On most days, if you walk along the outside of the building, you'll hear the steady rumble of drum lessons in action. Back in their own section of the building the drummers hit, strike and crash away at whatever volumes they deem fit. Drum set, marching snare, congas, bongos, bells, and marimba are just some of the instruments that students can learn how to play.
At Madison Music Foundry we have a selection of great instructors who give lessons on drums and percussion. Instruction is available for any age and level at a time that's convenient for you.
Kai Andersen
DRUM SET, SNARE DRUM
Kai has been playing and performing on the drums for more than 20 years. His music career started in the second grade playing piano. Drums and guitar soon followed, and he has been playing ever since. Kai has played in many original rock bands over the last twenty years, recording and touring regionally, and has opened for such acts as Linkin Park, Los Lobos, and Seether. He has a B.A. in Journalism from UW-Milwaukee and is a DJ on 94.1FM WJJO. He has been teaching drums professionally since 2001. From beginner to advanced, Kai believes that music lessons should be as entertaining as they are challenging. He is proficient in styles ranging from funk to metal and blues to reggae, and lessons have to always be fun.
Robert Boyd
DRUM SET, SNARE DRUM, HAND DRUMMING, ORCHESTRAL & MARCHING PERCUSSION
Robert brings a unique background as a musician and educator with more than 30 years of experience performing and recording. At the age of 10, Robert found his uncle’s old Ludwig drum set in his Grandparent’s attic, and his love of drumming began (which continues today!) Since that time, Robert has recorded and toured with numerous musicians in a variety of formats, including multiple Off-Broadway tours, various recording projects at the famed Smart Studios, and shows far and wide too numerous to mention.
Robert is well versed in a variety of styles including rock/jazz/funk/reggae/Latin. With a degree in Elementary Education, Robert also combines his knowledge of drumming with a keen understanding of child development issues. He is a firm believer in music as being a gateway to not only developing a student’s music skills, but also helping them to increase their feelings of self-confidence and self-worth. Regardless of age, Robert’s goal at the conclusion of each lesson is to have the student feel better about themselves both as a drummer and as an individual.
Eddie CampelL
DRUM SET, PERCUSSION, GUITAR, ELECTRIC BASS
Eddie Campell first started hitting the drums at age 10 and began learning guitar at age 16. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2018 with an AB in Biology, minoring in Sociology and Jazz Studies. He studied music theory and performance all four years in the Jazz Performance Program. Eddie has performed a diverse suite of gigs from open mics to showcases, empty crowds to sold-out shows, St. Louis to Shanghai, and jam sessions to recitals. In college, he taught music as a part of a community service group, Beat Therapy, that included improv bucket drumming and after school guitar lessons. Before moving to Madison in 2020, he taught drums, guitar, bass, piano, and band at STL Rock School in St. Louis, MO.
Eddie focuses on nurturing a student’s natural creativity and love of music, allowing them to forge their own musical journey while exposing them to new ideas and developing their inner musician. Whether that be through songwriting, prepping them for an audition, working on music for school, or just jamming, the ultimate goal is to have fun and be excited every time they pick up an instrument! In his free time, he enjoys soccer, cooking, and exploring local parks (the UW Arboretum is his favorite!).
Chris Vincent
DRUM SET, ORCHESTRAL PERCUSSION, HAND DRUMS, MARCHING PERCUSSION
Chris is a UW-Madison School of Music graduate with 20 years experience as a drummer, percussionist, and educator. In 2013 he took on the role of Education Coordinator at the Foundry, which involves coordinating the Student Jams and recitals. In one-on-one lessons he works with students of all ages and skill levels. The drum set styles he teaches include rock, jazz, progressive, blues, funk, and latin. Chris's work with orchestral and marching percussion has given him experience as a percussion director at the high school level and he continues to enjoy helping private students develop their skills for school bands. He has also been a drum circle facilitator, including the development of programs for students with special needs. Chris works to cultivate his students' passion for music and works with them to create individually tailored lesson plans that give them the power to achieve their personal goals while expanding their understanding of the limitless possibilities of drums' musical expression.
Mathew Weisensel
Mathew is an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music. With drum set as principal instrument and major in Professional Music, he studied with some of the world’s greatest drummers. Since returning home from Boston, he has taught lessons in the Madison area for 20 years. He loves all styles of music and specializes in the contemporary styles such as Pop, Rock, R&B, Funk, and Country. Many of Mathew's students have gone on to join local bands, attend music school, and even become teachers themselves. He welcomes students of all ages and skill levels.