drum instructors
Meet our drum instructors—click on their photos to learn more about their background, professional experience, and teaching style.
Have a preferred teacher? Let us know on the sign-up form and we will do our best to accommodate!
All lessons are conducted on site at our Nashville studio.
Aaron Raney
Aaron Raney is a versatile drummer and percussionist from Corsicana, Texas, with a lifelong passion for music. From marching under Friday night lights to performing with the Waco Symphony, and leading worship on Sunday mornings, his musical journey is rich and diverse.
He earned his Bachelor of Music from Baylor University and later moved to Nashville to pursue a Master’s degree at Belmont University, where he studied under renowned drummers Chester Thompson and Derico Watson.
Though early in his professional career, Aaron brings the skill and poise of a seasoned artist. He has had the opportunity to support many artists such as We Are Messengers, Chris Bandi, David Leonard (of All Sons & Daughters), and He’s currently on tour with Contemporary Christian Artist CAIN. Aaron has shared the stage with iconic acts such as Shania Twain, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, and Eric Church. His performances span venues across the U.S and Europe including The Ryman, The Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Madison Square Garden, Paramount Theatre and the Gramercy Theatre.
Aaron is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and hopes to use his God-given talent to encourage and educate through music.
Ryan Whitt
With 14+ years of experience as a drummer, Ryan has performed and recorded across a wide variety of genres including metal, pop-punk, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and more. He regularly gigs on Lower Broadway in Nashville and on the road with Nashville artist Landon Wall. He has tracked drums and percussion at many studios across Nashville and Kentucky, including Dark Horse Recording, Benchmark, The Bomb Shelter, and Sawhorse Recording. He studied jazz for two years at the University of Kentucky and has taken lessons from many great contemporary drummers.
His approach to teaching is driven by the student’s musical inspiration. He assesses where each student is technically on the instrument and curates lesson plans that help them develop their own unique voice behind the drums, drawing inspiration from the drummers they admire most.
He also believes in building a diverse musical palette and ensures that students explore music outside of their comfort zone.