FAQ

What does a subscription to the Live Lessons include?

-24 Hour access to HUNDREDS of video lessons, all complete with downloadable sheet music. Topics range from world rhythms, linear studies, basic skills such as how to hold the sticks, song covers, and TONS more. There are lessons suited for every beginner, intermediate, and advanced player. Each lesson is color coded to let you know the difficulty level. -Access to the 3 part series "How To Read Music" -Access to the weekly live streaming lessons (NOW STREAMING IN FULL HI-DEFINITION). This is where you get to interact with me. There are 6 live lessons a week...2 beginner times, 2 intermediate times, and 2 advanced times. Check out the SCHEDULE here. There is a chat board attached to the lesson so you can hang with the other students and discuss the lesson. Each lesson ends with a live Q&A time. Questions can be on ANY topic and I stay live until every question has been answered. -Access to the student YouTube channel. Students upload videos to this channel of their progress, band performances, or for my review. -Individual personalized lesson syllabus available upon request -Access to the bi-weekly student video reviews -Access to all content in The Gigging Drummer's Workshop -Access to all content in The World Rhythms Lab

Watch this video to find out what the lessons are all about!

How do the live lessons work?

First of all, let me just say...THERE'S A 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE that goes with the live lesson subscription. If you don't improve as a player in the first 7 days, or you just plain don't like the format, you can cancel at anytime during the trial period. No questions asked. That's how sure I am that you'll LOVE the live lessons! The live lessons are the interactive part of what I do. It’s exactly what it sounds like…a streaming LIVE drum lesson.  Nothing is pre-recorded.  It's all very live and very me.  I teach a lesson (20-25 minutes) and then allow plenty of time at the end of the lesson for questions via the chat board underneath the lesson.  Each live lesson also comes with a PDF download of the exercises. If you sign up for monthly payments, your account will be debited every 30 days after the initial free period in the amount of $18.99. I'm looking forward to working with you personally and helping to improve your facility as a musician and drummer.

What if I miss a live lesson?

Missing a lesson isn't a problem in the least. The main focus of a subscription is the 24 hour access to the incredible amount of organized video lessons and sheet music (over 300 at the moment). I assume most students will miss one or two lessons a week...and some never attend a live lesson altogether. If you miss a lesson, that lesson will be available for you to watch AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT in the Live Lesson Vault. It typically takes 2-3 hours for a live lesson to post in the Vault. You can then review the lesson and come to the next live lesson prepared to KILL it!

That's all great...but I can't read music!!!

Not a problem. Upon signing up for the lessons, you'll find several video lessons on the basics of reading music. I take you through the process step by step so that you can get the most out of your time in The Shed. Reading music isn't hard...and I'll prove it to you.

What makes your lessons different than other lessons on the internet?

Good question. I believe that the personal attention you get is the real difference. When you email me...you get a response. From me. Not from my secretary, not from a hired hand...me. I take great pride in my students and try to make myself available to them as much as possible. Their problems are my problems, their successes are my successes, their drumming goals are my teaching goals. My professional and academic experience also set me apart. I've had over 17 years of quality teachers...privately, at university, and on the gig. The wealth of knowledge I have been fortunate enough to gain from the quality players and teachers has been invaluable in helping me in my career with playing and teaching. I also have extensive experience with studio playing, touring, and dealing with a major label.

Is there a trial period?

Absolutely. The first 7 days are free. If you don't like the lessons in that time, feel free to cancel. I'm that confident that you'll improve!

What payment methods are accepted?

Stephens Drum Shed accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and echecks. You can also use your Pay Pal account to set up recurring payments for the live lessons. Go here to pay with PAY PAL.

What is The Gigging Drummer Workshop?

I wish I would have had something like this available when I was coming up! If you're a professional gigging player, a weekend warrior that wants to start a killer band to make some extra cash, or simply a closet drummy that wants to learn song covers, this is for you. With your subscription to The Gigging Drummer Workshop, you get... -One new lesson each week with sheet music. -A HUGE focus on learning song covers. -Songs from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and today -Learn to play at a professional level quickly -Access to the existing archive -Other topics include everything from drum tuning to easy song charting to running and booking a successful band

What is The World Rhythms Lab?

So many players have access to drum teachers that are adequate...but not all of them are well versed in world rhythms. I can't TELL you the number of times I have spoken with students that wanted to expand their vocabulary on the drums in terms of world rhythms, but their teachers just weren't well versed enough to get them to where they were wanting to go. When I was first learning the drums, I had the opportunity to have fantastic teachers...but I had to drive almost 45 minutes ONE WAY to get to them. And then it cost me $50 A WEEK just to get an hour lesson! I've fixed all of that for you. Now for only $10 you get... - One new lesson each week with downloadable sheet music. - Access to the existing "World Rhythms" drum lesson archive. - Lessons on styles such as the mambo,reggae, huapango, guaguanco, samba, afro-cuban, West African rhythms, and MANY more.

What makes you qualified to teach me?

Here's a short rundown of me and my experience: -Played professionally since the age of 16 -Former major label artist (Universal Records) -Degree in Jazz Studies -Former students of mine have been Grammy nominated -I've logged literally THOUSANDS of hours of stage time -I've played and toured with chart topping country acts -I keep a busy recording, teaching, and live playing schedule I have the experience, knowledge, and drive to take you and your playing to the next level. I promise. I'm so sure of that, I give you 7 free days in the lessons to make sure it's a fit for you and your drum journey.

I don't have a high speed internet connection...can I still view the lessons?

I know that many people across the world (yes...I've got students from the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, North America, South America, Hong Kong, Thailand, Germany, the UK...the list could go on for quite a while) do not have access to quality high speed internet. The live lessons are offered in hi-definition or standard definition quality. As well, all of the lessons in The Vault are offered in standard definition. Every lesson recorded after January 2013 is offered in standard definition as well as hi-definition.

Can we contact you with questions?

Abso-frickin-lutely!  That's the whole reason I'm here...to help you guys out.  Don't hesitate one second to shoot me a line.  I answer each and every one of them.

Why do I have to create an account with Lulu.com to get your book?

The same reason you have to sign up with an account at Amazon.com, or iTunes, etc...they need your info to correctly process your payment.  They also want a record of your shopping.  That way, when you come back for other books, they can make valid suggestions.  If you're absolutely adamant about not participating with Lulu.com but still want the book, please shoot me a line.  I have a workaround.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Simple...just email me at questionsandanswers@stephensdrumshed.com and your account will be cancelled promptly.

I don't have Skype. Can I still view the Live Lessons?

You don't need Skype to view the live lesson content. The Live Lessons are streamed to you and you watch them like you would watch any You Tube video.

My screen froze in the Live Lessons...what do I do?

Try simply refreshing the page. This fixes the issue 99% of the time.

Why am I getting an audio loop effect when viewing the live lessons?

You can only have one browser window open at a time that is playing the live lesson. If you have multiple windows open, you will get a looping effect in the audio portion. You should be able to chat with me and ask questions below the lesson in the same browser window with no problems. If you are having this problem, close out all windows, reload the page, and it should be fixed!