Business Details
Ricky Sebastian: Master Drummer, Composer & Music Educator
As a professional drummer, composer, and educator with over four decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to advancing musical excellence through performance, instruction, and educational resources. Born in Louisiana and raised in a musically rich environment, I began formal drum training at age eight and quickly developed expertise across jazz, Latin, funk, and world music genres. My career spans global tours with legendary artists, university teaching positions, and the creation of instructional materials that empower drummers worldwide.I founded my music education practice to cultivate the next generation of musicians, combining hands-on lessons with innovative resources like my books 'Independence on the Drum Set' and 'Mastering Rhythm and Phrasing in Music.' My work as a clinician for leading music brands and my ongoing performances with renowned artists solidify my commitment to sharing knowledge and elevating musical artistry.
Services
Drum Lessons
Music Composition
Masterclasses
Performance Clinics
Instructional Books
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience performing with Grammy-winning artists across 15+ music genres.
- Our proprietary instructional methods are used by drummers globally through Hal Leonard publications.
- We provide personalized lessons tailored to individual learning styles and goals.
- Our faculty includes a 2024 Offbeat Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award winner in Music Education.
- We combine traditional techniques with modern digital resources for comprehensive learning.
Services
Private Drum Lessons
Personalized drum instruction for all skill levels focusing on technique, rhythm development, and genre-specific styles. Lessons incorporate both traditional methods and modern digital tools to enhance learning. Students gain practical experience through performance-based exercises and customized practice routines.
Music Composition
Guidance in creating original music across genres, emphasizing rhythmic complexity and phrasing techniques. Instruction covers arrangement principles, improvisation strategies, and performance preparation. Students learn to develop their unique musical voice through structured composition exercises.
Masterclasses
Intensive educational sessions covering advanced drumming techniques, musical theory, and performance practices. Classes combine demonstration, interactive exercises, and Q&A sessions. Participants receive professional development insights from decades of global touring experience.
Instructional Books
Comprehensive educational materials including 'Independence on the Drum Set' and 'Mastering Rhythm and Phrasing in Music.' Books feature audio examples and progressive exercises for self-guided learning. Resources cover coordination techniques, rhythmic patterns, and musical phrasing applications.
Performance Clinics
Live demonstrations of drumming techniques and musical concepts at universities and music events worldwide. Clinics showcase practical applications of rhythmic theory through performance examples. Participants observe professional techniques used in recording sessions and live performances.
People
Ricky Sebastian
Owner & Lead Educator
Grammy-nominated drummer with 40+ years teaching experience, 2024 Offbeat Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and author of two acclaimed drumming method books. Performed with Herbie Mann, Tania Maria, and Ellis Marsalis.
Questions
What music genres do you teach?
I specialize in jazz, Latin, funk, and world music but cover all styles based on student interests.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, I provide virtual instruction using digital resources and video conferencing tools for remote learning.
Are your books suitable for beginners?
Both books include progressive exercises that accommodate all skill levels from beginner to advanced drummers.
Can I purchase your books internationally?
Yes, my instructional books are available as e-books with global access through online retailers.
Do you perform at events?
I accept performance bookings for concerts, festivals, and special events featuring jazz and world music.
What teaching certifications do you hold?
I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music and have taught at multiple universities.
