“I’ve told friends, coworkers, and family repeatedly and honestly that starting drums was the best decision I ever made, and I still think it’s true. As an added bonus, Robin’s sessions are totally affordable, laid-back, fun, and low-pressure, which is enormously refreshing after having spent several years dreading and dragging myself through stodgy piano lessons as a teenager.

Robin teaches drumming skills and habits in an order that makes sense and builds your sense of rhythm naturally, and he still challenges you to push it and try new things without any teacher-student stress. Plus if you bother to ask he can tell you about all kinds of cool music history you probably never knew about. Instead of dreading the lessons I totally look forward to them – the only downside is they go by so quick!

I guess the best way to describe the feel of Robin’s lessons is that I never feel like I come over to ‘have a lesson,’ I just feel like I come over to jam.”
-Momoko  Toronto, On

First and foremost, Robin is a great teacher. His easy going and laid back attitude puts you at ease immediately. There is no such thing as a stupid question with him and that takes the pressure off and gives you the freedom to grow at your own pace. One thing that I like about the way Robin teaches is that if you’re having difficulty with something, he’ll take it right back down to the basics without making you feel like you’re going backwards. He has a real knack for explaining concepts and then showing you how to apply them to the type of music that you want to play.

As a woman, I’m also so appreciative of Robin’s supportive and respectful attitude. The fact that most of Robin’s students are women speaks volumes. He knows that we women want to rock out just as much as the guys do! He understands that women need a place to learn where they won’t feel intimidated or stereotyped. So if you’re a woman thinking about taking up the drums and you’re afraid to take the plunge, I’d highly recommend that you give Robin a call. You won’t regret it!

Rose   Toronto, On

Deciding to start drum lessons was, as much as I wanted to do it, a very vulnerable thing. After years of timidly envying the skills of anyone and everyone behind every drum set, and after the realization that 18 was actually not too old to learn, I found myself ringing Robin Mason’s doorbell, mostly petrified. Many things could have put me off learning drums for good, replacing the direness of my desire to learn with bitterness and long-standing, quiet disappointment. Nearly seven months later, I have learned more than I thought I possibly could. When I was leaving my latest lesson, Robin said I was a great drummer, and I thought, “That means you’re just a great teacher.”
And he is; Robin is knowledgeable, helpful (without being pushy), flexible, and attentive and responsive to one’s needs, interests, and pace. He has put the same amount of effort into teaching as he has into quietly learning my strengths and weaknesses, interests, and temperament. Robin now knows exactly when I should take something home and practise there, and when he can gently push for me to try a little harder, a little longer and know I’ll get it. On top of his light-hearted approach and inspiring drum skills, that’s probably what makes Robin a great teacher and a very cool guy: his ability to take both roles. That’s a lesson that can be applied anywhere.

Sally  Toronto, On

“I have been a Monday evening student of Robin’s for almost a year and have never looked forward to Monday’s as much as I do now!  He really has a passion for music and his enthusiasm when it comes to drumming is infectious!  When I have a hard time learning, Robin is always able to break things down into a simple form that I can understand and he does this with absolute patience and thoughtfulness.  I feel very lucky to have found such a great teacher in the city”.

Robyn  Toronto, On