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Drums & Percussion Teachers
Drums & Percussion Teachers
The Music Shoppe of Normal
Whether you're ready to get started with lessons or just want more information, please check out our Lesson Studio Contact Form.
Jeff Young
Percussion Instructor | Normal, IL
Whatever your drumming needs are, Jeff Young can help you! Jeff has a very wide range of expertise on anything from drum set to concert or world percussion. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters degree in Music Performance from Illinois State University. He served on the faculty at Heartland Community College from 2007-2016. Jeff’s teaching experience includes private lessons, traditional classroom teaching, marching drum line instruction, and music camps. Jeff has also served as a judge at ILMEA-sponsored events for grades 5-12.
Jeff began his drumming life with a practice pad and a set of bells from The Music Shoppe. He also took private lessons at The Music Shoppe in junior high and high school. Currently a member of The Music Shoppe staff (since 2006), Jeff helps today’s beginners get started in their musical lives as an Educational Sales Representative. Jeff plays drum set for the local rock band Jack Dupp & the Empty Bottles. He plays regularly in the area for musical theatre productions. Jeff has also performed in various groups on guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Whether it be a rock band or an orchestra, Jeff is comfortable performing in any musical situation: however, Jeff’s dream job is to play in a pit orchestra for a Broadway musical.
Ryan Helenthal
Percussion Instructor | Normal, IL
Ryan Helenthal is a freelance percussionist in the Central Illinois area. He studied at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville under Daniel Smithiger. Ryan served as principal percussionist for the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in the 2014-2015 season. He was formerly the principal percussionist for the St. Louis Brass Band. Other groups that Ryan has performed with include The Agape Ringers in Chicago, FunDMC in Springfield, and The Downtime Band in St. Louis. Ryan has been active in musical theater, playing for The Clinton Area Showboat Theater, The City of Bloomington, Hard Road Productions, Looking Glass Playhouse Theatre, Community Players Theatre, St. Charles Community College, and Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville. Ryan has also commissioned a work by Casey Cangelosi titled "Iktsuarpok."
Ryan is endorsed by Artifact Percussion.
Zachary Hoffman
Drum Set Instructor | Normal, IL
Have drumming questions? I probably have answers! I started drumming as a child, when my dad gave me his old kit (a classic Ludwig kit, nonetheless!) I've played the drums in about every genre of popular music, and been in all types of bands, ranging from bluegrass to heavy metal/prog. My early experience on the kit worked well for mallet percussion in the Jr/HS band, which inspired me to learn the piano after high school. Music has always been a passion of mine! I'm currently working with the local band Wildermore, writing and performing original music and playing the occasional cover set. I've been giving lessons privately for over four years.