Turn to Us for Drum Lessons in Calgary
Join our drum classes at Cornerstone Music Cafe to enjoy the fundamentals of drumming while you explore rhythm, reading, and rock drumming. With our professional drum lessons in Calgary, you can develop your coordination as you count, clap, and tap your way around the drums. Our instructors will guide you through the essentials of rhythm and technique that will help you in preparing for a performance. Whether you play solo or perform with others, our drum lessons will definitely boost your confidence. Besides, our lessons also offer you opportunities to either jam with other musicians in a rock band setting or perform solo in one of our recitals. If you want to have more information about these opportunities, contact us today!
Jim Johnston
Jim Johnston teaches drums at Cornerstone Music Cafe and loves finding out the best way to explain something to someone because not all students learn the same. He likes passing on the tradition, history, and function of music, especially for the drums, which are young instruments. Jim believes there are many crazy things in the future for drums, and he wants to give students a sense of where the instrument comes from so they can watch where it’s going to go. Jim has 20 years of teaching experience. He grew up in Calgary-AB and started playing drums when he was 13. He played throughout junior and senior high school, and after graduating, attended programs for jazz at Mount Royal and the University of Calgary. Jim moved to Toronto to attend Humber College, and after completing his Performance Diploma, he moved back to Calgary. Jim is involved in many local projects like Urban Divide and Kirby Sewell Band and plays with many local performers. He has performed at several blues, jazz, and art festivals. Jim loves the performance aspect of music and the constant study of his craft. He thrives on the energy he gets from publically performing for people. When Jim isn’t teaching or gigging locally with the many projects he’s involved in, he tries to squeeze in as much food, coffee, yoga, and science fiction as he can.
Adam Esposito
Adam Esposito is known for his active role as an accomplished musician, sharing the stage with the likes of BB King, The Tragically Hip, 54/40, and the theatre production company Stage West. Adam started playing drums at age 13 and started teaching privately at the age of 16.
Ben Montgomery
Ben Montgomery is a Scottish-born drummer who has recently moved to Calgary to pursue his teaching and music career. Having taught privately for eight years, Ben is extremely proficient in not only the practical components of music but also the theory behind the songs. He holds a degree in Music Business from North Glasgow College as well as a BA Honours Music degree in Popular Music: Business, Production, and Performance from Edinburgh Napier University. He has toured Europe and Canada with the rock band Atlas Empire, worked as a percussionist with The Innerleithen Orchestra on musicals such as Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, and South Pacific. Most recently, he has been touring the world working as a drummer on Carnival Cruise Ships. Ben is thrilled to continue to share his love for music with his students at Cornerstone Music Cafe.
Edison Grove - DRUMS, PERCUSSION & THEORY
Edison is a Calgary based musician and producer with 20 years of experience playing drums and 10 years of experience teaching music. Although his primary instrument is drums, he also plays piano, bass, guitar, and synthesizer. He plays in a band called "Howells" and produces his own music (and videos) on the side. His musical focus these days is combining video art and psychedelic music to create immersive audiovisual experiences. He graduated with a BFA in Electroacoustic Studies from Concordia University in 2018 and has been working as a musician, video editor, and music teacher ever since.
Derek Hausseck - DRUMS, PERCUSSION & THEORY
Derek Haussecker is a musician and artist from Calgary, Alberta. He has been playing drums for over 15 years and performing live for the past 5+ years. He is a core member of local indie r&b act, Bad Bodies, as well as touring percussionist for experimental rock artist, Yves Jarvis. He has an eclectic knowledge of music and plays a variety of styles including rock, r&b, funk, afrobeat, d&b, bossa nova, experimental and jazz. He focuses on keeping lessons fun and engaging to ensure students stay excited about drumming. While offering useful exercises to enable students of various skill levels to learn in their own time outside of lessons.
TOM SEJK - PIANO, GUITAR, BASS & DRUMS
Tom is a versatile veteran instructor. With 20 years of teaching experience under his belt, this straight shooter has methods to suit a variety of interests. For those seeking a classical approach, Tom has RCM Grade 10 in piano, and for those looking to explore Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Country, or even the obscure, he can mentor students on several different instruments!
When he’s not teaching, Tom can be found composing, practicing, or even simply listening to music. (It’s a real passion!) Other interests include reading, writing, playing pool, or having a bite and watching the game!
Cameron Crompton - DRUMS, Percussion & Theory
Cameron is a young instructor with a decade of drumming experience. He is passionate about the instrument and is as dedicated to his own growth & development as he hopes his students will be. Cameron’s primary focus is rock music, but he enjoys a variety of styles, including pop and jazz.
Cameron is studying astrophysics at the University of Calgary, and is pleased to invest in his students’ musical journeys at the same time!
