Percussion / Drum Lessons in Eugene, OR
Looking to unleash your inner rhythm? Whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or looking to refine advanced technique, drum and percussion lessons at Pavilanis School of Music offer dynamic, hands-on instruction for students of all ages and experience levels.
Our lessons cover a wide range of percussion styles and instruments—from drum set and snare to hand drums and mallet percussion. We welcome students ages 6 through adulthood and offer a supportive, creative environment where each student can grow at their own pace.
Drumming builds more than rhythm—it strengthens coordination, focus, listening skills, and confidence. Whether your goal is to jam with a band, join a school ensemble, or just have fun learning a new skill, our instructors will tailor lessons to meet your goals and musical interests.
What You’ll Learn in Percussion & Drum Lessons
Students receive personalized instruction in a variety of techniques and styles. Our teachers blend classical fundamentals with modern approaches, ensuring well-rounded development and tons of fun.
Lessons may include:
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Proper grip, posture, and technique
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Reading drum notation and rhythms
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Rudiments and stick control
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Coordination and independence on drum set
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Playing with a metronome or backing track
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Improvisation and creative soloing
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Genre-specific grooves (rock, jazz, funk, punk, Latin, etc.)
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Mallet percussion (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone)
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Hand percussion (congas, djembe, cajon, tabla, and more)
Drumming Styles and Instruments Taught
Our instructors have experience across a wide range of genres and instruments:
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Drum Set – Rock, jazz, funk, punk, metal, Latin, and more
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Hand Percussion – Congas, cajon, tabla, djembe, doumbek
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Mallet Percussion – Xylophone, marimba, vibraphone
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Marching & Symphonic Percussion – Snare drum, timpani, auxiliary percussion
Meet Our Drum & Percussion Instructors
Riley Gaudette
Percussion / Drums
Riley Gaudette is a drummer from Tampa, Florida, and a graduate of University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Jazz Performance program in Orlando.
Throughout middle school and high school, Riley joined marching, concert, and jazz band and formed his own project with other high school musicians called Band of a Band in 2016, which performed during all 4 years of high school. Senior year, he became the drum line captain for marching band and began the selective application processes for college auditions as an aspiring drum performance major.
Riley was the only drummer selected to join UCF’s jazz program in 2019 and studied under Marty Morell and Clarence Penn at UCF until 2023. During that time, he joined Labeled Lawless, a popular band in the Orlando hard rock scene, and recorded as session musician for several other artists. The jazz program’s rigorous performance and instruction schedule led to deep immersion in traditional jazz and world music influences.
Following graduation in 2023, Riley moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked both as a session musician and gig drummer in the indie and experimental scene before shifting back to composition and performance with his own band, LemonLime — a funk/jam band project started with collaborator, Andy Proffitt in 2025.
Riley moved to Eugene, Oregon in 2026 where he hopes to continue his work as a musician, composer and educator in the Pacific Northwest, and continue writing and performing with his band, LemonLime.
Percussion & Drum Lessons for Kids, Teens & Adults
We offer lessons to suit every age and skill level:
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Young Beginners (Ages 6–10) – Fun, movement-based lessons that build rhythm, coordination, and excitement
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Pre-Teens & Teens – Great for school band, rock camp, or forming your first band
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Adults – Whether you’re a returning player or total beginner, we’ll meet you where you are and help you progress at your own pace
Ready to start woodwind lessons in Eugene?
Whether you’re picking up a flute for the first time, preparing for an audition, or getting back into clarinet after years away, our experienced instructors are here to help. At Pavilanis School of Music, we create a welcoming, student-centered environment where woodwind players of all ages can build skills, explore new repertoire, and grow their love of music.