Drumming instructor Todd Trainer joins Tim to talk about how an unexpected job loss pushed him into building a new career around teaching. He shares the story of growing his student base from DIY flyers to a full teaching practice, and why helping beginners find confidence & creativity has become some of the most meaningful work of his life. Todd also talks about adapting his teaching style for different learners and the philosophy that guides his approach to drumming instruction.
Key Takeaways:
- Todd Trainer—best known as the drummer of Shellac—shares how losing a long-time job pushed him toward drumming instruction as a new career path.
- He started his teaching business in DIY fashion, putting up flyers & offering mobile lessons at his students' homes or rehearsal spaces. Eventually, Todd (and his wife, a designer) built a website that features scheduling tools & a payment system, which have been essential to the business’s success.
- His teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, individuality, and imagination—encouraging students to develop their own unique style rather than chasing technical perfection.
- Todd finds deep fulfillment in teaching beginners, especially children, and describes how helping them discover their first drumbeat is one of the most rewarding parts of instruction.
- Teaching has become emotionally meaningful for Todd: the value exchanged between student and instructor goes far beyond the time they spend together.
Links:
Send me a question to be answered on a future episode.
Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.
Todd Trainer Drumming Instruction
Twin Cities Drum Collective
Shellac of North America
