Featured Student - Summer 2007
Dustin Mason

Dustin mugging for the camera

I'd like to congratulate Dustin Mason of Wappingers Falls, NY for earning the title of OnlineDrumLessons.com Featured Student, for Summer 2007! Dustin is an 11 year old 5th grader at Kinry Road Elementary School who began studying drums with me at Let's Jam in January of 2006. Dustin is known around Let's Jam for his over the top enthusiasm for music and drumming. From the second he walks into the drum studio, Dustin is all about music and drumming, asking tons of questions and frequently offering some new info about one of his favorite bands or musicians.

Dustin was the clear choice for "Drummer of the Summer" because at a time when many students discontinue lessons (and practicing), Dustin not only stuck around, he worked harder than ever. By the end of the summer, he had taken quite a leap forward in his drumming skills, and is the frontrunner to be the first student ever to complete my book, "Foundations in Rhythm". This is due to his regular practice, his excellent attendance record, and the fact that he actually loves reading music! Some students groan when I say it's time to work in the reading book, but Dustin actually cheers!

Totally rocking out! (note the AC/DC wrist bands)

There's no question about where Dustin's musical tastes lie. He's a rocker through and through! Dustin loves classic rock and modern rock, and could probably give most adults a run for their money in classic rock trivia. Some of his favorite classic rock bands are AC/DC (who he proclaims as "the greatest band in the world"), The Who, Kiss, and Guns and Roses. He's also a big fan of Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Green Day, among others. He lists John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tre' Cool (Green Day), as his favorite drummers, and recently discovered Sheila E. and Zoro by watching videos on Drummerworld.com.

While music is an obvious passion of Dustin's, he has several other interests and hobbies. He loves and excels in sports, playing both basketball and baseball, and being selected to the All-Star team in both. In his downtime, Dustin enjoys listening to mp3's, surfing the net (his favorite site is drummerworld.com), and watching movies. His favorite movies include "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny", "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", and "Forrest Gump".

I'd like to once again congratulate Dustin for putting in the time and effort that make him an all-star drum student, and the clear choice as Featured Student for Summer 2007. It's truly a pleasure to work with him!

Congratulations, Dustin, and keep up the good work!