Hey, I’m Dave, Dave the Drummer. I always feel it’s important for a pupil and teacher to get along and really connect, so, with that in mind, here’s a little bit about me.
Once upon a time in a faraway land called Tel Aviv, in a country called Israel, a boy was born. At that point in time, much like Jesus, no one knew the phenomenon (in this case – quite unlike Jesus – a drumming phenomenon) that that boy would go on to become…
I started playing the drums when I was 12, which means I’ve now been playing them for 60 years! Just kidding, I’m not really 72. Just five years after I started, I taught my first lesson. It was as a substitute for my drum teacher at the time, David Rich – the original Dave the Drummer. I loved every second of it. From passing on knowledge to seeing talent unfold, I knew it was definitely something I wanted to pursue.
As with every 18-year-old in Israel I served in the army, and following that I went to the Rimon College of Music. While studying, I met Nir Nakav, the drummer for Israeli metal band Salem and one of Israel’s most esteemed drum teachers. He was a great teacher and someone I learnt a lot from, including the famous Moeller technique, which I’ve specialised in ever since.
Once I left the Rimon College of Music, I continued learning from Nir and began teaching professionally at the Ashkelon City Conservatorium. It wasn’t long before I was teaching up to 50 students a week and producing young bands for the Ashkelon City Council.
I moved to London in 2012, and took time off from teaching to focus on my band, Laid8. We toured across Israel and the UK, recorded an EP and full album, and played countless shows to audiences screaming “Dave!” – my dream had come true.
Eventually, Laid8 moved on and I then joined a band called Cairo Son, with who I toured most of the UK and Scotland and recorded an album. However, my true calling proved strongest, and I came back to my favourite job – spreading the bug I’d caught at age 12 to new talent.
I really do love teaching. Meeting new, passionate students and finding out about them and how they overcome the challenges they face in their lives (including the ones I give them!) is great. There’s not a lot more satisfying to me than seeing a pupil’s face light up when they finally ‘get it’, whether that be a new technique, a groove or a section of their favourite song. I find that really cool.
Some people like to use drumming as stress-relief, some people love the sound, the rhythm, the music; others want to be in a band. Whoever you are and whatever you want to get out of my lessons, I can help. And I guarantee we’ll have great fun doing it!
So, whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or anyone in between, I’ve taught every type of drummer or aspiring drummer there is.
I hope to meet you soon and start jamming!
Cheers,
Dave
Grosz Drums 