Drum Lessons in Frisco, TX
If you’re looking for drum lessons in Frisco Tx, look no further!
At Matt Burk Music Studio, we make drum lessons fun and engaging for students of all ages and skill levels. We teach customized lessons for each student - using the music that each student enjoys, and taking into account his or her unique musical goals, interests and learning styles.
You can read more about our drum instructor below. Also, be sure to take a look at the video to the right to get a glimpse into what it is like to be a student at Matt Burk Music Studio!
Click here to learn more about all of the music lessons in Frisco, TX we offer.
tommy hodges: Drum lesson Teacher - Frisco, Texas
Hi, I'm Tommy! I've been drawn to music for as long as I can remember — banging on the piano as a toddler while trying to mimic my older sisters. But it wasn't until I discovered The Beatles at age eight that I truly fell in love with music. That was the spark that lit the fire.
While piano was my entry point, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with rhythm — and that’s where drums came in. Drumming quickly became my main focus and voice as a musician. Today, I’m a dedicated drum teacher and performer, passionate about helping students develop their skills behind the kit, understand rhythm, and express themselves through percussion.
My first music mentor was my piano teacher, Mrs. Patty Griffith. She introduced me to both Classical and Classic Rock styles, and taught me how music theory connects different genres — a lesson that still influences how I teach drums today, especially when it comes to groove, structure, and musicality.
Learning music wasn’t always easy. I was born blind with glaucoma and gained sight at a young age, but reading and playing at the same time was a major challenge early on. I learned to rely on my memory and spatial awareness — a skill that became essential in drumming, where coordination, timing, and internal rhythm are everything. Overcoming that challenge made me a more focused, hard-working musician by the time I was 12.
My musical path led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway, SC, and a Master’s in Music Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). These experiences deepened my technical ability and gave me the opportunity to explore various percussion styles — from classical percussion and concert band to rock, jazz, and Caribbean music.
One of the biggest highlights of my journey was performing in the St. Lucian National Panorama steel pan competition in 2023. It was my first time traveling internationally on my own, and the energy of that stage — surrounded by rhythm and culture — was unforgettable.
There have been plenty of lighter moments too — like the time I was asked in high school to play Pomp and Circumstance for a kindergarten graduation and got visibly frustrated every time I messed up. My mom wasn’t too thrilled with my attitude that day, but it taught me to have a sense of humor and patience — two things I now bring to every lesson.
As a drum teacher, I’ve worked with students of all levels — from absolute beginners to college musicians — in a variety of styles: Rock, Jazz, Blues, Concert Percussion, Classical, and even Caribbean traditions like steel pan and calypso. My teaching philosophy is all about connection: linking what students want to learn with what they need to grow. Whether it’s learning rudiments, improving time, or diving into improvisation, I focus on keeping lessons fun, relevant, and empowering.
More than anything, I want my students to walk away with confidence, a strong musical foundation, and an understanding that music is a universal language that connects us all.
More about Drum Lessons in frisco tx
Drums set the rhythm, tempo and feel for an entire song, making them the heart of the band. Playing the drums can be a satisfying experience; however, learning to play well without the guidance of a great instructor can prove daunting. Matt Burk Music Studio in Frisco offers drum lessons for musicians at all levels - whether you're wondering where to start or you're advanced and looking to improve your chops!
Though experience will dictate focus and pacing, drum lessons begin with an introduction to the fundamentals of music. Students are exposed to rudiments and reading immediately, and then quickly transition to application with popular music. Our instructors teach a variety of styles, from metal to jazz, and offer student the edge needed to stand out as a skilled drummer.
Our private drum lessons will offer the tools necessary for you to reach your full potential, whether you’re interested in making the drum line, playing in a band, or jamming out in your garage!
Call, email, or chat with us today with any questions you have, to request a complimentary interview, or to get started. We look forward to hearing from you!