BANG is awesome! Just to give you a little about me so you can relate. I am a 19 year old college student who has wanted to take drum lessons since I was 12. Only obstacle which still exists is where to put my set because I have the funds, just no space. I finished the group class at the end of January and it was incredible. I have never read music before and always wanted to start drumming but never found a place where I was really comfortable. Mark Feldman and Phil St. James are the two coolest guys to start your drumming off with the right foot. They are so patient and are certainly humble about their playing ability. These guys just want you to enjoy the drums as much as they do! I highly recommend the group class for one important reason. If you are just starting out with the drums they give everything you need while you practice during the four weeks of the class. Then, even now, a month later I'm reading music and able to practice with no other type of lessons. Granted, the stuff I'm reading is rather difficult, but due to their handouts and advice, at least I understand what I am doing. And for me, that was the ultimate goal, I wanted to be able to understand the drums and all that was necessary after that was practice! These guys definitely leave you wanting more and also give you enough material to pursue your dream!!! GO BANG or GO HOME! -Stephen Socci read more

Fantastic. After daydreaming about playing the drums since I was a kid, I finally got my start at BANG! Mark and Phil greeted me with a warm welcome and provided a true sense of encouragement (not the kind that reminds you of a soccer mom, maybe even your own mom, yelling something from the sidelines like "keep your spirits up!" which ultimately does more damage than it does good). I participated in the Absolute Beginners Class, Level One and cannot recommend it enough. The group lessons are a bit cheaper and a ton of fun. With six students, including myself--Phil demonstrated great patience, as we all required different levels/styles of teaching. I was worried that two hour long classes divided by six people would leave me feeling neglected, but this was not the case at all! We got a great sense of the basics and time behind the drum kit during each session. The tone of the class was perfect. Phil offered a wealth of knowledge and skills, and a sense of humor while maintaining a relaxed, successful, and enjoyable environment. Each week I arrived feeling (the good kind of) nervous and excited and each week I left feeling even more motivated and enthused about drums! I feel confident in my ability to continue drumming and look forward to taking private lessons at BANG! Overall, definitely worth it! read more

I barely write reviews, unless it is absolutely horrible that every human being online should be warned about. Now, I am happy to write my very first positive review; Bang The Drum School was that awesome! My drumming background: nowhere near drumming, literally. I had only seen drums on stage or on TV. (I knew how to read music. But don't worry, if you don't. They teach you how to read/feel different beats, which is all that matters.) The class was a perfect size. As a beginner, you might want to shy away from getting too much attention and at the same time you want to be guided personally. This class size really pulled that balance. It was big enough to hide yourself in a crowd comfortably and small enough to get specific advice. The instruction overall was very clear. My instructor was Daryl Cozzi. He was articulate about leading the class step by step and made it fun. The textbook laid out plenty of good practice materials. The school also gave practical directions how to further explore drumming, including suggestions of what to buy and where to go for practice. And to make it even better, I had a great squad of classmates. Prior to taking classes, I was a bit suspicious about all these positive reviews. This isn't too good to be true. It is good and true! read more

I never held drumsticks before. I could barely hear the beat. I needed to learn to play the drums for class. A friend told me about Bang. I was hesitant. I thought I just couldn't do it. I kept looking at the website...finally I picked up the phone to call. On the other end was the most encouraging voice - It was the owner. The school is small and the teachers are caring. You immediately feel like part of the family. So I signed up, took the group class and it was the most fun I ever had. The class only had 4 people in it! You got so much attention. I learned so much in just a short time. Our teacher, Mickey, is patient and inspiring, not to mention...just plain cool. She works differently with each student. Helps you to hear, read rhythm, hold your sticks the right way, work on your coordination. You practice both on a practice pad and the full kit. Each lesson is exciting! I look forward to it every week. Mickey encourages you and challenges you, but doesn't push too hard. It's the most exciting thing ever when you're drumming along with her guitar playing or with a song! I can't believe I'm actually doing it. Bang is the best ever! If you've thought about learning the drums, give it chance. You'll surprise yourself, learn a lot, and have so much fun! read more

Mark, the owner and teacher of BANG the Drum School, is a terrific teacher. His Absolute Beginner's class is limited to 5 persons and is a low key and unintimidating way to be introduced to drumming. You'll know after this intro class if you want to continue with learning drumming. I've never played any drums before this class, but I liked it so much I will begin private lessons with Mark. So here are some Top Ten reasons to take BANG drum classes: 10. Learning to move all 4 limbs differently at the same time is more fun and probably more effective at warding off Alzheimer's than crossword puzzles. 9. You'll truly be able to play basic rock beats at the end of just 4 lessons. 8. It is totally cool. 7. You get to sit while playing your part. 6. You'll learn "a little bit of drums". Ask Mark or Dan about that. 5. You'll develop upper arm tone. No more flabby arms. 4. The school is near Schnipper's. Mmmmmm. Fish tacos. 3. You get to hit things, and it's okay. 2. Lots of guitarists. Not enough drummers. 1. Mark is a great guy and a supportive and encouraging teacher. He's friendly and funny. I was smiling and laughing in every class. You'll love it. read more

I am so glad I chose BANG! to learn playing drums! Just finished my first private lesson with Daryl and he is really nice, helpful and easy to get along with. I have some experience playing drums before but it is nearly 5 years ago and I almost forgot how to playing them now. Daryl helped me pick it up and I also learned lots of new things. Enjoyed that lesson so much and I am looking forward to taking my next lesson with Daryl. Actually firstly I signed up for the group class on Monday....But I made an funny mistake-I though it was at 7-9 am but in fact it was at 7-9 pm. So I arrived at BANG super early Monday morning and found nobody was here. After figuring out what happened, I contacted Mark in despair because I have classes on Monday night. And, Mark and Daryl are just toooo nice! They decided to arrange private classes for me. So happy!~ Highly recommend! Good teacher, good location, good price and good experience(*°°*) read more

I recently began pursuing a lifelong dream of learning to play the drums. I was nervous and not sure how it would go as I had no prior musical training. Also, I'm 46 years old and haven't taken on anything that ambitious in years. From my very first lesson at Bang! I knew I was in the right place. Dan, my instructor has been patient, supportive, and helpful, and his enthusiasm for the drums is contagious. The instruction has been top notch and the environment is very relaxed and supportive.The location is in a funky music building that really makes you feel like part of the music community. The price for individual lessons is very fair and the schedule is always flexible. I now take two private lessons a week. Thanks to Dan and Bang! I'm over my initial fear and looking forward to the many years of drumming that lie ahead. read more

I was a student in the beginner's drum class at Bang the Drum School in Williamsburg. I loved this class, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning to play the drums. Mark is a great teacher: attentive, patient, engaging...and has a knack for explaining drum concepts in ways that make sense. And the group dynamic is really helpful in my opinion: there is a sense of camaraderie that makes learning a lot more fun, and the opportunity to play for your classmates is really valuable. Mark presents a lot of material, but it seems just about perfect: enough to give a strong foundation without being overwhelming. I learned a lot more than I thought I would in just six weeks, and had a great time in the process! read more

I'm not great at writing reviews but here it is. I just finished beginners class and I really can't recommend it enough. The class is small (6 people) so you can still get personal attention (from a highly qualified drummer and great teacher, at that) while still being very affordable. The class will focus a lot on fundamentals but you'll also get to spend a lot of time behind a drum kit, so it won't ever get boring. The class itself is friendly and low key. I not only left with having fixed a lot of issues with my left hand, I also knew where to go from there to continue learning on my own. So yea, all in all, I had a great experience and I'll be taking private lessons with Mark in the future. Rock on! read more

I've tried drum lessons with a few people before, none of which left me with a desire to return-- except Bang. Mark is not only an amazing drummer, but an engaging, creative teacher with a genuinely inspiring work ethic and practice routine of his own. I can honestly say that I've never left a lesson without feeling more excited about drumming than when I arrived. My improvements have been very apparent, as well-- he's really helped me with technique, and showed me some pretty nasty beats and fills, too. I'm a touring musician from upstate NY, and when I'm home I always make the two-hour trek for lessons with Mark. I can't say enough positive things things about this guy! Thanks for the help! read more

The beginners class was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning to play the drums. Over the course of 4 weeks you learn all the basic techniques you need to get a really solid foundation to go on and pursue your personal drumming practice. Mark F. is an incredible teacher and makes each class fun and relaxed while teaching you everything you need/want to know about drumming for beginners. I was surprised at how quickly everyone picked things up -- he had us all playing basic rock beats our first class! Definitely a MUST if you are considering learning how to play the drums. Cannot recommend it enough. read more

I've been drumming since I was 12 (two decades now) and found BANG! online in an effort to get back into lessons to improve my chops and expand my repertoire. I've been taking lessons with Mickey for almost a year and have learned a TON. She is very thoughtful about the work we do when I'm in lessons and the work she wants me to practice on my own. Mickey also goes above and beyond and has come to one of my band's shows to check out my drumming in a different scenario to better support me. I can't say enough about Mickey and the other folks I've met at BANG! The environment is so chill and supportive. Check them out! read more

I started with the beginners class and it was the best decision I ever made. Mickey was an amazing teacher and the entire class progressed in skills, even though we were all complete beginners. The group class is the perfect way to learn all the basic skills you need. After the 4 classes, I couldn't wait to continue taking private lessons with Mickey. She is a godsend-the most patient, thoughtful, and fun teacher. I love going to my drum lessons and feel like I make so much progress with each and every lesson. Bang! is a great place to take drum lessons and I HIGHLY recommend! read more

My teacher Mickey is excellent. I find her very patient, knowledgeable and supportive. I had another teacher before from another place and I find mic key's approach far superior. She made sure I learn the fundamentals that I needed to know. Taught proper techniques . Then, I get to incorporate what we learned by playing current tunes/songs. The only downside to bang is entry to the building. You can't get in unless you text your teacher or someone just happen to open the door. Meaning, if you are early, no place to hang except maybe Dukin donuts nearby. Stephanie read more

For anyone that wants to give drumming a try without dropping tons of cashish - this is the place! The teachers are the best, the most patient, and take time during the group lessons to answer individual questions. Just like everyone else, I walked out of class knowing how to now read drum music, and play songs with my friends. I am totally amazed at my progress. STEPH BARKER is numero uno! She helped each and every one of us achieve our goals in learning how to read music and actually play decent sounding beats. So happy I went, and you should too! Worth every penny! read more

I've taken some drum lessons in the past which never felt very focused and wanted to find a comprehensive beginners class. I'm so glad I found Bang! Mark's group class is exactly what I was looking for. The beginners class is a really good way to learn the fundamentals in a fun and supportive environment. Mark is a great teacher. He is encouraging, easy going and has a great sense of humor. I really appreciated the way the course was structured. I finally feel like I have a good foundation and alot of material to keep me going. I can't recommend it enough! read more

Not being musically inclined but loving the drums I enrolled for a 4-session class. The teacher, Mickey, was earnest and hardworking and everyone in the class progressed nicely. Except me. So enter Mark Feldman, owner, who has the patience of Job and the insight of Buddha. He smiled at my feeble attempts and suggested a different way to approach things and, well, I GOT IT! Life got incredibly better and I will go on to private lessons because drumming makes my heart sing....and my neighbors worried. But hey. Thank you Mickey and Mark. Judy read more

I've been taking private lessons for 8 sessions and have spaced them out over the course of a few months. Its a fairly low cost pursuit to enter (pad, sticks, book) and that will be enough to become proficient with grip and hand speed/coordination. I've had some difficulty with playing quarter/triplets in the same measure and Mark has recorded exercises for me to work on between sessions. I have so much fun and look forward to class! Maybe someday I'll be in a garage band. read more

I am loving my experience with BANG! The Drum School. I did the group class, which is GREAT - low-key, encouraging, non-judgmental, good quality fun - for absolute beginners, but if you have a little experience with music, rhythm, and/or drumming, I would recommend just going straight for the privates! They are about the same price, and you will probably progress faster. Mickey is AMAZING. So chill and ready to go at your speed, but so helpful. Just the perfect teacher! read more