Community Highlights: Meet Stefano Ashbridge of DrumLessonsInLA.com

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefano Ashbridge.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I can remember, my passion has always been to play the drums. I got a late start at age 16 but once I started taking lessons, I practiced like a mad man every day, as much as I could. I knew that this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life.

A few years into my lessons, my teacher asked me if I would fill in for him when he wasn’t available. That’s when my love of teaching began to grow alongside my love of playing the drums. I knew that teaching would always be a big part of my drumming journey.

Fast forward 20 years or so, I am in LA making a living as a full-time drummer and teacher. I balance teaching about 50 students a week of various ages and skill levels with my own playing and recording as a freelance drummer.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t consider myself to have any natural born musical ability. I worked hard to bring my drumming to a professional level and continue to work hard to be the best drummer and teacher that I can be. I have no complaints, though. Having worked hard through the challenges it takes to learn this instrument has made me a better teacher.

As you know, we’re big fans of DrumLessonsInLA.com. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I offer private one on one drum lessons, in person and online. There is so much stuff out there to learn from. What I offer is guidance and direction. I have taught hundreds of drummers in the last twenty seven years, from children just starting out, to the hobbyist playing for fun, to the professional working drummer.

My strengths are my expertise, patience, and individual attention. Each of my students has different goals, motivations, and learning personalities. My job is to guide them in the direction they want to go, make them great drummers, and show them how much fun drumming can be.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I continue to work hard to be the best drummer and teacher that I can be. It is my goal to teach students more than academic musical skills. I want to instill discipline, dedication, problem-solving skills. Each of my students has different goals, motivations, and learning personalities. My job is to guide them in the direction they want to go, make them great drummers, and show them how much fun drumming can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drumlessonsinla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drumlessonsinla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrumLessonsInLA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LADrumLessons
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/drum-lessons-in-la-burbank