PERFECT FOR ALL AGES
Drums and other percussion instruments are a popular lesson choice for students of all ages, especially younger children, as the instrument gives an immediate gratification. When you hit a drum, you get an immediate response. Drums are often referred to as one of the most fun instruments to play, as all 4 limbs can work independently to produce grooves and different rhythms.
RUDIMENTARY DRUMMING
A lot of skill is required to perfect playing a percussion instrument. Students are initially taught rudiments, the foundation to all drum beats, as they work on technique, learning to read, and playing by ear. Our instructors often mix learning songs into the drum lessons so our students can learn how fundamental rudiments helped to create the iconic songs we know and love today. The foundational skills learned by playing a percussion instrument can easily transpose to other instruments, making the drum set a wonderful foundational instrument opening the doors to an endless possibility of instrument learning!
TRADITIONAL AND MARCHING BAND
Our highly skilled, professional drum and percussion instructors specialize in everything from traditional drum set lessons to school band and marching band percussion instruments. Many of our students throughout the years have gone on to march in college bands after receiving scholarships. Some have even toured professionally with various bands! Let our expert drum instructors work with you to set and achieve your musical percussion goals!
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR!
Chase Allen (Guitar/Bass/Ukulele/Drums)
Chase began playing drums at the age of four and, shortly after, picked up the guitar. Growing up in a musical household, he was exposed to many different types of music from an early age. Chase founded several bands and was captain of the drumline in high school, leading him to attend the Atlanta Institute of Music. He has toured with numerous pop, rock, and country groups around North America and did studio session work in Nashville and Atlanta – Chase is currently playing with the group Trotline. He resides in Auburn with his lovely wife Caitlin, their amazing son, and their beloved dog!
Maliq Gunn (Drums/Percussion)
Maliq Gunn is a Music Industry major that began his studies at Troy University. He is an Opelika native, and is thrilled to be teaching at Spicer's Music! Maliq fell in love with drumming as a kid, and he has been playing non-stop ever since.. Developing not only his strong passion for the kit, but for music as a whole. Entering his freshman year at Troy, Maliq marched with their drumline and was chosen to be one of the drummers for the University's pop band POPulus. Run by the late, great Robert W. Smith, Maliq was given many opportunities as part of POPulus, including: Recording on several albums, touring, playing with major artists, and even playing a sold out concert in Nashville! He has also loved playing for the Troy Gospel Choir and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Maliq is a joyful individual who loves to have fun and pass along his love for music to each student he encounters. When he's not playing with his band Nameless, he loves to watch movies and spend time with friends!
Hunter Jackson (Drums/Percussion)
Hunter has been studying, teaching, and performing music for over two decades. All the while, he has never strayed from his roots in the Opelika/Auburn area. Hunter attended Opelika High School, where he performed in every possible ensemble from The Spirit of the South Marching Band to the Jazz Band. He followed up at Auburn University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance under Dr. Doug Rosener. While his studies were in all percussive mediums, the drum set was his main focus. He can teach everything from a drum set to a four-mallet marimba. Hunter has invested several years in teaching percussive studies at local high schools, including; Opelika High School, Auburn High School, Smiths Station High School. Hunter is the sitting drummer for the punk rock outfit Radio Decay and the southern rock group The Bama Gamblers. He loves working with students and watching their skill, technique, and passion for music grow!
Zavier Shaw (Drums/Percussion)
Picking up sticks at church at the age of 11, Zavier had a natural rhythm and excitement for drums. After years of being self-taught, he decided to audition for the percussion section at Opelika Middle School - This led to his participation in multiple ensembles with Opelika High School, including jazz band, The Spirit of the South Marching Band, wind ensemble, and percussion ensemble. Currently, Zavier is in the Auburn University Department of Music pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Commercial Music with a focus on drum set. Since studying at Auburn University, he has performed with the Auburn University Marching Band, Jazz Combo, the pop group Sonic Nation, and played at countless Auburn sporting events. Zavier loves being part of the Spicer’s Music team, and always looks forward to helping students learn and grow in their love for music!
Micah Walker (Drums/Percussion)
Micah is a formally trained musician who plays drum set and percussion. He received a Bachelor's degree in Music from Southern Illinois University, has over 11 years of performance experience, and several years of teaching experience! His favorite styles include rock, R&B, jazz, gospel, and blues. Micah is excited to continue sharing his experience and knowledge of music with each student he gets to teach!
Kris Whitehurst (Drums/Percussion)
Kristopher Whitehurst has been a drummer since the age of four, when he began playing in church. After years of learning on his own, he auditioned for the percussion section and jazz band at Elba Elementary School, which enriched his love of playing even more! As his skills grew, he was accepted into the Elba High School Marching Band.. As a 6th grader! This led to his participation in many ensembles during his high school years, including marching band, concert band, jazz band, and playing for the show choir. Currently, Kris is in the Auburn University Department of Music pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Commercial Music - With a focus on drum set. Since his time studying at the University, he has performed with the Auburn University Gospel Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and the Commercial Music ensemble Sonic Nation. Kris is super excited to be part of the Spicer’s Music family and looks forward to helping students grow in their love and passion for music!
