Tulsa Drum Lessons

I've been taking drum lessons with Scott for the past five years. I had taken lessons previously a few years prior to working with Scott, and I wanted to find a teacher who would help me correct bad habits that I had picked up in my playing, and who could help prepare me for playing in live settings as part of a band. Scott helped me correct my fundamental drumming technique and coached me on both technical and mindset aspects of playing in a band that helped me to start gigging in 2019. Beyond these initial goals, he has also helped me discover a level of improvisation in my playing that had been lacking beforehand, and has introduced me to different artists and styles of music that have expanded both my playing and appreciation of music. He is mindful of giving his students the space to discover their own style of playing and making their drumming a form of personal expression.I think that Scott would be a great drum teacher for drummers of any level. Some of the areas that he can help students with is improving their technique, expanding their playing styles, becoming comfortable with improvisation, coaching on playing in live or studio settings, and advanced topics such as polyrhythms. I'm looking forward to continuing my drumming education with him for years to come.

Scott is a wonderful drum teacher and mentor. I had the pleasure of working with him for almost two years, and he always found the perfect balance of challenging me and making our lessons fun. He blends the theory and practice very well, and always ends the lessons with some play-alongs and homework. Wherever you are in your drumming journey, I know he can add value. Highly recommended!

Scott is the absolute best thing that ever happened to my musical journey! Started to play seriously later in life (over 50) a couple years ago. With Scott's steady and intuitive guidance, I am now playing in a musical-trio at my church- every Sunday! I had dipped my toe into drumming earlier on/years back, but didn't connect with my instructor. So was nervous to try again, but Scott showed me some great skills and habits that launched my playing right off the bat! Plus, he is incredibly friendly, prompt, and organized. So if you or anyone you know needs an instructor, Scott is the best one around! Jump on his availability, if he has any current openings. I look forward to seeing him every lesson, as he brings with him positivity and steady results!

I started taking drum lessons with Scott in 2017. In the 5 years since, I've had a great time drumming, including one season spent with the Blue Bear Workshop in SF. Scott has helped me gain confidence as a drummer, and I can now pretty much at least play a basic groove along with other music. I've also personally found that Scott has a wide range of experience and interest in music and we often find common ground in musical tastes.As someone who doesn't always have a lot of time to practice, I appreciate that the lessons accommodate wherever I happen to be with my readiness for the week. It really helps take the pressure out of practicing, and I don't feel guilty about weeks where I can't get any kit time. For weeks where I do get to spend more time practicing, Scott always seems to offer positive feedback about what has come through to the lesson. I would easily recommend Scott's drum lessons for anyone else in a similar situation who wants to improve.

Our family has been fortunate to work with Scott Rouse for many years now, starting with when he was in San Francisco and our boys were in elementary school, moving into virtual lessons during the Pandemic and continuing virtually when he moved to Tulsa. Connecting with his students and simplifying/teaching complicated beats are important attributes that seem to come very easily to him. While the material sounded challenging when listening from the other room, by the end of the lessons the boys would have proud smiles on their faces from the progress that was made; Scott's teaching style builds confidence and passion for music of all genres. The school music teacher of one of our son's wrote that he is the most rhythmic student he has ever had (over 30 years of teaching) - this is a testament to what he has learned in these lessons with Scott. (That son is now teaching me how to play the drums, with some input and tips from Scott of course!) We encourage anyone who is interested in learning to play, whether in the Tulsa area or virtually, to reach out to him; you will not find a more patient, skilled, professional instructor to teach you the basics or take your playing to the next level!