Nick Balkun's Drum Lessons

Serves Elizabeth, NJ

35244

Hired 22 times

1 employee

15 years in business

$70/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Square cash app, and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

Nick Balkun
Completed on 9/8/2020

Introduction

Nick Balkun is a Connecticut based drummer, producer and drum instructor who has over fifteen years experience teaching drums to all ages. In addition to teaching privately over the past 10 years, Nick was also the recipient of the 2016 Top Percussionist In Connecticut Award from the Percussive Arts Society Of America. Since 2009, Nick has performed live in 7 countries including USA, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. Nick Balkun is a charismatic and insightful teacher who works his hardest to help his students grow through music and education. Each student receives a unique practice routine to help maximize their studies and excel quickly and efficiently in whatever style of music they play. As a performer, Nick is an accomplished Connecticut-based musician who is in several internationally touring bands including Balkun Brothers, Legalized, Death Bear and more. Performing live and recording in the studio is the core of Nick's everyday life. From drum lessons, to music production lessons, to live band concerts, Nick is a musician who brings the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail in every facet of his work. Nick specializes in teaching all styles of music and bases his lessons on rudiments, technique and musical expression on all levels. The Connecticut native has studied with various teachers since he began playing, including notable drummers Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Tony Royster Jr. (Katy Perry, Jay-Z), David Garibaldi (Tower Of Power), Tim Alexander (Primus), Jaimoe (The Allman Brothers Band), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Neal Evans (Dopapod). Nick worked with the University of Connecticut marching band while in college. He specializes in rock, funk, and blues drumming but also has been trained in jazz, heavy metal, punk rock and marching. Some of Nick’s biggest influences include Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl, Mikkey Dee and John Bonham. Nick is currently touring the World with his award winning rock n’ roll band, Balkun Brothers. Balkun Brothers has shared the stage with acts such as Johnny Winter, Gogol Bordello and Gary Clark Jr. The band has also been featured on major festival line-ups alongside The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Motley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Slayer, Iggy Pop and Linkin Park.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

1/2 hour lesson: $40 1-hour lesson: $70

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Generally, I like to first ask the student their specific music interests and what the student’s and parent’s (where applicable) goals are for their particular lessons. We then work together to achieve their goals while building confidence and the techniques necessary to play in a well-rounded way in the musical styles of their choice. I am a believer in creating a practice schedule that includes all of the material covered in each lesson as well as other long term goals that the student may be hoping to achieve over time. Usually a lesson for a new student will include warm-up exercises, review of previous experience and new material which may include song-writing, reading or rudiment training. Each lesson is unique and geared towards the specific student.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Nick has been playing drums for 20 years, since the age of 9. The Connecticut native has taken private lessons with various teachers since he began playing, including notable drummers Tim Alexander (Primus), Jaimoe (The Allman Brothers Band), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Phillip Fish Fisher (Fishbone). Nick was also part of the University of Connecticut marching band while in college. He specializes in rock, funk, and blues drumming but also has been trained in jazz, Latin, heavy metal, punk rock and world drums. After being voted 'Best Blues Band in Connecticut' at the Connecticut Music Awards for 4 years in a row (from 2013-2016), Nick's band, Balkun Brothers, was most recently awarded 'Best Rock Band in New England' at the 2017 New England Music Awards. Nick independently produced and released their debut album in 2015 entilted, 'ReDrova', which was well received and rose to #1 on the Roots Music Report Blues-Rock album charts and was #5 on the Roots Music Report overall Blues charts. Balkun Brothers signed with European label Dixiefrog Records in 2015 and released their much-anticipated second album, 'Devil On TV', with Dixiefrog in May of 2017. Nick has toured extensively throughout the United States from coast to coast and has also completed five European tours since 2015, performing in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France. Nick owns and manages his own recording studio, Nük Lab Recording Studios, in Griswold, CT. He has produced, engineered and recorded a number of bands and solo artists since opening his studio. When he is not on the road touring, Nick has been teaching drums and music production to students for over 10 years and endorses Treehouse Custom Drums, SJC Drums and JH Audio.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I began taking private lessons when I was 9 years old after seeing my older brother play guitar live with a very talented band. As my skills progressed, I joined a pop-rock band in middle school and recorded my first demo. At this time, I fell in love with recording and playing with a live band. Around this same time, some of my friends who saw me playing wanted to learn so I started teaching them and have found enjoyment in watching students progress and grow through music ever since. Eventually, I recognized my interest for marching drums and tried out for the University of Connecticut marching band when I got to college. This further developed my skills as a technically proficient drummer. After a year on the marching band, I decided that my true passion was to have my own band and this is when I founded Balkun Brothers. Since then, we have grown tremendously as a band and toured all over the World. These opportunities have led me to be lucky enough to take lessons from some of my heroes and to also study music every day and excel at my craft. Over the last 10 years, I began taking private piano, guitar and vocal lessons to help develop my skills as a well rounded musician and not just a drummer. I have also owned and operated my recording studio since 2009. I have always loved to teach students of all ages and in all different stages of their musical career. I plan to continue teaching as long as I can!

What types of customers have you worked with?

All types of students. From ages 3 to 93 in every stage of their learning career.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

My most recent drum student is 9 years old and has autism. He already plays piano and guitar but was new to drums. Although his attention span can be very short, I learned that he could pick up rhythms quickly after watching me play them at different speeds for him to see. He was a more visual learner rather than someone who prefers to read sheet music. Not only was this very interesting to me, I also found great joy in figuring out another new way to teach this specific student. His unique way of learning was very fun for me. To be able to introduce him to new music and show him some great drummers of the past is something that is priceless. He now is able to play various songs from a few of his favorite bands and also improvise and solo. He is more aware of how rudiments help his playing and how to mix different beats and fills to create new songs of his own.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Always be sure the teacher is an active performer in addition to being a teacher. Usually the best teachers are actively performing as well as teaching. You want to be sure to hire someone who is actively performing and teaching so that their skills are being refined every day too.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

- What styles of music are of interest to learn? - What credentials/awards does the teacher have? - What are the short-term and/or long-term goals for the lessons?