Life & Work with TJ Fisher of Long Beach / Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ Fisher.

TJ, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Drums For Success was born from a single moment — a career day at an elementary school. What started as a simple visit to share my passion for drumming turned into something far more powerful. The students’ excitement was overwhelming — their joy, their curiosity, their hunger to learn. That experience lit a spark. I remember walking away thinking, “Why can’t kids experience this kind of joy every day?”

From that moment on, Drums For Success became more than an idea — it became a mission. What began with just drum lessons has since evolved into a full-scale music education and mentorship program. Today, we offer instruction in all the major commercial instruments: drums, bass, guitar, piano, music production, singing, and songwriting.

But what we’re most proud of isn’t just the instruments we teach — it’s the lives we help shape. Mentorship is at the heart of what we do. We walk alongside our students, not just to teach them music, but to help them discover their voice, their purpose, and their potential.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been an uphill journey. Transitioning from being just a music educator and mentor to also wearing the hat of a business owner has come with its share of challenges. People often hear the word nonprofit and assume that funding flows easily — but the reality is quite the opposite. Raising money, building partnerships, and sustaining programs takes relentless effort, vision, and a whole lot of faith.

That said, we’ve been blessed with incredible support along the way. Thanks to friends, community champions, and generous partners like the Guitar Center Foundation, and M.usican I.n A.ction we’ve been able to keep pushing forward. Their belief in our mission has helped us continue making an impact — and now, we’re stepping into the next chapter as we work toward raising funds for our very own facility. It hasn’t been easy, but the purpose keeps us going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Drums For Success is a music education and mentorship initiative that partners with schools, organizations, and cultural institutions across Southern California to provide high-quality music education to students who may not otherwise have access. As of late, you can often find us at the Grammy Museum hosting music workshops where we introduce students to the foundations of rhythm, music production, and beat making — making it fun, accessible, and empowering.

In addition to group workshops, we offer private instruction and mentorship for students of all levels — from those just discovering their musical interests to college students and recent graduates pursuing careers in music. What sets us apart is the personal investment we make in each student’s journey — we don’t just teach music, we build confidence, life skills, and community through every lesson and every beat.

We’re most proud of the impact we’ve made in the lives of young people — seeing students who started with no formal training go on to produce their own music, perform live, or even return to help mentor the next generation. We believe that music is more than a skill — it’s a tool for expression, healing, and opportunity. That’s the heart behind everything we do.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What we love most about Los Angeles is its creative energy and cultural diversity. It’s a city where art, music, and innovation are constantly colliding — and that makes it an amazing place to grow something like Drums For Success. From the Grammy Museum to community centers in underserved neighborhoods, LA offers endless opportunities to reach people through music and create real impact.

What we like least? Honestly, it’s the inequality. For a city with so much wealth and opportunity, there’s still a huge gap in access to resources, especially when it comes to arts education. That’s part of what fuels our mission — we want every kid, no matter what zip code they come from, to have the same chance to explore their creativity and discover their potential through music.

Pricing:

• School & Community Workshops Starting at $300/session Includes rhythm, beat-making, or music production instruction. Group sizes up to 25 students. Customizable for grade level and setting.
• Private Music Lessons (Drums, Keys, Music Production) $60/hour – virtual or in-person Discounted rates available for bundled sessions or low-income families.
• Mentorship Program (Monthly) $150/month Includes 2 one-on-one coaching sessions, goal tracking, and access to exclusive online resources.
• Live Events / Speaking Engagements / Music Clinics Rates vary – contact for booking Tailored sessions for schools, conferences, and music programs.
• Custom Curriculum & Partnerships Pricing based on scope and duration Available for schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drumsforsuccess/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=drums%20for%20success
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrumsForSuccess
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dfsmentorship