Lessons

Teacher

Dave has been teaching privately for over 20 years and has developed a reputation as the technique/body mechanic specialist for drum set. He has helped many of the world's best players as well as top educators "get out of their own way" by being as efficient as possible in regards to conservation of motion and energy.

The more we’re able to remove our bodies from the equation and let the instrument do the work, the more we can relax. The more relaxed you are, the better your time, tone and feel will be. Let's not forget that we're hitting wood, bronze, and mylar with sometimes a huge amount of velocity, so this conceptual/physical approach will also have a massive effect on stamina as well as shortening muscle recovery periods when performing live or in the studio.

Lessons are available in person in Los Angeles as well as online via Skype. If you're interested in booking a lesson or would like more details, please fill out the form in the "CONTACT" section of the site.

Dave Elitch is a rare breed. He is an experienced pro who is hugely passionate about teaching and is also great at it. He cares and makes sense, can demonstrate everything but even more importantly can go out of the way and help the student to do it very quickly on his own. Even if you are in town for a day take at least an hour with him. and if you can - go on a longer journey with him. I can really recommend it. Not many people are so knowledgeable, so good at what they do and have simply such a good heart. I think he’s awesome.

Keith Urban

I have spent most of my career unsatisfied with my drumming technique. It’s scary to pull up the shag carpet, the rug pad, the shit linoleum and get down to what you hope is Brazilian Rosewood. I had my first lesson today with the only man I think is qualified for the job. Dave Elitch is nothing short of brilliant as a musician and a damn fine human being too. If you are a drummer and you’re anywhere near LA, I suggest you go see him.

Dave is the best! I learned more in the first month than I learned in the 20 years prior. If he can make a comic sound good imagine what he could do for someone with actual musical ability.

The 1975

Dave saved my arms and hands! He made me see I️ could, in fact, contrary to my belief, develop technique that would save me from blisters and help solve tendinitis from many years of horribly inefficient technique. He taught patience! An incredible player, really great teacher and all round lovely human!

Deathcab for Cutie

I’ve been fortunate to sit with some of the best educators in the world and I absolutely consider Dave to be one of these people. Through obvious passion, dedicated playing and a dialed teaching philosophy, he’s developed an intuitive sense to look at both the internal and external approaches of each student, thus allowing him to make subtle adjustments or suggestions that provide the player with immediate understanding and contemplation, not to mention the inspiration to believe that real change is possible for anyone.

Ringo Starr/DLR

Dave is one of my favorite drummers to listen to, he has it all going on in every style. Luckily for me, he said that he loved to teach (as I do) and that he would be happy to take me on as a student. He is incredible at breaking things down and telling me exactly how he does them. I love practicing the things he shows me. He's an incredible musician. I’m really looking forward to my next lesson when I get back home from this awesome Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band tour in 5 weeks.

Thanks for being a big drumming inspiration Dave!

Lorde

Dave quickly undid decades of bad drumming habits that were affecting my playing and doing damage to my body! I sit completely different now, which frees up my feet helping my feel, and I no longer hurt my body during long tours. Thanks Dave!

Rival Sons

Two and a half years ago, after years of touring, working, and experiencing some success, I found myself hitting a plateau - that of fluidity, creativity, dexterity, posture, and technique. I called Elitch and it changed everything. I must say, it was extremely humbling, as I basically had to start from ground zero, man. With Dave, reducing and distilling my technique to the utmost economical and efficient way was possible and clear-cut. Nothing worth anything comes easy but I heeded his advice and methods, and worked my ass off. Dave was there for me, to keep me honest, and to guide and direct me to improve myself.

Rod Stewart

I always come away with valuable tools which I can apply to Recording and playing Life. Dave’s approach to teaching is amazing he breaks it down in a way I can understand. Get centered , relax , and stay out of the way.

Josh Groban/Melissa Etheridge

The most effective types of teachers teach students concepts so the student can then apply that knowledge to teach themselves. Dave is that kind of teacher. In my case he worked with my grip and posture. This in turn has helped my consistency and timing which has helped my playing become more effortless. Invaluable information.

Shakira/Tegan and Sara

Dave possesses the powerful combination of artistic passion and technical ability. He’s a motivational and inspirational dude, both on the drums, and in life. I value his friendship immensely.

The B’z

I can't speak highly enough about studying with David. After just two lessons, he was able to pinpoint some weaknesses in my technique and give me new insight on how to convey what I heard in my head into actually playing it - some of the most profound and intangible cognition to tap into as a musician, definitely not the stuff of YouTube. His methods are clear, concise and focused without wasting time learning licks or BS. If you're serious about taking your drumming to the next level, I would highly recommend Dave. My playing has never benefitted more.

Brad Paisely

Yesterday was a lesson in humility and growth. No matter where you are in your career/path, there’s always room to improve. Case in point: drummers, do yourself a favor and take a lesson with Dave Elitch . He has an amazing and refreshing way of looking at movement and ergonomics. I am changed from this day forward. For the better...

Dave has also helped:

Bill Burr

Tim Ferriss

Tomas Haake - Meshuggah

Benny Greb - Educator/Clinician

Tré Cool - Green Day

Dominic Howard - Muse


Adrian Young - No Doubt

George Bedford Daniels – The 1975

Chris McHugh – Keith Urban/Nashville Studio Legend

David Garibaldi - Tower Of Power

Gregg Bissonette – Ringo Starr/DLR

Jason McGerr – Deathcab for Cutie

Jimmy Chamberlin - Smashing Pumpkins

Lil John Roberts - Janet Jackson/Stevie Wonder

Toss Panos - Robben Ford/Michael Landau

Jose Pasillas - Incubus

Jason Gerken - Shiner

Andrew Marshall - Billie Eilish

Brendan Buckley – Shakira/Tegan and Sara

Blair Sinta - Josh Groban/Melissa Etheridge

Eric Hernandez – Bruno Mars

Jeremy Stacey – Noel Gallagher

Chris Maas - Mumford & Sons

Frank Ferrer - Guns n’ Roses

Jorma Vik - Eagles of Death Metal/The Bronx

Daxx Nielsen - Cheap Trick

Adam Christgau - Troye Sivan

Griffin Goldsmith - Dawes

Zach Lind - Jimmy Eat World

Michael Miley – Rival Sons

Ben Barter - Lorde

Michael Shrieve - Santana

Ben Sesar - Brad Paisely

Stacy Jones – Miley Cyrus/Matchbox 20/American Hi-Fi

David Palmer – Rod Stewart

Dan Bailey - Father John Misty

Mike Baker – Gavin DeGraw

Louis Cole - Knower

Jack Lawless - Jonas Brothers/DNCE

Joe Zizzo - Bob Moses/Santigold

Steve Nistor - Sparks

Nate Lotz - Halsey/Ryan Adams

Matt Greiner - August Burns Red

Eric Scribner - Cirque Du Soleil

Kurt Sodergren - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Dave Raun – Lagwagon/Me First and The Gimmie Gimmies

Shane Gaalaas - The B’z

Riley Breckenridge - Thrice

Chris Culos - OAR

Chris Berry - Yeasayer/AJR

Sean Hutchinson - The Bleachers

Tucker Rule - Thursday

Freddy Sheed - Lewis Capaldi/The Japanese House

John Herndon - Tortoise

Dino Campanella – Dredg/Crosses

Francois Comtois - Young the Giant

Gregory Rogrove - Devendra Banhart

John Clardy - Tera Melos

John Boecklin – Devildriver/Bad Wolves

Dash Hutton - Haim

Valerie Franco - Hayley Kiyoko

Ryan Winnen - COIN

Dana Lamarca - Maggie Rogers

Tony Palermo – Papa Roach

Jason Sutter – Chris Cornell/Marilyn Manson

Elias Mallin – Ke$ha, Kill Hannah

as well as many others...