Aurel Violas

Drum lessons in Amsterdam – for all ages and levels

Hello! I'm Aurel, a French drummer in Amsterdam. My passion for drums began as a child in a small, remote village in the French countryside. Since then, I've further developed my musical path in Paris, Brussels, and Philadelphia (USA), finally ending up in Amsterdam. There, I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz drums at the conservatory and collaborated with musicians from all over the world.

Drumming is cool!

Whether you're just getting behind the drums for the first time or preparing for a tour with your band, discovering new grooves and beats, and developing your improvisation skills, I'd love to help you take your drumming to the next level.

What can you expect?

I have an open and flexible approach, but I also expect commitment, concentration, and regular practice from you. Whether you're 6 or 60, play rock or jazz, drum for fun, or want to become a professional musician: You're welcome for a trial lesson!

Drum Trial Lesson

During the trial lesson, we'll explore your goals and give you a first impression of my teaching style. You'll be seated behind a professional drum kit during the lesson. I'm happy to advise you on drum gear and can help you find a suitable set (acoustic or electronic) if you don't already have one.

Where is my drum studio?

My studio is located in NDSM, in the colorful and vibrant artist community Treehouse. It's an inspiring place where music, art, and creativity converge.

What will you learn during the lessons?

During lessons, I work on all essential aspects of drumming:

•  technique (speed, control, dynamics)
• relaxed posture and fitness
• coordination and rudimentsvarious
• musical styles reading drum notation
• timekeeping
• groove, fills improvisation, solos

I use books such as Stick Control, Syncopation, A Fresh Approach to the Drumset, and The Art of Bop Drumming. Naturally, we base our lessons on your musical taste and learning style.

Various drumming styles

I've played in various rock, pop, and folk bands and I'm completely at home in these styles. Some of my influences include John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl (Nirvana), and Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix).

Jazz

Jazz is one my favourite genres. I've been playing this music intensively since high school and have studied with artists such as Martijn Vink, Yoran Vroom, Reinier Baas, and Joris Roelofs. Jazz is the music I'm currently most active in as a performing musician.

My heroes?

Too many to name, but definitely Roy Haynes, Bill Stewart, and Marcus Gilmore.

You can listen to my work through my trio (Aurel Violas Trio – A Dancing Mind), or my jazz band Chai Masters – Magic Realism. Available on all streaming platforms.

Extras I offer

• Indian rhythmic techniques (Konnakol and complex time signatures), learned with Rafael Reina at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

• Free drum transcriptions upon student request
• Personal guidance via email or WhatsApp during the week for all your drum or music questions.
• Advice on hardware or cymbals — including feedback on second-hand listings.

About me

I've performed in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Poland, at venues such as Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Sunside (Paris), Hot Club Ghent, and at festivals like Explore the North and Intl Jazz Platform. In addition, I regularly participate in recordings of various bands.