Turnstile

"Teach a man to fish" they say. One lesson with Dave on kick drum technique and one on correctly holding a stick has given me a lifetime of practice towards refining my playing in a healthy direction. Before seeing Dave, I sounded good in the studio and on tour, but at a cost of slowly destroying my body. It feels great to be on the right trajectory. Now, I look forward to tour, instead of dreading the physical toll it used to take.

Meshuggah

Dude, I'm sitting like 4 inches higher now than on the last U.S. run. Overall, nothing but love! Thanks a million for forcing me (to sit higher) and calling me out on my idiocy! Ha!

Green Day

Everything else that you showed me regarding ergonomics, I implemented in my set up and it made a huge difference. I was able to play 2 1/2 hour sets all year long. 2024 was a monster!

Miley Cyrus/Olivia Rodrigo

I'm lucky I'm friends with guys like Dave Elitch, that I can call and say 'hey I need to learn this thing, can you help me out?' Or I just want to be pushed beyond my boundaries.

Go sit in a room with Dave, he will school your ass!

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.

Comedian

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...