Drum Lessons

Eli Moffatt

Drum and Percussion Instructor

Eli is an active local drummer and percussionist with a degree in Percussion Performance from Central Washington University. Eli is a sought after educator often called in to help out with some of the South Sound area’s top music programs. Eli is a local homegrown drummer/percussionist and is a great musician, a humble guy, down to earth, likable, friendly, and came highly recommended by the principal of a local school that he served as a substitute band director.

A formally trained concert percussionist, Eli is skilled in both classical and formal rudiments and music as well in playing the drum set across the spectrum of popular music styles. This means that in studying with Eli, you will learn the fundamentals that will develop the kind of chops you need to play in any situation. Whether it’s blues, rock, jazz, funk, or Bach you want to play, Eli can show you the way!

Eil is enrolling now for private lessons in drums and percussion Monday-Fridays in the late afternoons/evenings!

Caleb Carr

Drum Instructor

Caleb is a life-long music student, performer, composer, and educator with a variety of musical interests and over eight years professional experience working in different musical roles, including six years as a private music teacher and four years teaching music for 4-12 year-olds at a public school. While committed to excellence, Caleb brings a down-to-earth, friendly attitude to his lessons.

From Caleb:

“One of my highest priorities is building positive relationships with students. I bring a smile to all my lessons and bring out the joy and fun of learning and making music. A safe, positive atmosphere inspires students to feel comfortable as they learn, take musical risks, make mistakes, express themselves, and explore the wonder and beauty of music.”

Caleb started studying piano with a private instructor as a kid and enjoyed composing original songs on the family spinet from a young age. He trained and performed as a percussionist, drummer, and vocalist in the 3-time State Champion Band and Chorus program at his high school and performed in the yearly musical theater shows. As a teenager, Caleb also picked up guitar and began recording original songs. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, studying voice and taking piano and guitar classes. Caleb is currently working on a Master of Music Production degree from the renowned Berklee College of Music, studying under such accomplished producers as David Bendeth (Breaking Benjamin, Paramore, Vertical Horizon) and Enrique Gonzalez Müller (Kronos Quartet, Joan Baez, Los Amigos Invisibles). Caleb has had the honor of producing projects for a handful of artists since 2020.

Since moving to Olympia in December 2022, Caleb has enjoyed connecting with local musicians and serving the community in any way possible. He has volunteered as a songwriting mentor with The Bridge Music Program, tested out new songs at Rhythms Coffee open mic nights, performed at the Olympia Farmers Market, and taught private music lessons. In his spare time, Caleb enjoys playing table-top games, cooking, marveling at the trees and water, surfing, and hanging out at coffee shops.

Caleb is currently booked solid and on a waitlist.

Dylan Lehmann

Community Drum Instructor

Dylan is super excited to be a part of the team at Music 1^st. Dylan originally moved to WA to study at The Evergreen State College and pursue his education and found himself at home here and drawn instantly to the Olympia music community. Having studied the drums before relocating, the music here just inspired him more. Dylan was one of the first candidates to reach out when we started recruiting a team at Music 1^st, and we are excited to finally be able to bring him on board!

Dylan plays for Next Stop Cosmos, works with a death metal project band, and is actively involved in the local open mic seen. He’s also been teaching drums for Music and Arts for a while now, but will be teaching for Music 1^st on the weekends, and Tuesday and Thursday late morning to early afternoons.

From Dylan:

I've been playing the drums for 17 years. I didn't get into super disciplined practice until I started getting exposed to drummers with rudimentary playing around the set, and I realized that if I put in an hour a day I would start improving so much more than the little bits of time I was practicing. Drums became an escape for me when I had loads of schoolwork and practicing became a way for me to apply my work ethic to something I'm passionate about rather than just academics.

An amazing thing about playing the drums is that you can be in many bands, and play songs on the spot because there are no notes you have to match with anyone as long as you understand rhythm and you're an active listener, you can play well to any music with time. The way that rhythm and practice have influenced my life has been unexpected and fulfilling. I've learned to apply my work ethic and practice of drums in order to achieve anything I want in life. Rhythm has also translated as a skill in improvisation, dance, rapping, writing songs, and is a good baseline skill for learning other instruments. It is also a great tool for memorization and playing as a team in an ensemble. -Dylan