I had the great fortune of studying drums with Sol for about a year way back in 1993. He was my first real drum teacher. The lessons were fantastic. Sol's love of drumming came through at all times. The material was very challenging, but always fun and Sol taught with a lot of patience and humor. Sol covered all the basics: rudiments, reading, grooves and different drum set styles, but most significant for me, he opened up my eyes to a possibility of me becoming a professional drummer. With his encouragement I went on to attend Berklee College of Music (his old school) to further my education. I have kept in contact with Sol all these years and he continues to mentor and inspire me. Oakland, CA. Andrew has performed/recorded with: CAKE, Camper Van Beethoven, Luce, Vince Welnick(Grateful Dead, Tubes, Todd Rundgren), Kenny Margolis (keyboards Cracker), Jonathan Richman, David Immergluck (Counting Crows), Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes), Nate Query (the Decemberists), Eric Holden (Bassist with Josh Groban, the Bodeans), Chris Xefos (King Missile), Duane Jarvis (Lucinda Williams), Jimmy Prescott (G Love and Special Sauce), Steve Fisk (producer Nirvana, Soundgarden, the Posies, Soul Coughing)...In addition to drumming, Andrew is also a singer/songwriter and producer. He currently fronts Oakland based Indie rock group Felsen who have just released their fourth album. read more

I can confidently say Sol is not only an incredible piano instructor, but is one of the best teachers I've ever had in my life, period! I decided to start learning the piano as an adult beginner and I've been working with Sol for about 8 months. Sol is an expert in so many ways - not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the piano, he is patient, explains things clearly, makes learning engaging, and is overall just an expert teacher. When I've wanted to learn a particular song or learn a particular skill, he's always found a way to work in my interests and help me pursue my personal goals with piano. He takes the whole student into account and will talk you through deeper issues you may have on your mind as a musician, like confidence, concerns about your progress, or performance anxiety. He works in anecdotes on things like the meaning of music and what it means to be a musician, all of which have taught me so much. His lessons are challenging but also so fun and enjoyable - I never leave without having had a good laugh. I've seen him in passing with his younger students, and he seems like he's great with the kids. Overall, if you want to learn piano or have a child who you want to enroll in lessons, you want to get them from Sol. read more

Sol works with you to understand what it is you want to accomplish and then builds solid lesson plans (which he emails to you after after each lesson in the form of a worksheet with exercises to focus on during the course of the week) to help move you in the direction you want to go. He's constructively critical and also able to point out underlying strengths you may not be aware of in a piece or exercise you're struggling with. And though very organized, he falls into the line of teacher who are at times unpredictable. I started warming up with scales before one lesson, and he came to the piano and shut the lid and said, "Today, we are going to have a very important discussion." And he started talking about the importance of listening, and then asked me what I was listening to and how I was listening to it. He encouraged me to listen to music I wasn't as familiar with, to listen to instruments other than piano. Over the course of two or three months, I have become more and more enamored with classical music, not only the skill of talented performers, but the passion and connection needed to bring music from a notes that can be played to life. I'm not close to that level, but even the way I approach scales is changing. read more

First off, Sol is AWESOME! My 8 year old son decided he wanted to learn piano and so I reached out to several individuals and Sol was ready to take him on immediately and for reasonable cost. My son can be difficult. He is loud and has a hard time focusing, but Sol has a way of steering him back on track. We came for an initial visit to test the waters and ended up diving in head first into Sol's curriculum. He developed his own lesson plan in which it really pushes the student to learn efficiently but also keeps them from being overwhelmed with information. His lessons are very involved with the parents and he takes many stimuli into consideration when preparing for the lessons: school and family life, etc. And each lesson reflects the needs of my son, if he has a hard time sitting still we can play rhythm games or if he gets over stimulated we step back and have a bit of music appreciation. The lessons are well rounded and dynamic and we really work together to learn and teach each other what it really is to make and listen and develop musical skills. I have never seen a frowning face come from lessons with Sol and I highly recommend him for children, and adults! read more

Simply stated, I can't imagine having a better teacher than Sol, on the drums or otherwise. I have taken lessons with Sol for close to 2 years now, and it has changed my life. When I started with him, I was reeling from the breakup of my band and looking for direction. Now, I am the bandleader of a successful tribute band, making money and having a great time. As anyone who plays music knows, its is a holistic experience, challenging one's mind, body, and soul. Sol's teaching method is unique in that it addresses all of these with equal enthusiasm. Sure, he will take you through drum rolls and para-diddles like any other drum teacher, but more importantly he will prepare you psychologically to succeed at music. He'll teach you how to prepare for and nail an audition, how to succeed in the studio and on stage, and how to relate effectively with your band mates onstage and in rehearsal. Most importantly, he'll teach you how to find your true goals as a musician, and how to accomplish them with dignity and pride. I wish there were more than 5 stars to give to Sol! read more

I had been taking drum lessons with Sol in 2010-2011. In the past I studied piano, guitar and drums with various teachers. And though I once thought that my piano skills were intermediate, I could never jump the beginner level in drums. Sol helped me a lot to acquire the skills and understanding how things work. There were things that I spent quite a while trying to achieve previously that I could get right a week after a lesson with Sol. He has an extensive library that can save your life (kidding!). He copies and scans pages for you, before you develop your own library. He is definitely one of the best music instructors I've seen in my life. (By the way, Sol is French guy and after having spent two years in France I can claim authoritatively that he is a very nice French guy.) I would still be taking lessons from him if I didn't move. I definitely recommend Sol's guidance. P.S. Having said all of that, mastering any musical instrument is 99% percent hard work, there is no magic, and drums are even more so. read more

Sol has a talent for communicating drumming. He makes videos of what you need to work on and emails them to you and you can use these for the week of practice to guide your learning. He is not just a drum teacher too, many times we would sit down and look at the barriers to learning... not just the environment in which we learn, but the sociocultural and personal things too. in one lesson we sat down and talked about "the will to drum" which inevitably led to a discussion about the concepts i had about myself as a learner. Sol said to me: "this is not about natural talent. you must practice. you must think about the connection between your body and mind. all you need to do is teach your body to express what you truly feel and think. then the speed, timing, feeling, rhythm will flow through you." this was not unlike meeting Yoda and realising that the force was always in me. Furthermore, i am happy to call Sol my friend after 8 years. so glad i picked up the phone and called him when i saw him on craiglist. read more

Nobody better. My son has been studying with Sol for 3 years now. Its because of Sol's high energy, drive and expected accountability that my son has improved in music week over week. Sol has so much to offer. He teaches technique, reading, theory, performance, all different styles from Latin to jazz to rock and double bass....he delivers in all disciplines. He also teaches band skills, how to audition, shares knowledge based on years of experience. He's simply fantastic and we are grateful we have the opportunity to study with him. What we like most about Sol is his integrity as a teacher. He won't let you go...you are accountable to your lessons. He works hard for you and expects you to work honestly on the assignments he has given. He stretches you but never beyond your abilities. If you're serious about learning music, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended. Thanks!! read more

Sol is an excellent, dedicated teacher (and I say that as a teacher). I've been playing drums for many years but I've only taken a handful of lessons, so Sol is the first teacher I've gone to consistently. He respects my individual abilities and needs, but he isn't shy about telling me what I need to do to improve. I've been very impressed with his ability to watch me play and praise my strengths, diagnose my problems, and give me focused assignments that help me get better. And with hour-long lessons (though he offers shorter ones) we have time to play and talk - and both are equally important. I've also been impressed with his willingness to talk about the mental aspects of playing and performing. Having gigged a fair amount and practiced a ton, I know that's at least half of being a musician, and Sol can talk thoughtfully about that side of playing too. read more

I came to Sol a year and half ago when I stopped improving anymore by self-teaching. It was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. It can't be more pleasant. Sol has the magic to keep me enjoying the learning process. Before taking lessons with him, I thought I only wanted to learn rock for a while and be satisfied for the rest of my life as an amateur drummer. Sol teaches a lot more than that. I am surprised by how much fun there is in different drumming styles around the world and more importantly, how much fun there is in music. He trains musicians, not just drummers. I made so much progress that I wouldn't be able to make on my own. It's like Sol has the secret formula to improve learning by a lot. If all my school teachers were as great and interesting as Sol, I'd be among the best scholars by now! read more

I have only been taking piano lessons from Sol for a few months, but I'm very impressed with his teaching style. I've learned so much already. A lot of people think just because they can play an instrument they can teach--not so, teaching is an art form and I know a good teacher when I experience one. Sol goes beyond the basics and has challenged me to do more than I thought I could. With his help I've rediscovered my love of playing music! I look forward to my lessons and actually enjoy practicing everyday in anticipation of showing him what I've learned. He's also an extremely interesting and nice person which makes lessons comfortable and fun. His decades of teaching experience really show. I think anyone would have a good experience with him. read more

Sol has been my piano teacher since October of 2013. My only regret is that I didn't find him sooner. In September 2013 I went to a big box retail store and bought a digital piano. The piano is an instrument I always thought to be impressive and transcendent. I wanted to learn the fundamentals and avoid bad habits. Sol has customized his teaching methods, approach and schedule to help me along on my journey. I am an adult 36 year old student who never took one lesson before I walked through Sol's doors. Sol's patience and sense of humor has made our lessons an enjoyable learning experience. I think Sol has a unique ability to teach music and develop the skill set that the student strives to attain. Talented musician and teacher..... read more

I discovered Sol's ad in the Chicago Reader and was impressed by his credentials and affiliation with Manu Katche of Sting. My first lesson was utter joy. Seeing my eyes light up on the drum set - and the prospect of hitting the drums - he let me "have at it" in no time at all. I think that within five minutes of the lesson, I had already learned my first "rock beat." Perhaps more importantly on that first day, he asked questions, and then he listened. "Why do you want to be here? What are your goals" I look forward to our weekly lessons because they are a mix of fun, hard work, learning, and pure and simple ejoyment. Sol teaches the whole person. He listens, and ostensibly cares. read more

Fantastic drum teacher! So far in my life I have had 8 music teachers and Sol is at the top of my list! I've been playing drums for 11 years and he has doubled my skill in the past 10 months. In addition to helping me as my teacher, Sol has also been a mentor to me as I am working towards living as a professional musician. Sol's teaching style is nonchalant, funny at times, and very relational. Sometimes the lessons are very funny and other times they are very serious. The conversations we have had have taught me to think in a more self-sufficient, mature, and adult manner. He has also helped me to step back and look at the big picture of my life. read more

I started playing musical instruments at the age of 12, beginning with saxaphone, moving on to piano, and finally taking on the drums at 23. Of the many music teachers that took part in my musical development, none of them came close to targeting the essentials of musical expression that Sol immediately, and quite naturally, harnessed. Sol's understanding of genres, improvisation, creativity, and most importantly the role of personal development in musical expression, is worth far more than the asking price. Each time I walked in paying for lessons, I walked out with invaluable insight. I would not recommend any other music teacher in higher esteem. read more

I've been taking piano lessons from Sol since the beginning of this year 6 months 3/2016. My teacher is not personable he teaches each of his students as individuals. I started not knowing a note to learning 12 scales, I practice daily!!!. I was playing with both hands right from the start. I'm 53 yrs old now and I always hoped to play piano. Sol "made" that dream come true. So if you ever thought you would never be ever to learn piano. It can be done. Sol has lots! of patients sometimes I'm not so great but he doesn't criticize he helps me through it. I love playing now, every spare moment I have is spent playing! read more

I looked extensively for a great drum instructor and ultimately chose Sol. Although many were available in my immediate area Sol stood out as exceptional. Following my first 1 1/2 hour lesson I knew immediately that I'd made the right decision. Sol shapes the lessons according to my interests and is continuously mindful of not only technique, but also musicality and expression. I become a better drummer and musician after every single lesson with Sol. Worth noting, I drive over 2 1/2 hours each way to study with Sol as I reside in Wisconsin. Excellent instruction by an accomplished player and teacher! read more

Sol is a very experienced and passionate teacher. He is always ready to challenge his students' skill levels, and always ready to guide them to the next step. He is understanding and thoughtful of his students' needs and ambitions. His teaching style can be fun and lighthearted, but he's never afraid to get to the heart of the matter at hand. Above all, his lessons in music can extend into lessons in life, including creativity, motivation, and success. My name is Harley Gingras and I've been taking lessons with Sol since 2007. Here's a link to show that I am a real person: http://youtu.be/l2ssyHDQOgo read more

Sol is a great piano teacher. I came to him after starting piano late in life with very little experience. I have only been going to him for about 6 months now, and already the progress I have made is more than I could have expected. Sol keeps thinks light and fun while at the same time engaging and challenging. He makes sure the lesson focuses on multiple parts of playing and I always go home with a number of challenging exercises to work on for the week. Fun, challenging, informative, and very rewarding experience. No matter your age or experience level, I highly recommend reaching out to Sol. read more