In that case you are at the right address at drum school Sven Bakker in Hoorn, Wognum, Medemblik (Midwoud) and Schagen! At my drumschool I teach in all styles, for all levels, for all ages (well, from 6 years) and for all ambitions. Whether you want to play in a band or want to work towards an entrance exam for rock academy or conservatory, these are all possibilities.
Also I teach several different percussion workshops.
Drum lessons
You get lessons on an acoustic drumkit. The lessons will be in tune with your level and your musical preferences. If drumming is completely new, we focus on basic skills (rudiments), reading notes and play along with songs. You’ll see how fast you can play with your favourite songs.
During the lessons you learn technique, but most of all thinking and playing musically, so you will be conscious of the role of the drummer in a band or orchestra.
If you prefer a carreer as a pro, you can follow a special course, in which we work towards an entrance exam for conservatory, Rock Academy or Herman Brood Academy.
Drum lessons are either individual (20 or 30 minutes) or duolessons (40 minutes) with another student from the same level. You can start lessons at any moment.
Cajon lessons
The cajon (pronounced as cagon or cahon, depending on land and region) is an Afro—Peruvian box-shaped intrument that, after being introduced in Flamenco, was applied in many other styles of popmusic, like rock, funk and R&B. In most Western countries it is functioning very well as instrument that accompanies small en/or acoustic settings. You can get a wide variety of sounds from it, ranging form low (bass) to high (snare) and you can play most drum rhythms very well.
However the cajon is a full instrument on its own and not a replacement for a full drumkit, it is a fun and handy instrument, on which you can play all styles you can play on a drumset, even jazz.
Cajon lessons are either individual (20 or 30 minutes) or duolessons (40 minutes) with another student at the same level. You can start lessons at any moment.
Playing with other musicians and playing at concerts
To built up some stage experience you get the opportunity to play on a professional stage, for instance the Hoornse Stadsfeesten (Musicfestival Hoorn) or at Manifesto musicvenue where many famous artists have preceded you. I arrange such events in coperation with other independent music teachers and schools of music where I am connected with.
Studying at home (…and the neighbours?)
The best way to train your drumming skills is on an acoustic drumset. You get a better feeling of differences in dynamics and projection, which is important for the way you sound. Studying at home on an acoustic drumkit is unfortunately not possible for everyone. To still study your skills an electronic drumset is a real good alternative.
The possibilities of these drumsets are increasing and you can play with headphones or monitor, whether or not with a song (by plugging in your mediaplayer). All electronic sets are sensitive for dynamics. So when you hit harder, it sounds louder. Offcourse as a student you get free advice about good and affordable drumkits. The cajon is only in acoustic version. Also in case of the cajon, I can give advice about possibilities. A good sounding cajon starts at around € 200,-
Hiring a drumset
If you don’t want to buy a drumset, there is the possibility of hiring an electronic or acoustic drumset. You can hire a drumset from € 10,- p/month. Or get in contact for possibilites.
The teacher
Thats me, Sven Bakker. In 2003 I graduated at conservatory Alkmaar and since 2005 I started my Drumschool Sven Bakker officially. I give lessons at my own drum school and other schools of music for more than 12,5 years.
Except teaching, I’m playing drums myself at gigs and in the studio, playing styled from jazz to rock. On a different part of this site you can read more about me.
What are the prices?
The price depends on the kind of lesson (individual or duo), de lesson duration, your age and the location.
Click here for an overview of the costs.
Trial lesson
Do you want know if drumming or playing cajon is something for you? Registre for a trial lesson.
If you decide to take lessons, the trial lesson will be free. For a trial lesson you don’t have to bring own materials.
Already 12,5 years Drumschool Sven Bakker
In 2015 I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my drumschool with a huge party with almost all of my students.
The sold out Manifesto was transformed into drummers paradise with not less than 40 drummers, 20 drumsets and 20 professional musicians!
In the final part, all students came on stage to play a very special version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk”. The evening ended with a great concert of Avagardner and Slick, the latter I was drummer of.
In my blog you can read more about this party and watch photos and videos.
