’s gift as a teacher is both his patience and resourcefulness. He has a nurturing style of teaching and clearly cares about the progress of each of his students. Because of his years of performing as a professional, he draws on this knowledge and expertise. He brings a broad range of approaches to conveying fundamentals, technique and building on foundation principles of music. Carl taught my high school age son and I saw that he is willing to explore what works best for each of his students, who come with different learning styles and levels.
Silvia B.

My son has been using Carl Smelser for drum lessons since 2009. He is professional, knowledgeable, patient, dependable and extremely positive. Carl can teach any type of music. So far, we have used him for rock, jazz and winds ensemble lessons. I highly recommend Carl. You will not be disappointed.

Carl is a great guy and a great drum teacher.
I have been lucky to have taken a few lessons from him over the years, he is patient and smart. I really like that he is versatile. While he is patient, he is also persistent and able to push you.
Carl has helped me with time, reading, and a few different Jazz styles. (Swing, Latin, New Orleans.)
As well as helping me with technique and new material, Carl has helped me learn about drum education it’s self which has helped me immensely with my own students.
If you are a beginner or an advanced drummer I would highly reccommend Carl.