Great music education starts with great instructors — and Ethan is exactly that. A dedicated drum teacher at School of Rock Princeton, Ethan brings a lifelong love of music, a passion for helping students grow, and a genuine gift for making every lesson count. Whether you're picking up sticks for the first time or looking to level up your skills, Ethan is now accepting new students and would love to help you find your groove.
We sat down with Ethan to talk about his musical journey, his teaching philosophy, and what he hopes every student takes away from their time behind the kit.
Was there a particular song, artist, or performance that made you want to learn the instrument?
There wasn’t one specific song or artist. I grew up in a musical family, so music was always around me. Being surrounded by people who played naturally inspired me to pick up drums.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice when you first started playing, what would it be?
Learn left foot independence as early as possible. It opens up so many possibilities on the drum set and makes everything else easier down the road.
If a student is nervous or has never played before, what would you tell them before their first lesson?
Even the best drummers in the world couldn’t play at one point in their lives. Everyone starts somewhere, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how you improve.
What is the biggest mistake people make when learning the drums?
Not focusing enough on timing. Being able to stay locked in the pocket is one of the most important skills a drummer can develop.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching at School of Rock Princeton?
Watching students make progress and seeing the smile on their face when they finally play something they’ve been working hard on.
If you could have every student master one skill beyond music, what would it be?
Communication and the ability to work well with other musicians. Learning how to network, get gigs, collaborate, and improvise are skills that can open a lot of doors both in music and in life.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you at School of Rock?
I hope they see music as a lifelong outlet for creativity, stress relief, and expressing emotions that are hard to put into words. It’s also a skill you’ll never lose—you can enjoy it throughout your life and even pass it on to your own kids or grandkids someday.
Ready to start your drumming journey?
Ethan is currently accepting new students at School of Rock Princeton. Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to refine your skills, book your first lesson today and discover what you can achieve behind the kit.
