CHRIS
DI BERNARDO
Available for private lessons, recording sessions and live performances
Over 15 years of professional teaching and performing experience
Well-versed in many genres; designs lesson plans to fit each student's needs
ABOUT CHRIS
Chris Di Bernardo has formally studied drum set, percussion, and rhythmic theory for 24 years. He started teaching drum lessons at the age of 13.
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Chris has performed regionally and nationally with a diverse group of bands and musical styles, such as: Green Bay Packers Tundra Line (marching percussion), Mama Digdown’s Brass Band (New Orleans 2nd Line), Natty Nation and Nkulee Dube (rock-roots-reggae), Bad Philosopher (contemporary jazz), Mickey Sunshine (rock/grunge), Don’t Mess With Cupid (funk/soul), The Madison Jazz Orchestra (big band), Jon Irabagon (jazz) and has accompanied numerous other artists in other styles (country, singer-songwriter, Top 40, hip-hop, improvised music, pop spoken word, and more).
Chris also accompanied dance classes (contemporary, tap, jazz, & ballet) at The University of Wisconsin - Madison
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He attended Northern Illinois University for Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies 2011 to 2013, where he was a member of Steel Pan Band, Philharmonic, Lab Jazz Band, Small Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensembles, and student-lead groups.
From 2012 to 2014, he taught the Middleton High School Drumline and coached the percussion section.
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He taught at the Madison Music Foundry from 2016 to 2021 until opening a private home studio.
Chris proudly endorses Los Cabos Drumsticks
2011 John Phillip Sousa Award
2023 Madison Area Music Awards Drummer of the Year
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Notable instructors: Peppe Merolla, Devin Drobka, Keith Lienert, Dr. Greg Beyer, Rodrigo Villanueva, Dr Robert Chappell, Adam Deitch
Attended professional development masterclasses and learned from: Billy Martin, Jack DeJohnette, David Northrup, Carl Allen, Dennis Chambers, Cyro Baptista, Steve Smith, Zakir Hussain, Amir Ziv, Johnny Raab, among others
ABOUT LESSONS
Lessons are focused on learning the language of music, physical coordination and rhythmic study, creativity, playing music with others and practical application of skills learned. Lessons are personalized for each student’s particular goals, needs, and learning style.
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Chris currently accepts students of all skill levels, ages 8 and up. He has experience teaching ages 4 through 80.
TESTIMONIALS
"Chris has been an amazing drum teacher for my son for the past several years. He's so knowledgeable, creative, and patient and invested so much time and energy in tailoring lessons specifically for my kid so that he was never bored and always learning something new. Chris built great rapport with my child and went to great lengths to accommodate his neurodivergence. I feel so fortunate for all he has done for my son and highly recommend him as a drum teacher!" - Karen F.
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"From the moment the two met, Chris formed a natural and genuine connection with my son. Chris's teaching style is incredibly effective. He has an ease and humble nature that makes him very accessible. He truly cares about his students' growth and has inspired and motivated my son in ways I didn't think was possible. Not only does Chris have a wide knowledge base, but he wants to impart his knowledge to each of his students. My son always has a pep in his step after every lesson and is devastated that Chris will no longer be his instructor. Our loss is Nashville's gain." - Christine C.
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"What I most wanted my son to get out of drum lessons was to learn the joy of making music, and the satisfaction of improving over time. It has made me so happy to see him come away from your lessons with an excitement and pride in what he had accomplished, eager to improve and learn more. There can be no higher encomium for a teacher." - Laurie S.
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"He is just pure nice. He would add options for stuff we could do and it would always be fun." - Jack S., age 10
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INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH CHRIS?
Reach out and say hello!