You won't find a better drum instructor in Dallas than Johnny Bell. His tab method gets you started right off the bat. He is personable, high energy and I welcome his critiques. I am 41 years old and never picked up a drum stick in my life until this week. Within one lesson, I decided on not only my grip but that I wanted a drum set- a decision not to take lightly as a kit takes up square footage in your home and it's a "loud" instrument. He did not push me to purchase a kit either. He gave me numerous recommendations tailored to my 1230 sq ft home. I will continue my lessons in his studio as it's a really badass set up and I enjoy playing with him, despite drumming appearing to be a "solo" instrument to us noobs. I would recommend him for adults as well as children. I am a piano player. Drums are an "intimidating" instrument to me...but not anymore with Johnny Bell as my instructor. He is in love with his craft and it shows during every minute of lessons. read more

We love Top Shelf. Johnny's energy and enthusiasm for music, teaching, and life in general is inspiring and impossible not to vibe with. His expertise and mentorship is exactly what I want for my son as he grows his drumming skills, and (more importantly) develops a lifelong relationship with music. read more

I started drumming lessons several months ago with Johnny, and it's been an absolute blast! Johnny can take any of your favorite songs and create a lesson that is catered to your skill level. He's super personable and easy going and makes learning a really positive experience. I used to play the piano and the process of learning felt "stiff" but drum lessons here and been so much more relaxed and fun, and I've learned so much just in a few months. I told Johnny about my dad's favorite song, and he helped me learn the song. I surprised my dad for his birthday, and he LOVED it! Johnny is super encouraging and respectful and an all around great teacher, would highly recommend lessons for anyone who's curious about trying the drums! read more

Johnny is an amazing accomplished drummer and now he is an amazing drum teacher.. You will not be disappointed..!! He is committed as a teacher to his students and gives 100% all the time.. I love his talent and also his commitment to fitness too!!! read more

Just awesome! :) Today is my first drum lesson ever. I don't know any other instruments and I don't know how to read music notes. I was really worried about my first lesson but Johnny made sure that I feel at ease. He's a great instructor, he knows how to adjust his teaching skills based on the student's background. He is very patient and hands on at the same time. 15 minutes into my first session, I'm already playing drums like I knew what I was doing lol! He made sure that I was having fun while learning. - Money well spent - Amazing instructor - Fun skill to learn I highly recommend Johnny to any aspiring drummers out there, regardless of your current skill level, experience or background. I'm definitely coming back for more! read more

I've been seeing Johnny for almost 2 years and I've improved so much. He's always so positive and really is a joy to be taking lessons from. I wish my teachers in school had been as fun as he was. (Might have actually tried and practiced then) You won't regret these lessons! read more

Just met Johnny Bell! He was kind enough to meet me before he began teaching his students today. My son's drum set was in pieces. He not only put it all back together, tuned it and I asked if he would play a little! I want to take lessons and not give my son's drums back! This man is so gifted, it is nuts! He is polished, his enthusiasm is electric! Incredible and humble. I was humbled to have met such a gifted musician!!!!!!! Thank you!!! read more

Johnny is awesome! I have been taking drum lessons for a few weeks now and he's got me playing some of my favorite songs! Johnny is a great, down to earth teacher who is passionate about music and is able to adjust his teaching style if you're having difficulty, or challenge you if you're picking it up easy. He makes everything super convenient, from scheduling to rescheduling to having a practice plan. Highly recommend for all ages! read more

Johnny is amazing! My son, 12, has taken lessons from him for 2 years now. He absolutely LOVES him! His high energy matches that of his students! He always comes prepared with new songs for them to try out, and allows Maxwell to choose some too. When we bought a new drum set for his birthday Johnny helped us figure it out! Private lessons in your home are the way to go, but Johnny's studio downtown is very cool! We try and make it down there every once in a while. Highly recommend Top Shelf Drums! read more

Johnny is high energy and super positive with the kids in addition to being a great drum teacher. My son thinks he is super cool. I recommend him to any kid who wants to learn from the best and be entertained at the same time. Best experience for my son who is asking when he gets to go again after our session. read more

Johnny is fun, talented and enthusiastic. He takes a customized approach with every client. Whether it's a child, a teen or an adult...he has the passion to inspire his students. read more

Johnny is a great guy and very professional. I love his teaching methods. He makes learning fun and brings a lot of energy into the lessons. Johnny is super patient and spends time explaining the material he covers to you. Go see him he will make you a better drummer! read more

Johnny is an excellent teacher. He's very committed, focused and it's clear he loves what he does. He is very knowledgeable about drumming and takes the time to make sure you understand what it is you're learning. Definitely recommend :) read more

I've been seeing Johnny since 2013. I had always wanted to learn the drums and it's a great hobby and fun stress outlet for someone working a desk job like me. I always had feared getting lessons because I'm not much of a quick learner, but johnny has been great and I always have a blast. Young or old, hit up johnny! read more

Johnny is a truly a master of his craft and ensures the student has a great time while learning the drums. He makes it quick and easy to learn your favorite songs or the rudiments. I took lessons with him for several years and he was very accommodating whether it was playing in my home or his studio we could always find something that worked for me. If you want to learn the drums and have a blast then take lessons from Johnny! read more

Johnny has been coming to our house to teach my son (12 years old) drums for 3 years or more now. He is an amazing drummer himself, and he has tapped into my son's natural talent. Johnny is always happy and positive, even when my son is in a bad mood - Johnny still finds a way to make the lesson fun. My son loves drumming so much, and now has a wonderful love of music. I can't say enough good things about Johnny, and my son looks forward to seeing Johnny every week. He is excellent with kids, and his method of teaching seems to resonate with how kids learn. I would recommend Johnny to anyone looking to learn drums or advance their learning of drums. read more

First drum lesson with Johnny Bell, and I'm hooked! He gets that students are there for different reasons and makes you feel comfortable. He is so patient and his passion for playing drums is contagious! Great fun and already playing songs after the first lesson! Johnny is the best! read more

Not recommended. We didn't care for the way he teaches it. It's not from sheet music like in school. You're better off taking lessons in school if you want to learn in the traditional professional way. read more

Wow! Just left my first drum lesson @ top shelf in deep ellum, I'm 24 years old with a lot happening currently with job/career/family but I've always aspired to be a drummer, my whole life!! Talking with Johnny on the phone he got my heart beating fast about playing drums and becoming "apart of the music", I meet him and just like someone from the depths of music itself he taught himself at 2, professional at 14 and now he puts on a lesson that makes you feel like you can lose all butterflies when sitting behind the drumset, within 12 min of never playing he had me (with simple tab chart reading) playing the Beatles! He WRITES FROM SCRATCH ALL HIS OWN IDEAS makes everything easier for anyone learning, I followed him for a few min and BOOM, left there with 6 songs down and an aspiration for percussion I could've only dreamed of before today. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS GUY, he has passion like no other for something he loves to do & teach. read more