JVA Drum Lessons - Rochester, NY - (585) 802-4247
Hi, I’m Jacobo Vega-Albela, and I’m launching a new way to learn drums: online group classes for complete beginners. No drumset? No problem.
✓ Small group format
✓ No drumset required to start
✓ 10-week structured curriculum
Reserve Your Spot in the Pilot Cohort! ↓
Master’s Degree from The Eastman School of Music.
✓ $30 per class, or $250 for full course ($25/class - save $50)
Reserve Your Spot in the Pilot Cohort!
Google Business Screened.
9 Years Teaching Experience.
I’m here to help you build a strong foundation in drumming with a 10-week curriculum designed for complete beginners. Here’s what some of my students have to say about working with me as a private teacher:
“I had an audition for a jazz camp and decided to have a lesson with Jacobo. In one lesson he helped me improve so much, and I ended up getting into the camp. Highly recommended!!”
Will, college student
“I got into the conservatory in Brussels!! Thank you so much for all your support, I learned a lot from you.
Annie, music school graduate
Will crushing it on a clip from his audition tape!
“My experience working with Jacobo was great. The exercises he writes really helped me with my flow. He is a drummer first and a teacher second, so everything he teaches comes from a practical base of knowledge and mastery.
Joseph, hobbyist
Annie sounding great working out some improvisational concepts on “Oleo”!
Pricing and Deals
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$30 per class
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$250 ($25/class - save $50)
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Payment accepted via Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Full course payment is due before the first class. Drop-in students pay per session.
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Class sizes are capped at 10 participants. Each session will be 90 minutes long to allow me time to work with participants individually. One-on-one feedback is an important part of this system.
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This pilot is designed for ages 15+ (teens and adults).
The group format requires students to stay focused during longer online sessions (90 minutes each), retain material between classes, and practice independently at home. Younger students often do better with the shorter, more personalized attention of private lessons where I can adapt to their energy and learning pace in real time.
That said, every kid is different. If your teen is self-motivated and ready to commit to the 10-week curriculum, use your judgment. I just ask that all participants (regardless of age) come ready to focus and respect the group learning environment.he group learning environment.
Have a younger student (under 15)?
I offer private lessons where we can tailor the pace and approach to their needs. Reach out and we can chat about what would work best.
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Nope! All you'll need to get started is a practice pad, a pair of sticks, and a copy of Ted Reed's "Progressive Steps To Syncopation For The Modern Drummer." This sets you up to build proper technique and fundamentals before investing in a full kit. I encourage you to get all these supplies before our first class so you can get started right away.
Many students continue with just a practice pad for months and make great progress. When you're ready to expand, we can talk about kit options that fit your space and budget.
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Still have questions or want to chat before committing? Text, call, or email me:
(585) 802-4247
I'm happy to hop on a quick call to talk through the curriculum, answer tech questions, or just see if this is the right fit for you.
My Experience
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Private Teacher: 2015-present.
Taught lecture-style class on drumset styles at The Eastman School of Music.
Experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels.
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Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead - 2023
Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media - The Eastman School of Music (2022, recipient of Raymond and Maxine Schirmer Prize in Jazz Performance).
Bachelor of Music in classical percussion performance - New Mexico State University (2019, Crimson Scholar and Recipient of William Dempsey Clarke Music Endowment).
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Played many styles of music with groups throughout Upstate New York and New Mexico including:
Performed at festivals including the Las Cruces Juneteenth Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, and Burlington Vermont’s Discover Jazz Festival.
Samples of My Playing
A Performance With My Trio.
For the Las Cruces Juneteenth Jazz Festival.
My Music on Spotify.
With the Jacob Merrill Quartet.
Drum cam footage of a fun mixed-meter tune.