Drum Lessons With a Teacher Who Knows How Kids Actually Learn

Private drum instruction with Larry Connelly — thirty years on stage and twenty years in early childhood education.

Larry has been a first-call drummer on the Philadelphia music scene for three decades.  His students have become touring musicians themselves.  His students have passed the toughest drum auditions in the country.  He himself was an innovator and pioneer of many styles in the Philadelphia underground of the mid-1990’s and his drumming is legendary in those circles.  

Beyond his professionalism and talent, he has a dual background in early childhood education and a patient and understanding approach that reaches all age levels and all skills.  Larry is currently available on Saturdays.  

Drummer and Educator

Larry Connelly has been behind a drum kit since the early nineties, playing alongside Ryan Olock in the Philadelphia music scene and across three decades of bands and projects together. He is a musician first — with the feel, the ear, and the stage experience that only come from years of performing live.

Larry has a great sense of humor and makes every lesson fun!

But what makes Larry genuinely rare as a drum teacher is something most drum instructors never bring to the room: twenty years of early childhood education training and experience from working in Philadelphia school districts. He understands how young children develop. He knows how to hold a five-year-old’s attention without losing it. He knows the difference between a child who needs patience and a child who needs a challenge. He meets every student exactly where they are — because he has spent his career learning how.

For older students and adults, Larry brings the working drummer’s perspective — how to play with feel, how to lock in with a band, how to serve the song. He also brings master level study enriched by his playing with world music masters and intense studying of world rhythms.  For the youngest beginners, he brings the educator’s patience and structure that turns a first lesson into a genuine accomplishment.

What to Expect:

Larry teaches on a full drum kit at Halo Music Studio. Beginners start with grip, posture, basic beats, and coordination — all through songs and patterns that sound like real music from the first lesson. Intermediate and advanced students work on fills, dynamics, reading, odd time signatures, and performance skills.

Like every lesson at Halo, drum instruction is personalized. Larry listens to what your child responds to and builds from there. If they want to play rock, they play rock. If they want to learn jazz, Latin, funk, or hip-hop patterns — Larry has played all of it.

From beginners to professionals...

What His Students Say

Rated 5 out of 5
"I remember having my first drum lesson over and over with different teachers around town until I finally sat down with Larry and knew I was going to stick with him. He encouraged my non-traditional open-handed playing style, which has become something I'm known for today as a professional drummer. Larry always had a perfect mix of mentor and friendship when it came to drum teaching. He knew when to push me to make me better, and also knew when it was time to just hang out for a second and talk."
Sam Becht
Professional drummer and former student
Discover Your Sound

Drum Lesson Pricing

Your first lesson is free. 30 minutes. No commitment. Come play.

Half Hour Sessions

A great start for new learners.
$ $35
00
Per 30 Minute Session
  • $130 per month (4 lessons)
  • Monthly Rate Discount

One Hour Sessions

Perfect for advancing your skills.
$ $60
00
Per 60 Minute Session
  • $225 per month (4 lessons)
  • Monthly Rate discount

Your Musical Journey Starts Here

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our classes or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Your music journey begins with us!