What does a drum lesson cost?

Single 30-minute lessons start at $50. 60-minute packages run up to $180. Multi-lesson packages come with a discount. The first lesson is always free for new students, so trying it out costs nothing.

How long is a typical drum lesson?

Lessons run 30, 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Most students settle into a 30 or 60 minute weekly schedule. The first lesson is 30 minutes and free.

How does scheduling and cancellation work?

Lessons can be weekly, biweekly, or as needed. Cancellations work best with 24 hours notice so the time slot can be filled. Emergency cancellations are handled case by case.

How do I book my first drum lesson?

Go to rudyfeinauer.com/book-online, pick a date and time, and I will confirm. The first lesson is free for new students, so there is no payment step. If you prefer, call 914-262-9406.

How young can a student start drum lessons?

Most students start between ages 7 and 10. I have also taught younger kids and adult beginners in their 60s and 70s. The right age depends on attention span and interest, not the birthday.

Do you teach adult beginners?

Yes. Adult beginners in their 60s and 70s have taken lessons with me and progressed faster than they expected. Adult learners bring focus and life experience that helps. The first lesson is free.

Where is Rudy Feinauer based?

My studio is in Ardsley, NY (Westchester County). In person lessons happen at the studio. Virtual lessons reach students across the United States and worldwide via Zoom or FaceTime.

What equipment do I need to start drum lessons?

For the very first lessons, a practice pad and a pair of sticks is enough. Many students start that way and add a full kit later. If you already have a kit, that is even better.

Are virtual drum lessons as effective as in person?

After five years and many students, the short answer is yes when the setup is right: a good camera angle, reliable internet, and a student who is ready to learn. Some students actually progress faster because they are on their own kit in their own room.

What software do I need for virtual drum lessons?

Zoom or FaceTime. Most people already have one or both. No special software, no separate purchases. A laptop, tablet, or phone is enough.

What are Rudy Feinauer's credentials?

I am a graduate of the New England Conservatory, Jazz Percussion, Class of 1990, on full scholarship. I have been teaching drums privately for over 35 years and was a NYSSMA adjudicator for several years.

What styles of drumming does Rudy teach?

Jazz, rock, Latin, and contemporary drumming. I draw from over 35 years performing and teaching across genres. Students who want to specialize in one style get more time on that style. Students who want variety get a broader curriculum.

What if drum lessons are not a fit?

The first lesson is free, so it costs nothing to find out. If after that first lesson you decide drumming is not for you, or that we are not the right teacher-student match, no hard feelings. You keep what you learned and you are not on the hook for anything.

Where in Westchester does Rudy teach in person?

The studio is in Ardsley, NY. Students travel in from Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Yonkers, Bronxville, and other nearby Westchester towns. Virtual lessons are also available if traveling is not convenient.

Rudy Feinauer: Live Shows and Past Performances

Rudy Feinauer
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Rudy Feinauer teaches drums and also performs. This page tracks the next confirmed show and the venues he has appeared at over more than 30 years of performing. If you are considering lessons, an actively-performing teacher is a signal worth checking. Everything below is public and verifiable.

Next show

Confirmed upcoming performance. Free and open to the public.

When · Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Who · Rudy Feinauer with Mudsole (Dixieland trio)
Where · Thomas Paine Memorial Building, New Rochelle, NY
Event
New Rochelle Jazz Festival · "Jazz in July," July 10 to 19, 2026
Admission · Free

About Mudsole

Mudsole is a New Orleans-style Dixieland trio led by NYC guitarist Dave "Knife" Fabris. Rudy joined the newest lineup as the drummer. Dave and Rudy went to the New England Conservatory together · Rudy is the band bio's "Dave's old Conservatory buddy."

Mudsole's band history is on public record:

Founded 1989 · Dave Fabris started the band busking in Boston with Artie Barbato and Jason Rogers
1990 Mardi Gras breakthrough · Mentored on the streets of New Orleans by jazz legend Doreen Ketchens
Entertainment Tonight · National TV feature after the New Orleans breakthrough
Bill Clinton Inaugural Celebrations · Played both Inaugurations, opening for The Four Tops and Billy Ray Cyrus
2017 reconstitution · Reformed for a Hurricane Maria relief fundraiser in NYC
2026 lineup · Rafael Castillo-Halvorssen (trumpet), Rudy Feinauer (drums), Zach Kirsimae (upright bass)

Full band history is on Dave Fabris's site at davefabris.com/mudsole.

Rudy Feinauer performing live on drums, jazz drummer and Ardsley NY teacher — Rudy's Ardsley studio — where lessons and rehearsals both happen.

Past appearances (partial list)

Rudy Feinauer live performance in Westchester NY, drum teacher and working musician — Live in Westchester — over 30 years of local and tri-state performances.

More than 30 years of performing across the tri-state area and beyond. Selected venues:

The Stone Pony · Asbury Park, NJ
BB King's Blues Club · New York, NY
Colonial Theatre · Phoenixville, PA
Kensico Dam Plaza 9/11 Memorial · Valhalla, NY (annual memorial concerts)
Various jazz and community venues across Westchester, NY and the tri-state area

Press coverage

FOX 5 New York · Good Day New York segment, January 23, 2013
The Working Musician · Published interview at theworkingmusician.com/reviews/RudyFeinauerInterview.html
New England Conservatory Alumni Small Business Directory · Official NEC listing under Lessons and Training, June 2026

Why this matters for drum lessons

Rudy Feinauer drumming in performance, 35 years of experience teaching and playing — The gigging keeps the teaching honest.

A teacher who performs publicly is a teacher who still cares about being good on the instrument. Students of an actively-performing teacher are learning from someone who knows what actually works on stage, not just what looks correct in a book. The upcoming Mudsole gig is not a Rudy Feinauer solo show · it is jazz-trio ensemble playing, which is a different discipline from teaching, and one that improves the teaching.

Book a lesson with an actively performing teacher

The first lesson is free for new students. Zoom, FaceTime, or in person at the Ardsley, NY studio. Book at rudyfeinauer.com/book-online or call 914-262-9406.