Meet Your Drum Teacher

My name is Karel Gondor and I am a Toronto based musician with over 15 years of experience teaching in both group and private settings.

I hold a BMus from Humber College (2017) and an MA in Music Composition from York University (2021)

I want my students to discover for themselves the richness of a life steeped in music and my style of teaching is firmly rooted in this understanding. I tailor lessons according to the student’s individual goals but with a strong emphasis on fundamentals such as proper technique and critical listening.

Over the years I have had the good fortune to have learned from many wonderful musicians who ultimately set me up on the path for longevity and it is my hope to do the same for my students.

About Lessons

All Are Welcome

I strongly believe that anyone, regardless of age or skill level can learn to play the drums and get a lot of value from the experience.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s individual needs and aspirations, but with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, vocabulary and repertoire.

Studio

I teach out of my studio located at the intersection of Oakwood Ave and Ashbury Ave (10 min walk from Eglinton West station, or a short bus ride on the 63 NB from Ossington Station).

My studio is equipped with two, 4-piece “Sonor Pocket Kit” drumsets, with Aquarian drum heads and Zildjian cymbals.

As well as a playback system, with two sets of headphones for playing songs and metronome based exercises.

The benefits of the dual kit + playback system, are that they allow for real-time feedback and effective use of lesson time. In other words, less time is spent switching places or explaining and more time is spent playing and practicing.

Instruments I Teach

  • Drumset (sticks and brushes)

  • Pandiero

  • Congas

  • Repinique

  • Tamborim

  • Surdo (Primera, Segundo, Terceira)

  • Berimbau

Benefits of Drumming

  • Mental Health

    Drumming releases endorphins and relieves stress. Drumming induces a flow state that is the inverse of the brain melting feeling of too much screen time.

  • Motor Skills and Coordination

    Drumming improves fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and ambidexterity.

  • Focus and Discipline

    Drums are a long game. Learning to play the drums requires consistent practice, fostering discipline, patience and perseverance

  • Transferrable Life Skills

    Drumming develops agency through building confidence and self education skills. It teaches one how to break down complex tasks into manageable parts, which is vital in many areas of life.

  • Self Expression

    Drumming is empowering. It facilitates self expression and can help you get in touch with your emotional state/creative side.

  • Social Connection

    Drumming can lead to making new friends by playing music together.

  • Fun Hobby

    Drumming can become your fun new hobby, something to look forward to after a long day of work.

Lesson Plan

During lessons you will learn:

  • Any style/genre of music

  • Proper technique

  • Critical listening

  • Improvisation

  • Music Theory

My Rates