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 very busy because students love working with him! But, he has just opened up a few new spots!
Thursdays 2:30, 3:00, 7PM, and 7:30
Dylan is super excited to be a part of the team at Music 1st. 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 1st, 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 1st 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
Dylan is accepting students with daytime availability at our 202 Phoenix studio on Tuesdays and Fridays, and later afternoons (3PM-7PM) at our McKenzie Road Baptist/West side satellite.
