In-Home Lessons Throughout DC and Montgomery County

Sten provides drum lessons to kids and adults with the convenience of traveling to your home. Lessons are available to students of all skill levels in DC and Montgomery County.

    • 2 months as house drummer on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, performing for guests 6 nights per week

    • Played at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Music Festival with the prestigious JAS Academy Afro-Caribbean Big Band

    • Performed alongside internationally recognized artists Chucho Valdés and Marcus Strickland

    • Leader of actively gigging DC jazz trio, the Sten Greifer Acoustic Trio

    • Extensive experience playing jazz, rock, gospel, funk, R&B, country and more in professional gig environments

    • Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree from the nationally top ranked Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

    • Taught private lessons, led group classes, and conducted student rehearsals for over 4 years

    • Worked as a teacher for Community Arts Program Miami (CAP), Shalala MusicReach, and various other educational music programs and schools

    • Helped multiple students prepare to win All-State and All-County auditions

    • Highly versed in not only drum set, but also rudimental & marching band drumming, classical snare, music theory, and composition/songwriting

    • Experience teaching ages 6-60 and beginner to advanced skill levels

    • Fundamental and advanced stick technique and drum set proficiency

    • Fluency in rock, pop, jazz, funk, world music, etc.

    • Sight-reading for drum set and classical snare drum

    • Improvisation and rhythmic freedom

    • Rudimental pieces

    • Music theory and composition

A band of musicians on stage together after performing for the FIFA WORLD CUP Final Draw in 2026 at the Kennedy Center in DC.

Learn From an Active Professional

With a degree from a top music school, extensive credentials as a performer, and over 4 years of teaching experience, Sten is equipped to help any student learn the art of drumming.

Length Price

30 Mins $45

45 mins $65

60 mins $80

*For students over 10 miles outside the southern Montgomery County/northern DC area, a $10 travel fee is incurred

Reach out to ask about a free trial lesson!

Phone: 240-997-9540

Email: stengreifer@gmail.com

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Teaching Philosophy

Over the years I’ve gained a pedagogical expertise through experiences studying with great teachers myself, as well as teaching countless students with distinct learning styles, strengths & weaknesses, developmental challenges, and unique personalities. Every student I’ve taught has in return taught me valuable lessons that make me a better teacher, and musician.

Why take music lessons? There are many reasons to learn an instrument. Lots of parents enroll their child in music lessons so they can learn a creative skill that is proven to do wonders for memory, concentration, fine motor skills, and overall brain development. Some students decide to take lessons to give themselves a fun and enriching creative outlet or fulfilling hobby. Others are interested in pursuing music at the collegiate or professional level and need an experienced, dedicated mentor to help guide them on their journey. All these are valid reasons to take lessons. I’m here to help students meet their personal goals with music, whatever that may be.

Each student I take on receives highly personalized instruction and a learning curriculum tailor-made to suit their needs and goals. I place particular emphasis on balancing fundamental technical skills, development of musical intuition & creativity, and fun repertoire-building based the students’ musical interests. I also ensure that my students understand how to practice effectively on their own with clear instructions on tackling exercises, assignments, and challenges.

Learning the drums is hard, and the last thing I want to do is burn my students out. More dedicated students with strong musical ambition may be able to handle, and want a rigorous curriculum, but for many students a lighter pace with more time spent having fun with music is better. While I believe that developing a strong technical foundation is important, I also believe in prioritizing my students’ enjoyment of what they’re learning.

Music is a universal language and I wholeheartedly believe that playing music is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and soul.

- Sten Greifer

A young man playing the drums in a music studio.