Percussion Marketing Council’s “Lesson with a Master” Helps Students and Gives Back to Music Retailers

This year, Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) celebrated International Drum Month in May 2022 with the annual “Lesson with a Master” promotion through PlayDrums.com. The popular giveaway attracted hundreds of entries from players of all levels and ages, who entered to win a one-hour, online live lesson. Participating artists included: Terry Bozzio, Dave DiCenso, Allison Miller, Eric Moore, Dorothea Taylor, and Paul Wertico. The master drummers also attracted entries by engaging with drummers through their social media channels during the celebration.

Pictured: Danielle Washington of Rock Hill, SC, on Zoom during her lesson with Tamburo Drums artists Dorothea Taylor.

“We thank all of the professional drummers / teaching artists who participated in this year's International Drum Month "Lesson with a Master" giveaway,” says PMC Executive Director Antoinette Follett. “The winning drummers each enjoyed an experience of a lifetime, during their private online class with a nationally-recognized drummer.”

Six individuals, selected at random, each won a private video-conference lesson with the master artist of their choice. Winners, aged 17 to 42, included Isaiah Holliday of Omaha, NE; TK Johnson of Jamaica Plain, MA; Gillian Foster of Apex, NC; Danielle Washington of Rock Hill, SC; and Matthew Heard of Lithonia, GA; and Benjamin Holeton of Groveland, IL.

In addition to the virtual Zoom lesson with a master drummer, PlayDrums.com awarded each winner $200 to spend on new gear or drum lessons at their local music store. The stores included Schmitt Music (Omaha, NE), Moon Dog Drum Shop (Galesburg, IL), Guitar Center, Bach to Rock (Apex, NC), and Woody’s Music (Rock Hill, SC).

(Right) Lisa Shelton, store manager at Schmitt Music (Omaha, NE), presents the $200 store gift certificate courtesy of PlayDrums.com to Isaiah Holliday, winner of the International Drum Month lesson with Terry Bozzio.

International Drum Month is meant to help local drum shops and music stores and the ‘Lesson with a Master’ promotion helps get more customers engaged in learning music.

“It’s important to PMC members that we assist retailers with tools to promote the giveaway and by awarding the winners gift cards we’re offering another incentive to bring customers into their store,” adds Follett.

As the official trade association of the percussion industry, the Percussion Marketing Council, through its PlayDrums.com website, connects the activities of our corporate members, nonprofit partners, and the global percussion community. Drum enthusiasts can find tips from professional drummers, industry and drumming news and promotions on the website.

Member engagement is essential to PMC’s goals of promoting interest and engagement in drumming and percussion through music education, as well as access to instruments and music-making opportunities. Visit PlayDrums.com to find out how your company and brand can partner with PMC and PlayDrums.com.