Brad Gibson holds a BMA in performance from Cornish College of the Arts and has been teaching at the Seattle Drum School since 2004. In teaching, Brad seeks to inspire a command of snare and drumset through reading, technical exercises and transcribing music directly from CD. Focus is placed on fundamentals, posture and of course, fun!
In addition to his studies on snare and drumset (Matthew Kocmieroski, Mark Ivester, John Wicks, SDS owner Steve Smith), Brad has studied Cuban conga and bata drumming (Matt Dressler) and composition (Jim Knapp, Denney Goodhew).
Testimonials:
My son, Bradon has been an Honored Student at the Seattle Drum School for almost 2 years. During this time he has had the privilege of taking private drum lessons from Brad Gibson.
Brad has the ability to challenge my son weekly with his lessons, while nurturing his interests. We started out with half hour lessons and eventually expanded to an hour. The hour gives my son the chance to work on his middle school band music and the opportunity for learning new techniques and jamming.
Brad has been a very patient and positive influence on my son's musical
experience. I highly recommend Brad as a music instructor and the Seattle
Drum School as the destination for those who are really interested in
learning music.
- Marty Blackstone, Seattle Drum School Parent
I've been studying drums with Brad for a little over two years now. He has been an excellent teacher, being both energetic and patient. Brad exhibits a genuine love for his art, which comes out in his teaching style as well as in private conversations with him. He has a knowledge of drumming, its history, techniques and players which is both broad and deep and he encourages his students to expand their knowledge through their own extracurricular studies, going beyond merely learning the mechanics of the art. One way he does this is by exposing the student to a variety of drumming styles early in their training and providing not just examples and lessons on specific techniques but also background on where the style came from, how it evolved from other styles, how it is used musically today and suggestions for artists to listen to. He also shows how these various styles can contribute color and technique to whichever kind of music you are interested in.
Since he is also a practicing musician, he has helped me find local artists and venues I might find interesting. I've watched him play in both indie pop and jazz environments and he brings the same kind of energy to his professional playing as he does his teaching. It's a real thrill to watch him play and I find it personally inspiring as well. As a student, getting out into the scene is critical to understanding the music in its performance context, and Brad is always suggesting venues to go to and shows to see.
I'd strongly recommend Brad as a great instructor for anyone who is
interested in starting drumming or improving their drumming skills,
regardless of age or experience. His infectious style and energy will
keep you going back for more and his depth of knowledge and love of
the art will always ensure there is more to be learned.
- Cliff Hudson
I've been a student of Brad's for about two years, and I've always enjoyed both Brad and the way he teaches. Brad is very nice and energetic, always in a good mood and he's very funny. I love my drum lessons with Brad because he's so fun! I've learned so much from him in the past two years--I am able to roll, play a steady beat throughout entire songs, and to switch beats quickly without stopping. I was chosen to be the drummer in the middle school band over other drummers because of these skills Brad helped me achieve. Now, whenever I hear a song I like, I try to figure out the drum beats and thanks to Brad, I can! Brad is a great drummer and a great teacher. I'm really lucky to have him as my drum teacher. Thanks, Brad, you're boss!
- Pauly Seibert, 12
My daughter took drum lessons with Brad, and really enjoyed them. She gained a strong foundation with which to progress much further on drums, while perfecting her sense of timing and rhythm. Brad was conscientious and detail-oriented, with extensive professional experience and talent. I could really tell my daughter was gaining immeasurable value from his lessons by how she approached playing with such calm focus and confidence, and her solid skills on the drums. There are many music teachers out there, but few who can combine the musicality and creativity that Brad has and then communicate that so effectively with his students.
-Kathy Goldstein
Brad is a fantastic teacher and role model for my son! My son loves going to his lessons and gives Brad a BIG THUMBS UP! When asked what he like best about Brad, he says he is an awesome teacher and makes drumming FUN!! From a parent's perspective Brad seems to have great patience and is always very encouraging.
-Patti K.
Contact: gibsonbradley@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bradgibson.com