Drumset teacher & Coach
Beyond performing, recording, and producing, drummer Franc auf dem Brinke is committed to education and mentorship. Franc is the founder of the widely known Drummers Initiative Drumschool (est. 1992). He offers private drum lessons to drumming fans of all levels and from age 12, in both Amsterdam and the Cote d’Azur area in Southern France.
WHO ARE YOU?
Different drummers have different personalities, preferences and goals. You like Rock, Jazz or Latin? Are you a team player or a soloist? Whether your goal is to audition for one of the notorious European or American music institutes, or to simply enjoy your time behind the drumset by gradual progression and joyful band playing, coaching is in most cases very helpful.
FRANC’s VIEW
Franc’s educational focus aligns with the standards set by the most influential performers of our time: from Max Roach to Brian Blade and Bill Stewart and from Hal Blaine to Questlove and Steve Gadd, just to mention a few. His approach is rooted in inspirational coaching, grounded in the belief that enthousiasm ignites passion. The drum set, in his view, is not just an instrument but a powerful tool for self-development— challenging, both physically and mentally.
TAILOR MADE
That’s why it is inevitable to work with personal learning routes. Lessons are tailored to each student’s level and ambitions, with a focus on key musical parameters to design a personalized learning journey. Together we create a plan and set goals for a season or a series of lessons.
From New York to Amsterdam: The Drummers Initiative
Franc founded The Drummers Initiative in the early 1990s after completing his conservatory studies and a postgraduate scholarship in New York. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, his studio quickly gained a strong reputation, attracting dedicated students from across the Netherlands.
Over the years, Franc has taught not only privately but also as a professor at institutions like the Prince Claus Conservatoire and the University of Amsterdam’s CREA, and has served as a guest teacher at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and other academies.
Education With a Global Standard
Knowledge of repertoire, styles and analyzing your favorite drummers is without doubt very valuable. At the same time developing solid hand techniques, dexterity of the four limbs and improvisational skills are inevitable. I -Franc- help you to discover the condition of your drumming parameters, so you know what to work on. The only way to make it possible for you to play the drums to the best of your abilities.
We will work with established methods in all styles such as Dante Agostini, Jim Chapin, Ted Reed and the books of John Riley, David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, Billy Martin, Alan Dawson and the Gary’s (Chester & Chaffee) — but also with a wealth of original material that Franc has collected and developed over time.
We use metronome practice, drum machines, percussion loops, and play-along with music. Educational recording sessions are also possible.
The focus is always on improving your ability to function in a group, and on developing your skills so that you can hold your own on stage and be the drummer that you imagine yourself to be!
| Target Group | Level | Format | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Talents (15–25) | Pre-professional | One-on-One | Amsterdam / Seillans / Online |
| Adult Students | Intermediate to advanced | One-on-One | Amsterdam / Seillans / Online |
| Teenagers (12+) | Motivated beginners | One-on-One | Amsterdam / Seillans / Online |
| Who it’s for | Topics Covered | Format | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Soloists | Artistic Development, Stage Presence, Career Planning, Professional communication, Business aspects, Audience engagement | Personal Coaching | Tailor-made |
| Orchestral Musicians | Stage Presence, Personal leadership, Professional communication, Team dynamics | One-on-One | By appointment |
| Freelance Musicians | Artistic Development, Stage Presence, Career Planning, Professional communication, Business aspects, Audience engagement | In-person / Online | Flexible |
| Service | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction lesson | 60 min | € 50,00 | Only one |
| Private Drum Lesson | 60 min | € [TBD] | In-person or online |
| Career Coaching Session | 60-90 min | € [TBD] | Flexible scheduling |
| Individual Consultation | 60-90 min | € [TBD] | By appointment |
Ready to Play?
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Book a 60-minute Introduction Lesson (€50,00)
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Choose your favorite Drum Lesson Arrangement
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Got questions? Call or message Franc directly
