
Lessons
Teacher
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.

Benny Greb
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.

Chris McHugh
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.

Bill Burr
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.

George Bedford Daniel
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!

Jason McGerr
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.

Gregg Bissonette
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!

Ben Barter
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!

Michael Miley
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.

David Palmer
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.

Blair Sinta
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.

Brendan Buckley
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.

Shane Gaalaas
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.

Ben Sesar
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...