My focus is to help you achieve your goals on the drums.

Lessons are held in my Toronto area studio, located at 160 Islington Ave, or in your home. I offer several lesson packages with competitive prices and flexible scheduling options. For more information please call, email, or fill out the contact form.

learn to play the music you love...

With each individual student, I offer exercises, songs and techniques to practice that will help you to immediately begin seeing positive results. I believe that anyone can  play the drums well and take their next step in music. It makes a big difference if you have the right teacher to help you learn the music you love. Most people that have attained proficiency on the drums had someone that took the time to guide them along their way. Much of what is thought of as difficult to play or understand in music is only intimidating until it is explained and practiced.

teaching bio...

Bruce McCarthy has been teaching drums professionally since 1995. During this time he has worked with drummers of all ages and experience levels, from primary school beginners all the way up to college music majors and elite DCI players, and in fields ranging from drumset, to marching percussion, to orchestral percussion. These opportunities have provided Bruce with a wealth of teaching experience including the University of Miami, Merriam School of Music, Flanagan High School, Indian Ridge Middle School, and Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. Bruce has also been in demand as a consultant for several groups, and has performed clinics and workshops in Canada and the United States. In each case, he is able to impart his knowledge and passion for music onto the students, consistently making each student and group he works with among the most well coached and well educated in their respective activities.

Since he began teaching private drum lessons in 1998, Bruce has kept a steady roster of drumset students ranging in age from 10 to 60. Regardless of their age or previous experience he is able to engage each of his students in a fun and creative way. Bruce's drum lessons are tailored to the individual’s needs, allowing each student to reach their personal goals, while having fun learning the music they love.

more about bruce...

Bruce McCarthy earned a Music with Honours diploma from the renowned Humber College music program, with a focus on drumset performance. Equally at home playing a wide range of musical styles, Bruce has performed and recorded with some of Canada's finest musicians including JUNO Award winner Richard Underhill, JUNO Award nominee Kenny Vehkavaara, Solitair, Lady Son y Articulo Veinte, and Bill McBirnie. He has also had the opportunity to play drums for productions on the Genie Awards, the YTV Achievement Awards, CBC Radio One, the 1996 Summer Olympics closing ceremonies in Atlanta, various ‘Vegas’ style shows on cruise ships, and at Canada’s Wonderland. In addition to his private teaching, Bruce currently records and performs with a variety of musical projects in and around Toronto. 

Bruce McCarthy proudly endorses Vic Firth drumsticks, and has been a member of the international Vic Firth Education Team since 2003.