Education

In addition to performing and recording on the drums, Andrew is also an active teacher and has taught drums, percussion, and music production to students of all skill levels. He currently teaches from his home studio in College Park, MD as well as George Washington University, American University, and 7DrumCity in Washington DC. Lesson inquiries may be sent to atoydrummer@gmail.com.

Here are some of the things past students have said:

“Andrew is a wonderful teacher. He always explains ‘why’ we are doing something, and I have never had a music teacher that goes to such lengths to explain why what we are working on is going to further my playing. I was hesitant about starting lessons, but I had been teaching myself for a year and worried that I was beginning to stagnate. After a few weeks of lessons, I sat down at a kit and started to play, and realized that I had probably improved about as much in a month or so as I had in a year. I highly recommend his lessons.”

“Andrew is extremely nice. You can tell he has been teaching for a while. I went into my first lessons with expectations of what I was looking for, and Andrew met all of my expectations and then some! I have already been playing drums for a little bit, and I am looking for Andrew to help me with some specific things, and Andrew was able to come up with a lesson plan exclusive to my needs and is still helping me improve in other areas. I could go on and on about how great Andrew is as a teacher, but nothing in writing can describe how great my first experience was with Andrew. I hope more drummers young and old looking for teachers chose to learn with Andrew because he simply is in a class of his own.”

“From the first lesson, Andrew has been a consummate professional. Each lesson he brings in something new, while making sure that everything we’ve covered in the past is still ingrained through repetition. Having Andrew as an instructor has opened my eyes to the many facets of drumming, and I have taken skills/techniques with me that will last forever. The feedback does not stop after each lesson, Andrew is available all the time for any questions I may have during the week if I am stumped while practicing. His schedule is flexible with mine, and he is willing to bring in music that I want to personally learn. The lessons are the right balance of fun and teaching, and his studio promotes a learning environment that is not intimidating to let loose if you’re a beginner like me. I’d recommend Andrew to anyone looking to expand their skill set, the lessons have been a great experience.”

“Andrew is a great teacher, I learned more in our first lesson than I did in two years of band. He is patient, understanding and explains concepts and skills very well. Lessons are relaxed and we get a lot accomplished each week. Nothing but great things to say!”

“Andrew is so cool (not to mention a fantastic drummer)! He’s a patient teacher and really wants to see you do your best. His professionalism is top notch and I highly recommend him!”

“I had already played drums for 10 years before starting lessons with Andrew. I mentioned that I wanted to learn technical things (rudiments, etc.) while also getting help with songs I’m trying to learn. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing. I sent him the song I was trying to learn and he transcribed it on his own time within a couple days and emailed it to me so I could practice before the next lesson. Andrew is not only very knowledgeable and skilled, but he is great at teaching the skills with a great deal of patience.”

“Great to meet Andrew and learn in his studio. He is very easy to talk to and takes the time to help you with well rounded instruction.”

“Andrew is professional, kind, kidfriendly, knowledgeable, and patient. I am very particular being in the music industry myself. My twelve year old LOVES him and has become passionate about drumming. He has had three other instructors, but Andrew it’s the best fit for him! We are signing up.the four year old! I highly recommend his services.”

“Andrew is a terrific instructor. He starts with the basics and as a result a solid foundation is started for good drumming. Andrew customizes lessons and genres to individual preferences and needs, and knows how to keep it fun while learning. I would recommend Andrew as an instructor to friends and family looking to learn how to drum.”

“I began lessons with Andrew Toy about a month ago. Very personable and talented musician. My main reason for taking up lessons was to increase my drum vocabulary. I do not read music but have been playing drums since I was a teenager. I am now 84 and enjoying it personally but have had a few “gigs” here and there. Not only am I learning new variations but Andrew is introducing me to reading music. He is a good teacher; very patient and personable.”

“Andrew is a great teacher for my 9 yr old son. He’s very knowledgeable about the drums and very accessible for my son to relate to. We’re excited to have found him and look forward to learning from him!”