Testimonials

"I fell in love with Gary’s teaching style from the first YouTube video I stumbled upon. I could immediately tell Gary was a master of all the classic hand and feet techniques that had been developed early in the 20th century by Stone, Wilcoxen, Moehler, Krupa, Buddy and many more. His gracious teaching style and ease with which he communicates complex ideas is rare in todays narcissistic environment. I instantly felt comfortable requesting video lessons and was thrilled to be able to use the easily accessible video and internet technology that allows an artist in Pennsylvania to study with a drum Master in Colorado. I could have chosen anyone to continue my drum education with. I chose Gary because of how he treats people. Equitably, honestly, respectfully and with authority. Thanks Gary for your dedication to the traditions of scholarship and mentorship. Your local students are so very lucky to be a part of the Metro Drum School."

- Tom Holmes
BA, Crane School of Music
Artist, Musician and Sculptor
Greeley Pennsylvania

"In the past 5 years that I have studied with Gary, he has transformed me from a very average kid with dreams of grandeur to a confident professional whose dreams are coming true. Not only is Garay the best player ever, he is a masterful teacher. He has helped and continues to help me believe I can be better than I am, and to strive for greatness. He genuinely cares about the success of each his students both in music and in life. I owe my current success as a teacher and player, to Gary and the Metro Drum School."

- Nathan “fish” Rike
Drummer, Composer and Up-and-Coming Superstar

"Gary,

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that you are the best drum instructor I’ve taken lessons from. I really value the fact that everything I learn is geared toward making me a better drum set player. You have a way of taking complex theory and putting it in layman’s terms so that anyone can understand and benefit from it. I look forward to many more years of your instruction."

Regards,
Brian Mixon

"I've been taking lessons with Gary since September 2000. He's a fantastic teacher. His way of explaining concepts (i.e., technique, rhythm, creativity) has really given me confidence in my playing. I had never taken lessons before and in a short amount of time, Gary has turned me into a competent, confident drummer. Thanks Gary!"

-M. Boles

"My professional career has spanned several decades. My father was a well known Big Band drummer. My teachers have included Shelly Manne. I have performed with Moses Allison, Chuck Lamb to name a few. My time spent with Gary was very informative. He has a very relaxed to the point approach. He is a top notch instructor."

-Dave Coleman

"Music has always been a passion in my life. I grew up playing the drums and have been fascinated with learning new ways to express my self musically. While studying with Gary I learned not only how to read and play a variety of music, but how to find my own voice and express myself. His ideas and inspiration have helped me to grow as a person, musician and teacher. Now, in his latest books "Drum Germs", Gary is presenting a wonderful new way for anyone to learn how to be creative and have fun playing the drums."

-Matt Amundson B.M.

"I have known Gary LeFrancois for many years. Both as a Professional player and a teacher. I can say that he is consummate in both fields. He has sent students to my school (CCJA) and they are totally equipped technically as well as musically. When I have students that need specific skills I always send them to him. What he is doing at MDS is really great."

-Paul Romaine (director Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts)
You can visit Paul at www.jazzarts.org

"I've been sending students to Metro Drum School for over ten years now. Each student I've sent comes back a more complete percussionist, which greatly enhances my music program here at West Middle School. I highly recommend them!!"

-Jim Stranahan
Director of Instrumental Music
West Middle School

"Gary Lefrancois has instructed our three boys in the art of drumming since 1993, and believe me we've gotten much more that we paid for. Gary keeps abreast of the most up-to-date teaching methods. He mixes professionalism, talent, and a highly-developed sense of humor with his unique ability to relate to teens and pre-teens. Gary gets results from his students. I read once that our children should have four or five adults in their lives, other than their parents, whom they can look up to, emulate, trust, and confide in. Gary is number one on that list for all three of our boys."

-J.and S. Russell

"I have been playing for only a short time. And I can say that the lessons I have taken with Mr. Lefrancois have been well worth every penny. I have several businesses and I do not have a lot of time to practice. Mr. Lefrancois has taken that into consideration and each lesson is exactly what is needed. The idea of video taping each lesson is tremendous. Thanks Gary!"

-D. Watts

"I don't know how many musicians I've told that you can make a practice pad sound like a snare drum, and that you possess the ability to train any dedicated drummer to do the same. I still have your old copy of Gary Chaffee's Rhythm & Meter Patterns. Even though the cover has long fallen off I will not retire this book until I can play it "flawlessly". I have only recently discovered the value of your suggested grip. You told me, "I don't expect you to play this way all the time, just when you're practicing." Uhh okay. Man, when I began to discover how your grip works, it was like seeing flashes of another world. Thank you for your work."

-Andrew J Eckhardt

"I have played the drums for over 15 years. I have studied with Gary for 3 years now. I learn something new with every lesson and have improved dramatically during this time. Gary continues to challenge me. He has turned me into a more confident, creative, and accomplished drummer. We are lucky to have such a talented and excellent instructor in the Denver metro area. Thank you Gary!"
-Ja red Schiltz

"I studied with Gary for 4 1/2 years. I started with him from scratch. I am now in my third year at college (as a music major, at University of Northern Colorado) I feel that his help was instrumental in helping me achieve my musical goals."

-B. McCarthy