Drum Lessons with Rick Lawton

Learn exactly what you need to know from pro drummer, author and teacher Rick Lawton!

Snare drum, drum kit, reading music for percussion...learn some, or learn it all!

Take lessons in the comfort of your own home, or come to Rick's studio in Yardley, PA.

Rick's been giving lessons, and advice on drums to buy, protection for your investment, and how to practice the drums. He's published a drum method book that he uses to teach, called Slow It Down, Break It Down. You'll be working right from Rick's own book during your lessons, along with other great method books, including those by Jim Chapin, Ted Reed and Anthony Cirone.


The Drummer Who Wrote The Book

It's pretty rare to get taught by the author of your textbook. It's even more rare in the music business, where most people think it's all been done before.

But Rick saw an opportunity to help his students by writing a book that includes more than the "average" drum method book. This book will take new drummers from the beginning, and even pro drummers can use this book to brush up on reading, timing and other necessary techniques.

  FREE Drum Lesson!

That's right, all new students get your first 1/2 hour lesson FREE, if you live within a 1/2 hour's drive from Yardley, PA, or if you choose to have your lesson at Rick's studio in Yardley.

Call Today to get on the schedule, and get your FREE lesson.

Rick Lawton Drum Lessons:
215-269-8258


How a Pro Gears Up

Rick explains, "I use different kits and cymbals because it's much more convenient. One night I'll play a Jazz gig, the next night I'll play a Rock gig, the next night I might play a Funk gig, and all of them in different size rooms.

"I don't have to change drumheads and retune ONE kit for all the different styles of music and in the different rooms.

"Each kit sounds different. For example, a Birch or Maple kit may sound better in this or that kind of room, etc. Saves me lots of hours each week."

Here's Rick's working lineup:

Drum Kits

Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau
6 x 6 Tom, 8 x 10 Tom, 10 x 12 Tom, 12 x 14 Tom, 16 x 16 Tom, 18 x 22 Bass Drum, 6 x 14 Anton Fig Signature Snare.

DW Drums Collector's Series Burnt Toast Fade
6 x 8 Tom, 8 x 10 Tom, 10 x 12 Tom, 12 x 14 Tom, 14 x 16 Tom, 5 x 14 Snare, 18 x 22 Bass Drum, 4 x 13 Snare.

TAMA Starclassic Drums: British Racing Green
6 x 8 Tom, 8 x 10 Tom, 10 x 12 Tom, 12 x 14 Tom, 14 x 16 Tom, 5 x 14 Snare Drum, Yamaha Anton Fig 6 1/2 x 14 Snare Drum, 18 x 20 Bass Drum. All Toms with SFR (Sound Focus Rings) on shells.

TAMA Starclassic Maple Kit: British Racing Green 11 x 12 Tom, 12 x 13 Tom, 16 x 16 Tom, 18 x 22 Bass Drum, 6 1/2 x 14 Snare Drum. All Toms with SFR (Sound Focus Rings) on shells.

Gretsch Renown Maple Kit: 1968 Red Walnut
8 x 12 Tom, 9 x 13 Tom, 13 x 14 Tom, 16 x 16 Tom, 14 x 20 Bass Drum, 6 1/2 x 14 Snare Drum.

Gretsch Catalina Birch Kit: Dark Walnut
7 x 8 Tom, 8 x 10 Tom, 9 x 12 Tom, 11 x 14 Tom, 18 x 22 Bass Drum, 5 x 14 Snare Drum

Rick uses 2 different sets of hardware: Yamaha 700 Series single-braced stands, and DW 9000 Series double-braced stands.

Cymbals

Sabian AAX 18" & 16" crashes, HHX 20" Stage Ride and 13" Quick Beat Zildjian Hi-Hats.

Zildjian 18" & 16" A Custom Crashes, 14" K Hi-Hats, and 9" & 11" Zildjian Azuka Splashes.

Paiste: "Traditional" 22" Paiste Power Ride, 20" Light Ride, 18" & 16" Thin Crashes

Set of Istanbul Agop Cymbals: 20" Light Ride, 18" & 16" Thin Crashes

Cases

Cases used are King Kong Custom-made hard-shell ATA type travel cases (thank you, Buzzy King!).

Bags used are Levy's padded bags.

Also depend on Humes & Berg Enduro cases and Tuxedo Companion hardware bags.