1^st lesson free

Nicolas

Rate €78
Response 1h

€78/h

1^st lesson free

Drum
Percussion
Jazz Drumming

Drum Lessons Rooted in Creativity, Groove, and Authentic Expression – With an MFA-Educated Educator Who Believes in Human Connection and Musical Growth

Drum
Percussion
Jazz Drumming

Lesson location

- online

About Nicolas

Nicolas Gachot is a French-Swiss drummer and educator based in Los Angeles, offering private drum lessons throughout the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, and surrounding areas including Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Hollywood, and Downtown LA. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Jazz Drums from the California Institute of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Nicolas brings a rich and deeply informed perspective to his teaching. His studies also include the Zurich Conservatory and a semester at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Beginning piano at age five and drums at age eight, Nicolas specializes in drums, composition, improvisation, and jazz history. His teaching approach emphasizes strong technical foundations, intentional listening, and creative expression. Whether working with beginners or advanced students, Nicolas tailors each lesson to meet the unique musical goals, interests, and background of every student. Nicolas’s method is performance-driven and collaborative, often incorporating live playing—especially in duo settings—to help students develop musical responsiveness and intuitive listening skills. He encourages exploration of musical traditions and their histories to build context, originality, and confidence. His lessons are designed not only to improve technique but also to deepen musical awareness, imagination, and purposeful expression. With a background in classical and jazz piano as well as classical percussion, Nicolas offers a comprehensive approach to music education. He has taught at the Zurich and Paris Conservatories and has extensive experience working with students of all ages and levels. Nicolas fosters a student-centered environment where creativity and curiosity thrive, and where diverse musical traditions are respected and integrated. As a performer, Nicolas has toured extensively across Europe and appeared at festivals such as JazzFest Budapest. He has played at renowned venues including Duc des Lombards and Sunset Sunside in Paris, Moods in Zurich, and remains active in Los Angeles, performing at venues like Sam First. Beyond jazz, his classical orchestral experience includes performances with the Swiss and French Youth Orchestras throughout Europe. Today, Nicolas regularly performs as both a bandleader and sideman. Outside of music, Nicolas enjoys exploring his passions beyond the stage, continually bringing a broad and enriching perspective to his teaching and performance.

About the lesson

I believe that every human being has the right to learn and grow, regardless of their background, and that education should nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for diverse cultures and identities.

As an educator, I encourage my students to ask questions, observe deeply, and never take knowledge for granted. Learning is an active, reflective process where students explore, challenge, and shape their understanding.

Music, like any art form, is best approached as a lifelong study. I see myself as a continual learner, and I guide my students toward independence — helping them develop the tools to teach themselves, inspired by my own mentors.

My teaching emphasizes student agency: students choose material that excites them, whether it’s a jazz standard, a favorite drummer, or a specific song. I then help deepen their technical and musical understanding in ways that connect to their interests and cultural background.

Jazz drumming is an oral tradition, and I prioritize developing a consistent listening routine. The more students listen closely to the music they love, the more they internalize its sound, structure, and feel, enabling authentic expression.

I believe every student has a unique voice shaped by their perspective and experience. Rather than correcting or diminishing that natural expression, I nurture it, helping students learn from the masters by detailed transcription and imitation. This foundation allows them to question, innovate, and develop originality.

Drawing from Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogies, I honor and celebrate students’ cultural identities, creating a supportive environment where diverse musical traditions coexist and inspire.

Ultimately, my role is to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and empower students to grow into lifelong learners and artists—on their own terms.

Rates

Rate

€78

Pack rates

5 h: €351
10 h: €701

online

€69/h

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Nicolas will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

Drum Lessons Rooted in Creativity, Groove, and Authentic Expression – With an MFA-Educated Educator Who Believes in Human Connection and Musical Growth

Lesson location

About Nicolas

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

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Drum Lessons Rooted in Creativity, Groove, and Authentic Expression – With an MFA-Educated Educator Who Believes in Human Connection and Musical Growth

Lesson location

About Nicolas

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

Other tutors in Drum

BASTOS

Valentina

Zak

Andy

Jose

Abhinay

Arnab

Arindam

Patrick

Japhy

Lorenzo

Adrien Drums

Jose Rico

Matteo

Federico

Gabe

Serban

Tommy

Daniel

Bruno Tessele

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