Y’all might remember the story about my beginning band experience, how I changed instruments halfway through the semester and took some private lessons to catch up. My first trumpet instructor was a kind man with a gray buzz cut named Willard Johnson. He taught at Whole Note Music, which was owned by Kerry Woolard. I took weekly lessons from Mr. Johnson, and he got me caught up to where I needed to be. Eventually, Whole Note Music was sold so Kerry could pursue other adventures, and I had outgrown Mr. Johnson by then. I found another private teacher, who was an odd little man, and I can remember nothing about him except his first name, (which I will keep to myself to protect the weird) and the fact that he passed out candy eyeballs on Halloween.
Whole Note Music is no more, and its replacement, Claremore Music, has now moved on to music heaven, as well. But it’s still an ideal location for lessons, and that is what Mark Proctor is doing with “Drum Lessons by Mark.”
Mark offers weekly, 30-minute private lessons. Parents are welcome to sit in, but it gets pretty loud with all that banging! Mark understands that, and offers a quieter waiting area for parents.
For a first lesson, all the student needs to bring is himself. (Or herself!) Mark will provide drums, drumsticks, and any other supplies, so the learning can begin immediately. Upon completion of the first lesson, Mark will inform parents and students what supplies they will need to purchase.
Mark teaches using a two-drumset system, so the student can play along with the instructor, rather than having to pass sticks back and forth. Because it’s more fun that way.
Just so you know a little about the instructor, Mark has more than 35 years experience playing the drums, traveling all over the world. In 2013, he was named Oklahoma’s top drummer by Music Megabass. He is currently endorsed by Sabian cymbals and Gretsch drummers, as well as several other drum companies.
Mark feels fortunate that he is able to use his talent to do what he loves and teach others. “I love to help people and kids to have fun on the drums! We learn hard but we play even harder,” said Mark.
The cost for private drum lessons is $85 per month, due on the first lesson of each month. Drum Lessons by Mark is in the east side of the former Whole Note and Claremore Music, at 604 W. 8th St. in Claremore. For more information or to schedule lessons, call Mark at 918-779-9878.
Keep it local, Claremore!
-MCM Staffer Ashley,
who has since lost all sense of musical talent