teaching
teaching
My Teaching Philosophy
- As a drum educator, I’m passionate about building positive, engaging, and authentic relationships with my students. I believe that great learning starts with connection—when students feel supported and seen, they’re more willing to take creative risks, work hard, and grow not only as musicians, but as people. My teaching draws on extensive performance background. I tailor every lesson to the individual. Each student learns differently, and my job is to recognize their unique needs, interests, and goals, and build lesson plans that help them thrive. I place a strong emphasis on rudiments, technique, and timing, because I believe that a solid foundation is essential for expressive, confident playing in any genre. But just as important are creativity, musicality, and personal growth—drumming should be fun, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
- I strive for excellence in my own playing and expect the same from my students, encouraging them to set meaningful goals and supporting them with clear feedback, encouragement, and structure. My teaching is informed by nearly two decades of experience performing professionally across North America in styles including jazz, reggae, rock, metal, country, funk, and folk. I began teaching in 2005 at Calgary’s Music Maker Studio, and since 2012 I’ve offered private lessons out of my dual drum kit home studio in Montgomery. I work with students of all ages and experience levels, from absolute beginners to serious players preparing for auditions and gigs.
- Drumming has been a life-long foundation for me, and I’m driven to share the knowledge and experiences that have made it such a meaningful part of my life. Whether we’re working on a jazz comping pattern, a rockin’ drum fill, or just locking into a solid groove, my goal is always the same: to help students find their voice, build their skills, and enjoy the journey. I also believe in helping students access real-world opportunities to grow. I perform with the Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra, where I help mentor young musicians through the Girls in Jazz Workshop, and with Virago, the host band for one of Calgary’s most popular jam nights at The Blues Can. I love seeing young and emerging musicians gain performance experience, develop confidence, and build the connections they need to take their next steps as artists.
My Teaching Philosophy
- As a drum educator, I’m passionate about building positive, engaging, and authentic relationships with my students. I believe that great learning starts with connection—when students feel supported and seen, they’re more willing to take creative risks, work hard, and grow not only as musicians, but as people. My teaching draws on extensive performance background. I tailor every lesson to the individual. Each student learns differently, and my job is to recognize their unique needs, interests, and goals, and build lesson plans that help them thrive. I place a strong emphasis on rudiments, technique, and timing, because I believe that a solid foundation is essential for expressive, confident playing in any genre. But just as important are creativity, musicality, and personal growth—drumming should be fun, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
- I strive for excellence in my own playing and expect the same from my students, encouraging them to set meaningful goals and supporting them with clear feedback, encouragement, and structure. My teaching is informed by nearly two decades of experience performing professionally across North America in styles including jazz, reggae, rock, metal, country, funk, and folk. I began teaching in 2005 at Calgary’s Music Maker Studio, and since 2012 I’ve offered private lessons out of my dual drum kit home studio in Montgomery. I work with students of all ages and experience levels, from absolute beginners to serious players preparing for auditions and gigs.
- Drumming has been a life-long foundation for me, and I’m driven to share the knowledge and experiences that have made it such a meaningful part of my life. Whether we’re working on a jazz comping pattern, a rockin’ drum fill, or just locking into a solid groove, my goal is always the same: to help students find their voice, build their skills, and enjoy the journey. I also believe in helping students access real-world opportunities to grow. I perform with the Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra, where I help mentor young musicians through the Girls in Jazz Workshop, and with Virago, the host band for one of Calgary’s most popular jam nights at The Blues Can. I love seeing young and emerging musicians gain performance experience, develop confidence, and build the connections they need to take their next steps as artists.
Experienced Educator
Stefani is a respected drum educator and professional drummer based in Calgary with over two decades of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Known for her approachable style and deep musical knowledge, she specializes in helping students build strong fundamentals while developing their own unique voice on the drums.
She began her teaching career in 2005 at Calgary’s Music Maker studio, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after instructors. By 2012, she transitioned to private practice, offering lessons from her well-equipped dual drum kit home studio in Montgomery. She draws on her extensive 20 years of experience playing professionally across North America in styles ranging from jazz and reggae to rock, metal, funk, country, and folk.
Experienced Educator
Stefani is a respected drum educator and professional drummer based in Calgary with over two decades of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Known for her approachable style and deep musical knowledge, she specializes in helping students build strong fundamentals while developing their own unique voice on the drums.
She began her teaching career in 2005 at Calgary’s Music Maker studio, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after instructors. By 2012, she transitioned to private practice, offering lessons from her well-equipped dual drum kit home studio in Montgomery. She draws on her extensive 20 years of experience playing professionally across North America in styles ranging from jazz and reggae to rock, metal, funk, country, and folk.
What Students Are Saying
I took lessons from Stefani for a year and a half. Stefani is an incredible drummer AND an amazing drum teacher (talent and teaching are not always harmonious). She’s patient, she listens to each individual student and caters her lessons to those unique needs and asks – I know because she also taught my daughter some drum lessons! Highly highly recommend her as a teacher.
~ Jamie Dawn
student
My experience with Stef is one filled with skill building, confidence, and lots of excitement! Stef is an amazing drum teacher (and a killer on the drums!) as she’s extremely patient and always ready to give great tips and advice. Her experiences with playing in many different bands and performing in front of countless numbers of people has made Stef a valuable mentor and an inspirational drum teacher! Stef has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has taught me so many important techniques and lessons that have given me the confidence to join senior bands in my school! She is a great inspiration and leader to anyone who wants to start playing the drums! I always look forward to my lessons with Stef where I am guaranteed to learn, laugh, and have a great time on the drums!
~ Hayley D
student
In the fall of 2006 l enrolled my six year old daughter Shelby in drum classes. There she began her love of drumming through her teacher, Stefani. She was always excited to learn new beats, and songs with each new lesson. She rapidly became a talented drummer. Stefani instilled discipline and encouragement in her classes. They both share a love of music and drumming that continues within their friendship today. Any parent, child, teenager or adult student would be incredibly lucky to have Stefani as their drum teacher. She truly embodies what a good teacher and friend is.
~ Janet
parent
If there’s one thing I did right in my life, it was having Stefani as my drum instructor! We started way back in 2006 when I was so shy and new to everything. She quickly made me feel more comfortable and confident with each new lesson. We touched on everything from the basic rudiments, sheet music reading, to songs of each of our choosing. Eventually we had the occasional drum recital; they always felt like a fun challenge for the both of us. She gave me tests and exercises that pushed me to the point where it made all the rhythms and rudiments come naturally. The skills that she taught me are still relevant when I learn and play new music, even to this day. Not only was she an amazing teacher but as we both grew she became more like a big sister, helping to mold me into the person I am today. Anyone who has Stefani as an instructor should be considered very fortunate!
~ Shelby
student
We’ve been bringing our 7-year-old daughter to Stef for drum lessons for the past year, and we couldn’t be happier. Steph is an incredible teacher—patient, knowledgeable, and a truly skilled musician. She has a great way of breaking down the basics, introducing rhythms, and teaching how to read sheet music in a way that’s accessible and engaging for young learners.
Stef also gives thoughtful, manageable homework that makes it easy for our daughter to practice at home. Her lessons are fun, welcoming, and thoughtfully paced. When our daughter starts to lose focus or feel overwhelmed—as kids naturally do—Stef has a wonderful way of bringing her back in with playful drum breaks that keep the lessons light and fun.
Thank you, Stef!
~ Marlese and Alex
parents
What Students Are Saying
We’ve been bringing our 7-year-old daughter to Stef for drum lessons for the past year, and we couldn’t be happier. Steph is an incredible teacher—patient, knowledgeable, and a truly skilled musician. She has a great way of breaking down the basics, introducing rhythms, and teaching how to read sheet music in a way that’s accessible and engaging for young learners.
Stef also gives thoughtful, manageable homework that makes it easy for our daughter to practice at home. Her lessons are fun, welcoming, and thoughtfully paced. When our daughter starts to lose focus or feel overwhelmed—as kids naturally do—Stef has a wonderful way of bringing her back in with playful drum breaks that keep the lessons light and fun.
Thank you, Stef!
~ Marlese and Alex
parents
If there’s one thing I did right in my life, it was having Stefani as my drum instructor! We started way back in 2006 when I was so shy and new to everything. She quickly made me feel more comfortable and confident with each new lesson. We touched on everything from the basic rudiments, sheet music reading, to songs of each of our choosing. Eventually we had the occasional drum recital; they always felt like a fun challenge for the both of us. She gave me tests and exercises that pushed me to the point where it made all the rhythms and rudiments come naturally. The skills that she taught me are still relevant when I learn and play new music, even to this day. Not only was she an amazing teacher but as we both grew she became more like a big sister, helping to mold me into the person I am today. Anyone who has Stefani as an instructor should be considered very fortunate!
~ Shelby
student
My experience with Stef is one filled with skill building, confidence, and lots of excitement! Stef is an amazing drum teacher (and a killer on the drums!) as she’s extremely patient and always ready to give great tips and advice. Her experiences with playing in many different bands and performing in front of countless numbers of people has made Stef a valuable mentor and an inspirational drum teacher! Stef has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has taught me so many important techniques and lessons that have given me the confidence to join senior bands in my school! She is a great inspiration and leader to anyone who wants to start playing the drums! I always look forward to my lessons with Stef where I am guaranteed to learn, laugh, and have a great time on the drums!
~ Hayley D
student
In the fall of 2006 l enrolled my six year old daughter Shelby in drum classes. There she began her love of drumming through her teacher, Stefani. She was always excited to learn new beats, and songs with each new lesson. She rapidly became a talented drummer. Stefani instilled discipline and encouragement in her classes. They both share a love of music and drumming that continues within their friendship today. Any parent, child, teenager or adult student would be incredibly lucky to have Stefani as their drum teacher. She truly embodies what a good teacher and friend is.
~ Janet
parent
I took lessons from Stefani for a year and a half. Stefani is an incredible drummer AND an amazing drum teacher (talent and teaching are not always harmonious). She’s patient, she listens to each individual student and caters her lessons to those unique needs and asks – I know because she also taught my daughter some drum lessons! Highly highly recommend her as a teacher.
