Learn Drums.Build Confidence.Have Fun.
Private one-on-one drum lessons in Santa Barbara & Goleta for kids, teens, adults, and complete beginners.
Why Families Choose Ryan
Every student learns differently. Lessons are personalized to help each student feel comfortable, make steady progress, and enjoy the process of learning music.
Personalized Lessons
Lessons are tailored to each student's goals, interests, experience level, and learning style—rather than following the same rigid plan for everyone.
Patient, Encouraging Instruction
Students learn in a supportive environment where questions are welcomed, progress is celebrated, and mistakes are treated as part of the learning process.
Beginner-Friendly Teaching
No previous experience is necessary. I specialize in helping complete beginners develop strong fundamentals and feel confident behind the drum kit.
Convenient In-Home Lessons
Private lessons are available at students' homes or another agreed-upon location throughout Santa Barbara and Goleta.
Performing with a jazz ensemble
About Ryan
I'm a drummer and teacher with 13 years of playing experience and nearly five years of experience helping students learn.
My goal is to make lessons feel encouraging, personal, and genuinely enjoyable. I've worked with children, college students, and older adults, and I've learned that every student responds to a different teaching style. Some students benefit from a structured step-by-step approach, while others become more engaged by learning songs they already enjoy. I adapt lessons to the person in front of me rather than forcing every student through the same system.
Outside of music, my experience working as a caregiver for an adult with disabilities and leading a Best Buddies student organization has strengthened my patience, communication skills, and ability to connect with people who learn in different ways.
I teach rock, jazz, funk, pop, and metal, along with music reading, rhythm, technique, and strong foundational skills. Whether a student is sitting behind a drum kit for the first time or looking to become a more confident player, I want each lesson to leave them excited to keep learning.
More Than Drum Lessons
Great lessons should do more than teach technique. They should help students feel capable, creative, and excited to keep improving.
Every Student Learns Differently
There is no single teaching method that works for everyone. I adjust the pace, structure, and material based on each student's personality, goals, and learning style.
Confidence Comes Through Progress
Students build confidence when they can recognize their own improvement. I break skills into manageable steps and make sure progress is noticed and celebrated.
Strong Fundamentals Matter
Good technique, timing, coordination, and music-reading skills create a foundation that allows students to play more freely and confidently.
Learning Should Be Fun
Students are more motivated when lessons connect with music they genuinely enjoy. I balance structured learning with songs, styles, and goals that keep them engaged.
What Students Will Learn
Lessons combine strong fundamentals with music students are genuinely excited to play. The exact focus will depend on each student's age, experience, and goals.
Technique & Coordination
Develop proper grip, posture, control, and coordination between the hands and feet.
Rhythm & Timing
Build a steady sense of time, understand common rhythmic patterns, and learn how to stay locked in with music.
Music Reading
Learn to read drum notation, count rhythms, and use written exercises to develop independence and accuracy.
Rudiments & Fundamentals
Practice essential sticking patterns and foundational exercises that improve speed, control, and musical vocabulary.
Beats, Fills & Songs
Apply new skills by learning drum beats, fills, and songs across rock, pop, funk, jazz, and metal.
Musical Confidence
Become more comfortable behind the drum kit, recover from mistakes, and play with greater confidence and expression.
In the studio
What Students Say
Feedback from students helps show what lessons are actually like—the progress they make, the confidence they build, and the experience of learning together.
I started lessons with Ryan just a few weeks before the end of the school year as a complete beginner, and I learned so much in such a short time. The foundation he gave me has helped me keep improving all summer. He's an awesome teacher, really knowledgeable, and explains everything in a way that's easy to understand. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to learn drums!
Ryan has been such a lovely person to work with! Very kind, approachable, and takes time to know you as a person before walking you through your first lesson. He navigates teaching in a way that works best for each person's level of experience, while also challenging you to try new things which has been so much fun! There's a lot of free range to start learning almost anything you want, and he is very patient which I really appreciate. Before taking lessons with him, I've never touched a drum set in my life but after just 4 lessons, I've learned how to play two songs which I'm extremely proud of. I take weekly lessons and feel more confident in my abilities after each one. 10/10 Highly recommend!!!
Taking drum lessons from Ryan Badie has been massively exponential for my growth. Seriously, life-changing!!! It is a true gift to work with him. Ryan has a genuine heart for music and shares that passion and aliveness with each of his students. After taking even just my first lesson with Ryan, I felt a major shift in my mindset, approach, and relationship to music. I have never felt so encouraged, supported, and believed in by a teacher. Ryan truly makes you feel like you can do anything, and is so generous in sharing all of his profound knowledge and skill he has taken the time to invest in developing. Ryan has opened up my world to see all the beauty drumming has to offer. I truly don't know how I lived my life before drumming, and I am so thankful to have Ryan as my teacher. I seriously cannot recommend him enough. Drumming will change your life, and having Ryan as your teacher will be an indelible experience!
Ryan's an amazing drummer, teacher, and overall person. I've only had 5 lessons, but you can sense the passion Ryan has for music as soon as you meet him, which makes lessons interesting and comforting. As knowledgeable as he is, lessons will always be collaborative and he really prioritizes what you want from the experience. As many times as I've had to reschedule last minute or showed up late, Ryan was always super kind and accommodating! His patience and communication skills should be studied. I had never sat in front of a drum set and can now play to one of my favorite songs! He encourages making mistakes and continues to move at a pace that is comfortable for you. 10/10 would recommend Ryan Badie to a friend.
Hi, I've gotten lessons from Ryan for about a month now while taking my college courses and it has to be the high light of my week. As a beginner I get to learn a lot, not only about playing the drums but he taught me how to read music and how to really hear it so I can learn to play it by ear one day. If your looking for a good drum teacher he is really nice and knows a lot about music composition and drums in general. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need any previous drumming experience?
No. I specialize in working with complete beginners, and lessons can start with the absolute basics. More experienced students are also welcome, with lessons adjusted around their current skills and goals.
What ages do you teach?
I teach children, teens, college students, and adults. The lesson structure, pace, and material are adapted to the student's age, attention span, interests, and experience level.
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons are available at the student's home or another agreed-upon location throughout Santa Barbara and Goleta. We can discuss the most practical arrangement when you reach out.
Does the student need to own a drum set?
Not necessarily before the first lesson. Equipment needs depend on the lesson location and the student's situation. I can help families understand what is actually necessary before purchasing anything.
What styles of music do you teach?
I teach rock, pop, funk, jazz, and metal, along with technique, rhythm, coordination, music reading, and fundamental drumming skills.
What happens during the first lesson?
The first lesson is an opportunity to meet, discuss the student's experience and goals, and begin playing. I use it to understand how the student learns best and to create a direction for future lessons.
Are lessons personalized?
Yes. Lessons are tailored around each student's goals, interests, experience level, and learning style rather than following one fixed curriculum for everyone.
How do I get started?
Use the contact form below, email me, or call or text me. Tell me a little about the student, their experience level, and where you are located, and I'll follow up to discuss scheduling and lesson details.
Start Learning Today
Interested in drum lessons for yourself or your child? Send me a message with a little information about the student, and I'll follow up to discuss goals, location, scheduling, and next steps.
Prefer to reach out directly?
- Email:
- rbadie2004@gmail.com
- Phone:
- (949) 547-2161
Call or text is welcome.