Private lessons are tailor-made to help you succeed in your drumming goals. I’m knowledgeable about a vast catalog of drum methods and techniques, and I’ll be able to develop a personalized curriculum specifically for you.



Regardless of your age or experience level, I have a plan that will work for you!

In-person and Online lessons available. I’m local to Big Bear Lake, CA (ZIP 92315). About 2 hours outside of Los Angeles.

Feel free to contact me via email to get started today: christianjohnsondrums@gmail.com

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe in fostering your love of music. My progressive teaching program not only focuses on developing a strong foundation of fundamentals, it thoughtfully demonstrates how they apply to your passions, so that you can go forward and be creative for yourself. I teach how to learn and appreciate music - a skill that can be applied to all areas of education and life. If you want to learn something that I don't know, then we can learn it together. If you have other musical interests, like beat-making or playing other percussion instruments, we can incorporate those interests into the lessons.

• Reading, writing and communicating music

• Rhythm, time and feel

• Chops, independence and drum set playing

• Understanding musical styles

• Making the most of current technology to write and play your own play-a-longs

• Playing the things you want to play

Testimonials

“Christian Johnson is one of the finest percussion instructors I have ever known. He worked on our marching band staff for several years serving as the drumline instructor. Thanks to his patience, professionalism, and wonderful personality, the drumline grew to unseen levels and helped thrust the band into one of the finest in the state for many years.”

I strongly recommend Christian Johnson for any type of percussion teaching.

Timothy R., Elementary music educator, music education vlogger and podcast host

“I started a bit behind the other kids in elementary school band. Christian was the drum instructor for the high school marching band at the time and my band teacher highly recommended him for private lessons. 

Christian was able to get me caught up to the other drummers within a couple months. I was finally able to read sheet music fluently and began to be assigned more advanced parts to play in the school band. Each week Christian gave me homework assignments such as working on different rudiments or reading and playing different types of percussion sheet music (bells, xylophone, etc). My lessons with Christian paid off over the years, as I was able to join the high school marching band as a middle schooler and went on to win accolades for my drumming in the school plays. Everything I learned and accomplished most definitely stemmed from my lessons with Christian!”

Reagan V., former student

“Christian is a very knowledgeable and patient drum instructor. As a music teacher and producer myself, I like to have a good understanding of instruments I don't play, such as drums, and Christian has helped me have a much deeper understanding of drumming techniques, concepts, exercises, and styles. He is quite versatile, has a great understanding of music, and is a very effective communicator. I highly recommend!”

David D., Multi-instrumentalist, producer and educator

“I always wanted to play drums.  I have played guitar for 30 years, but I am at a point where time is short, life is getting shorter and I want to start doing things I always wanted to do.  I purchased a cheap kit off a neighbor, logged onto craigslist and found Christian at the top, and I am grateful I did.  He was very flexible on when we can meet.  Either at my house or online.  He came over, set up my drums, and our first one hour lesson when over two hours because there was so much to learn and he was not in a rush to run out the door.  It was great.  A few lessons later he had me up and running, my hands working, playing some rhythms, and immersing me on the mechanics, techniques, and history of drums.  He is a master drummer and able to communicate through example as well as explanation. 

He can teach any level of drummer.  I play drums every day now.  It is one of the best things I have ever done.   I am grateful to have Christian as a teacher.  If you have ever wanted to play drums, or want to improve do not hesitate to call Christian.”

Joe R., student