This month’s Teacher Spotlight focuses on Canada’s Stephane Chamberland. Recognized internationally as a clinician, Steph has presented hundreds of clinics and master classes in stores, schools, camps and festivals around the globe over the past 10 years. He performed at the Canadian Cape Breton Drum Festival 2008, at the Taipei International Percussion Summer Camp (Taipei National University of the Arts), at the Da Dong Tian Xia Music Concert (Shanghai Grand Theatre) and at the Shanghai Int’l Percussion Camp. He also maintains a busy private teaching schedule at his studio in Quebec City, The Wizdom Drumshed, and also teaches regularly in New York with Dom Famularo and in Montréal.

Steph’s studio is a state-of-the-art teaching and recording facility where drummers from all around the world come to study. Stephane is also part of the education team for Vic Firth with the PDT+ program and has been working Mapex to create the Mapex Learning Advantage Program and educational posters. Stephane has studied drumset with many respected teachers in New York, New Jersey and Toronto, including Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Rick Gratton, Robby Ameen, Jeff Salem, Paul DeLong, Joe Bergamini, John Favicchia, Aldo Mazza, Frank Belluci. He went to Manhattan School of Music and studied with John Riley and Bobby Sanabria. He also studied at the Conservatory of Music in Quebec City. For more information check him out at www.stephanechamberland.com

1.Where are you located, and where do you teach?

Montréal and Québec City, Canada

2. How many students do you teach, and what is their range of ability levels?

I teach 300 students from all around the world, beginner to master.

3. What are your favorite teaching materials?

I use over 800 drum books and over 200 DVDs

4. How are you incorporating new media (DVDs, Mp3s, Internet, etc) into your teaching?

My studio is equipped with the newest technology. I use the TIP advice to always incorporate DVDs, books and CDs into the lessons. This is the future.

5. Do you have any funny anecdotes or stories from your teaching?

Every lesson is funny!!ha ha!

6. What are your general thoughts on drumming, teaching, music….?

Always inspire and push to the next level!

Here are some quotes from Stephane’s students:

Studying with Steph at his wizdom drumshed is definitely the highest form of drum education I have had so far. Steph is combining his state of the art teaching facility with his incredible knowledge and love of drumming makes for an unforgettable learning experience. He opened my mind to many different ideas, styles, and techniques which allows me to be more prepared for the many varieties of music that I play. Steph always has such a positive and encouraging attitude and pushes me to be my very best. He is always willing to help make my trip easier by finding me a close hotel to stay at or campground seeing as how I live 2000 km away. When I am back home after my lessons he always stays in contact and continues to encourage me in my playing and offers great advice. He sets up the curriculum based on what my needs as a student are which allows me to make great progress quickly. Stephane is the best teacher, player and mentor and has so much to offer. I will be traveling to study with him as long as I can and I would encourage anyone who is serious about taking their playing to a higher level to do the same.

Tyson Unrau Magregor, Manitoba Canada

In spending just six days with Stephane, I learned more than I would have in two years on my own. He is an astonishing teacher and his enthusiasm and energy not only help you learn but make you WANT to learn. If you want to advance every aspect of your drumming to the next level, then this is the guy to go to!

Akash Thakkar Fredericton, New Brunswick