Dave Rife Drum Lessons
(Saturdays)
Dave Rife has been teaching drums for over 35 years. His
passion for drums began at an early age. He began his percussion journey in
first grade. Dave’s mother took him to see Buddy Rich perform at Hershey High
School in the early 1970’s, further stoking his desire to study and perform on
the drums. He continued to play in the school band, and took lessons at Klock’s
House of Music in Highspire, PA, where he also worked for a year while in high school.
At 18, Dave began playing with an established Harrisburg area Funk/Disco band,
The New Disco Band (later known as Paradise).
Dave attended North Texas State University (now
University of North Texas), where he focused on Jazz Studies and Performance.
His notable instructors included Henry Okstel and John Wooten. During his time
in Texas, he played with numerous Country Western bands; adding to his
versatility. He continued his education, traveling to take private lessons with
greats such as Kenwood Dennard (Berklee, Jaco Pastorius, Miles Davis, Quicy
Jones, etc.).
Dave has played in numerous local and regional bands
of varying genres from Rock, RnB/Funk, Jazz, Country, and Blues. He began
instructing in 1987. His focus is on technique, rudiments, reading drum
notation, and dynamic playing for live band and studio settings. He offers
lessons for beginners through advanced drummers. Dave has followed the
evolution of contemporary drumming and percussion his entire life. He looks
forward to sharing his love and knowledge of the drums with new students at
Drums Etc.