Professional musician and instructor Sol Garnier has been teaching drums in Chicago since 1991. His enthusiasm, teaching ability, and passion for drumming have earned him a reputation as one of Chicago’s most influential and effective drum instructors.

Styles of music taught: Rock, Jazz, Latin, Blues, Heavy Rock, Country, Reggae, Hip-hop, Gospel, Punk, and more

Levels: All. From brand new beginners to heavy-duty professionals.

Ages: 6 to 77

Pricing
1/2 hour lessons: $45
1 hour lessons: $55

Sol’s philosophy
I believe that teaching should be more about lighting a fire than filling up a vase. If I can motivate you by by making the journey of learning drums an exciting adventure, the rest will follow naturally. It’s a philosophy I’ve been applying for more than 18 years with great results.

The greatest inspiration for me is seeing my students get more and more excited each week about their lessons. To help you stay inspired and engaged, I vary my techniques and tailor each session to your needs. If you don’t read music, I play the lessons myself so you can record them with a smartphone and practice at home.

I make use of my extensive CD collection, play the piano while you try out new exercises, and make up games. I demonstrate tricks to practice. I joke to help you relax. And I use my extensive drumming and teaching library along with my years of teaching experience.

Sol’s experience
Sol Garnier started to play the drums in France at The Conservatory, where he studied classical percussion for three years while attending the music section in high school and being part of a rock band (Doctor Fox) and a circus (Cirque Plume). He then attended the Berklee College of Music for two years where he studied all styles of music with Skip Hadden (Weather Report), Tommy Campbell (Sonny Rollins) and many others.

Residing in Chicago since 1991, Sol has played with J.P and the Cats (the former band of Jimmy Chamberlain of the Smashing Pumpkins), Michael Charles (Australian Blues celebrity) and has been the house drummer for the church “Our Lady of the Wayside” in Arlington Heights for four years. Besides playing the drums, his passion is teaching, and is an avid reader of any teaching book he can find.