Meet Drum Teacher John
Hi there! I’m drum teacher John Hildebrand, Principal Instructor at Drumroll. I’ve been teaching drums in Vancouver, North Vancouver and Burnaby BC for over 25 years. In that time I’ve developed a friendly, supportive and encouraging approach to teaching drums that respects every students individual learning style and musical interests. In every lesson I’m constantly drawing on my experience, knowledge and passion as a drum teacher to give each student the best experience I can.
Music Education and Training
My musical training began at age 10 on piano and then on to drums, my real passion, at age 12. I was fortunate enough to have respected Jazz drummer and educator, Stan Perry of Phil Nimmons and Nine, as my first drum teacher. The focus at that time was essential techniques and rhythmic reading. After that, with solid reading skills and technique established, I became a member of the British Columbia Beefeater Band at age 14. This was a time of rapid development under the guidance of lead drummer Larry Olson. This high caliber marching band had big expectations of its young musicians which included complex drumming combined with detailed marching choreography as well as international touring and competitions.
Later, at the age of 20 I was accepted into the music department at the University of Victoria. It was there that I studied under celebrated performer and producer Salvador Ferreras with a focus on Percussion Performance. Closely after that, I was accepted to study at UBC under the great John Rudolf (formerly of the VSO now with the TSO). During this time I was practicing 4 hours a day and often more, pursuing Classical training and solo performance on a wide variety of percussion instruments. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from UBC, I quickly became involved with local bands and chamber ensembles, which included international touring and recording. After several years of touring and recording my attention turned to being a drum teacher in 1998, which became my primary focus and remains so to this day.
Bands, Artists, Producers and Musical Directors I've Worked With
I’ve had the good fortune to work with many great musicians over the years. Likewise, I’ve worked in a variety of genres including Classical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Rock/Pop, Afro-beat, Latin and more.
In the classical setting I’ve performed on many occasions with both the Kamloops and Okanagan Symphonies and The Little Chamber Music Series. In the Jazz setting I’ve worked with Phil Nimmons, Len Aruliah and The Blackfly Trio to name a few. My time in Musical Theatre was with The Caravan Farm Theatre, under the direction of Alan Cole, Dick Owings and Don Wherry. I spent several years working with Afro-beat star Alpha Ya Ya Diallo, where I was fortunate to play alongside Legend Manu Dibango. Later, I was with the Celtic Funk group Mad Pudding, recording and touring internationally. Some other fine folks that I’ve worked with include Salvador Ferreras, Allan Hetherington, Daniel Lapp and Geoffery Kelly
In the course of working with bands, I’ve performed at many Festivals including Vancouver’s Jazz, Folk and Fringe festivals. The Royal Tournament, The Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe festival were among the highlights from touring the UK. Across Canada I’ve played many festivals such as the Calgary Stampede, Edmonton Folk Fest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Mariposa Festival in Toronto and the Hillside Festival in Guelph, Ont. Likewise, I’ve performed on television and radio for CBC, BCTV, Global TV, BBC and NPR. Some of my favorite Venues I’ve performed at include the Commodore Ballroom, Orpheum Theatre, Vogue Theatre and BC Place Stadium.