Private Lessons

Matt Ritter has been an internationally-recognized figure in drumming education for over 2 decades. He has had numerous articles published in Modern Drummer magazine, and his influential DVD, Unburying The Beater, was distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation.

The two most legendary names in drumstick technique are Billy Gladstone (1893-1961) and Sanford Moeller (1878-1960). Matt is one of the few drummers in the world who was lucky enough to study with the direct students of both of those gentlemen. As a teenager, Matt studied with Konrad Kaufman (student of Billy Gladstone’s). As a young adult, he studied with Jim Chapin (student of Sanford Moeller’s). It is worth noting that Jim Chapin is widely regarded as the greatest drum teacher of all time.

In addition to guiding and overseeing all aspects of Matt Ritter Drum Lessons, Matt continues to personally teach a small number of advanced and exceptionally dedicated students. He is an expert teacher of drumstick technique, pedal technique, ambidexterity, and reading skills. He also has a knack for helping “stuck” drummers to break through barriers and plateaus in their playing.

To inquire about Matt's availability, please use our Contact page.

Carr Bonner has been playing drums for over 20 years. Along the way, he studied with Dale Baker of Sixpence None the Richer and jazz educator Dan Davis before attending Berklee College of Music, where he learned from acclaimed instructors including the late Kim Plainfield, Skip Hadden, and Tony "Thunder" Smith.

Carr currently plays with his own band, Scrimmage, and tours nationally with Indie-Folk band, TOLEDO. Over the years, he's performed in venues ranging from small clubs to theaters and amphitheaters—sharing stages with artists such as Caamp, Local Natives, Spacey Jane, and The Backseat Lovers.

When he's not performing or teaching, Carr spends much of his time recording and producing music. He self-engineers and co-produces all of Scrimmage's recordings and enjoys helping students understand not only playing drums, but how the drums apply to a greater musical landscape. Whether working with a beginner picking up sticks for the first time or a more experienced player looking to grow, his goal is to make lessons fun, engaging, and tailored to each student's musical interests!

You can try out lessons with Carr by signing up for the New Student Starter Package. Learn more HERE.

Thomas Raker first started drumming in the third grade after seeing the music video for "Holiday" by Green Day, and he has never looked back since. He has trained extensively in drum set, concert percussion, and marching percussion. He studied under David Hillendahl, who played on tour and in New York with productions on Broadway.

As a teacher, Thomas believes drumming is a powerful form of self-expression. He is passionate about helping students build both the technical skills and confidence they need to express themselves behind the kit. His approach emphasizes creativity, musicality, and having fun...because at the end of the day, playing the drums should be exciting and rewarding.

Thomas is an active member of the Brooklyn music scene and currently plays with the bands I May Never Return and The LVP. He’s just as comfortable playing a sweaty basement show as he is on stage at iconic New York venues like the Broadway and Arlene’s Grocery. In addition to teaching and performing, Thomas is a devoted husband, cat dad, Dungeons & Dragons player, and professional video editor.

You can try out lessons with Thomas by signing up for the New Student Starter Package. Learn more HERE.

Dorothy Mao has a long background in computer work, interface design, and all aspects of customer service and administration. She recently took up drumming and immediately developed a passion for it! She's excited that she can lend her unique skills to Matt Ritter Drum Lessons in order to help other people discover drumming!