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My Teaching Approach
FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
Clear, Simple Instruction
Students learn best when the information is:
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broken down
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demonstrated slowly
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practiced with awareness
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repeated consistently​
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tailored to their learning style
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I avoid overwhelming students with too much at once.
Every concept is taught in a clean, step-by-step way so the student feels successful as they improve.
Mindfulness & Body Awareness
Drumming is physical and mental.
My approach helps students develop:
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​relaxed hands
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calm breathing
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tension-free movement
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present-moment focus​
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This leads directly to better sound, better time, and less frustration.
For adult students, this creates a weekly experience that feels grounding, relaxing, and mentally clarifying — almost meditative.
Musical Confidence Through Fundamentals
Real musicianship grows from a strong foundation.
Instead of shortcuts or gimmicks, I focus on:
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technique
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time
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coordination
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listening
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reading
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groove
Students develop the skills that support every style of drumming, from beginner to advanced.
Calm, One-on-One Learning Environment
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My studio is quiet, focused, and free of distractions.
Students can learn at their natural pace with no comparison, no pressure, and no noise from other students.
This environment helps:
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teens build discipline and attention
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adults unwind from stress
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all students learn more effectively
Weekly Objectives
Each lesson ends with a precise, achievable practice plan.
Students always know:
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exactly what to practice
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exactly how to practice it
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exactly why it matters
This improves consistency, confidence, and long-term progress.
What Makes This Approach Unique
Most drum teachers focus only on songs or beats. My approach include these but also blends:
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strong fundamentals
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musical understanding
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stress relief
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mindful awareness
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long-term skill development
It’s a combination that helps students feel better, play better, and stay motivated.
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Note the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to other questions you may have.
In mid 1999, I was invited to teach drum lessons at Drum Headquarters, Saint Louis’s premier 5-star drum shop. I gladly accepted the offer and taught there until its closure in 2011. Drum Headquarters was widely regarded as the destination for the highest level of private drum instruction in the region, and I was honored to be part of its teaching staff. At my peak, I maintained a weekly schedule of nearly 40 private drum and percussion students.
When Drum Headquarters closed, I founded Saint Louis Drum Lessons to continue offering excellent in-person private instruction. As the sole proprietor, every student works directly with me—there are no rotating teachers or substitutes—ensuring consistency, depth, and individualized attention.
My education extends well beyond traditional lessons. Over a 20-year period, I attended Master Lessons hosted by Drum Headquarters, studying privately with world-class touring drummers who stopped in St. Louis. Combined with my early training under Kevin Gianino, longtime Head of the Percussion Department at Webster University, these experiences have shaped my broad, well-rounded approach and knowledge of the art and activity of drumming. I'm now proud to pass this knowledge on to my students.
I currently live in South County, Saint Louis, with my wife, Aurora, and our son, Matthew.
About Steve Lord
Sole proprietor of Saint Louis Drum Lessons
Credits
Performance & recording credits: Red Gypsy, Fallout, The Finns, Street Dogs, Smokestack Lightning, Samba Bom Trio, Rhythm Watch, Plastic, The Arch Tops, Ultraviolet, Sky West, Hella Snaps, Steve Pecaro, The Sliders, My Friend Mike, Guitars On Fire, Short Bus, Griffin & The Gargoyles, Chris Swan