Music Teaching Studio by
Brandon T. Elliott

Welcome to my teaching studio home page. This source includes a general overview of teaching practice including, my teaching philosophy and goals, my inventory, and available topics of study in the world of percussion, piano and voice.

I believe strongly that drummers are musicians too. They are musicians using drums as one of the vehicles for their music.

About me

I have been playing percussion since I was very small but started studying in 1997 and teaching since 2014.

My passion for music has led me to participate in multiple bands, organizations, clubs and other music endeavors, including sharing the gift of music with others through teaching.

Along with beginner & intermediate drums & percussion, I offer beginner/entry level piano/keyboard, voice &  songwriting instruction

Favorite Genres: Rock, Pop, Alternative, Hip-Hop, Classical, and many more!

Influences: Led Zeppelin, Blink 182, Green Day, Alt-j, Foster the People, Young the Giant, White Stripes, Michael Jackson, Beach Boys, Portugal. The Man, The Killers, Radiohead, Beck, The Beatles, many more.

Educational goals: To teach music/percussion in a manner, which fosters the following qualities:

  • FUN! First and foremost, playing an instrument should be enjoyable!
  • Good technique: Playing drums should be fun. For playing to be fun, it should also be as easy as possible. I believe that technique is one of the most important tools in making playing easy (more enjoyable). I focus on developing technique with an approach of ease and comfort, free of muscle tension.
  • Sight reading: Good sight reading skills are a must for band, orchestra, jazz, and chamber music musicians.
  • Intonation: As a player, I want my playing to sound good. As a teacher, I strive to help my students develop an ear for good sound, or simply put, what sounds good to the audience (and of course, the player too!).
  • Rhythm: Rhythmic accuracy is a key skill for any instrumentalist. I emphasize this with the development of skills in ear training (recognizing rhythmic patterns) and through the development of good sight reading.
  • Musicality: Music is a wonderful form of expression. I strive to help growing musicians discover musical qualities above and beyond the notes on the page.

Teaching Facilities

Located in Minnetonka, MN, the studio measures approximately 15′ x 25′; plenty of room to set up a variety of percussion instruments as well as a percussion ensemble.
Music Go Round Minnetonka
11319 MN-7, Minnetonka, MN 55305
(952) 856-2706

Percussion inventory includes:

  • Drumset
  • Bell Kit (Glockenspiel)
  • Snare drum
  • Various auxiliary percussion instruments