Boulder Drum Lessons

Jen Gilleran (percussion/drums) is originally from New York, where she studied formally at Sarah Lawrence College summer programs, privately with Sung-Rai Sohn (violin), Frank Marino (drumset), Frankie Malabe (conga), Misha Masud and Samir Chatterrjee (tabla). Jen has performed, toured and recorded in New York, Boston, Korea, Japan, Italy and England.

Her main project is as drummer for local artist Gregory Alan Isakov. She has toured recently with singer/songwriter Chris Pureka, and has performed with Rebecca Folsom among other local artists. Jen’s approach to drumming not only covers basic approach and technique, but looks beyond the conventional understanding of the role of drums – solo or as accompaniment.

Raised by a classical violinist and pianist/organist/choir director, she was trained formally in voice as well, and has always explored the melodic, tonal and textural possibilities of drums. She brings vocalization into her teaching, both as a way to train the ear as well as cultivate a deeper sensitivity to listening to the range of tones in the drums themselves. She has witnessed the impact that singing has on a student’s confidence and quality of tone produced on their instrument. Jen is available for private and group lessons.

Dan Menchey has been drumming for 28 years. From third grade until college graduation, he participated in concert, marching, jazz, pit bands, and orchestra. Since then, he has played drums and sang for many bands of varying styles: classic rock, jazz, Latin, pop, bluegrass, hip-hop, metal, indie, & punk rock. Dan has toured the country many times and played festival stages including High Sierra (CA), 10K Lakes (MN), Magnoliafest (FL), Baja Bash (Baja), and Appalachian Uprising (OH).

As lead singer/drummer/songwriter of Boulder band Morsoul, Dan encourages all students to be comfortable on many instruments including voice. Also an instructor for rock & roll camps, Dan is very experienced at introducing and developing bands for his students. Dan will turn a drummer into a percussionist, and a percussionist into a musician.

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