About Dave

Drummer. Teacher. Mentor.

Since 2005, Dave Previ has been a sought-after drummer in New York City, performing across genres from singer-songwriter ballads to progressive rock, funk, country, and Broadway. His versatility and depth as a musician have earned him recognition locally and internationally.

As a faculty member at the Drummers Collective in NYC, Dave teaches core drumming skills such as rudiments, reading, technique, coordination, and timekeeping, with a focus on versatility across styles. He has also toured the U.S. and China as a clinician, sharing his expertise with drummers worldwide.

Now teaching as Beacon Drum Studio, Dave offers drum lessons in the Hudson Valley, as well as online via Zoom. His personalized instruction serves all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.

A contributor to Modern Drummer magazine, Dave continues to inspire and educate the drumming community. Unlock your rhythm and elevate your drumming with Dave’s expert guidance.

Teaching Expertise

With over two decades of teaching experience, Dave combines technical mastery with a personalized approach to instruction. As a faculty member at the renowned Drummers Collective, he offers comprehensive lessons on:

  • Rudiments and Technique

  • Coordination and Timekeeping

  • Musical Styles: Funk, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Progressive, and more

Dave’s teaching goes beyond the technical—he helps students develop their creative voice, musicality, and confidence as drummers.

In addition to his role at The Collective, Dave operates private studios in Brooklyn and Beacon, NY, and offers online lessons via Zoom, making his expertise accessible to students around the globe.

Musical Foundation

Dave’s drumming journey began in 1987, rooted in diverse musical experiences such as high school and college marching bands, jazz ensembles, and garage bands. A four-year member of the West Virginia University marching band, Dave gained a solid foundation in rhythm and performance.

From 2000 to 2005, Dave taught private lessons at The Contemporary Music Center in Chantilly, VA, where he managed a full roster of 50 weekly students. He also served as a drumline instructor for high school marching bands and contributed his skills to the dance company at George Mason University.

After moving to NYC, Dave studied under legendary drummers Kim Plainfield and Peter Retzlaff at The Drummers Collective, honing his craft and broadening his musical horizons. He later joined the faculty, becoming a core contributor to the school’s rhythm sections and recitals.

Beyond the Kit

Dave shares his expertise as a columnist for Modern Drummer magazine, where his insights continue to inspire drummers at all levels.

Today, as the founder of Beacon Drum Studio, Dave combines his passion for drumming and teaching, offering lessons in the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, and online. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Dave's mission is to help you reach your full potential and discover the joy of drumming.

Ready to take your drumming to the next level? Let’s make some noise—together. 🥁

Testimonials

  • Michael P, Brooklyn NY

    “What can I say? Dave Previ is a great guy, a skilled drummer, and a sensitive and intuitive teacher. My son has been studying with Dave for the past 2+ years and we have seen an enormous and meaningful improvement in his playing and in his overall confidence. Dave's lessons strike the right mix of rudiments and fun - each semester focuses on the mastery of a snare drum exercise paired with a fun cover sing of the kid's choice. The semester culminates in a "gig" where the students demonstrate their snare exercise and then hop behind the kit to play through their cover song with a couple of pro-level musicians. The room is full of love and support from all the peers and parents and it never fails to move me to tears.

    Huge thanks to Dave for setting our son on the path.”

  • Todd A, San Francisco, CA

    Dave Previ is absolutely one of the best drum teachers in all of New York City. He's worked with my son for many years, and has turned him into an incredible drummer at a young age. It's not just that Dave has mad chops and skills, it's that his passion for drums is truly infectious. He's patient and is constantly pushing my son into new frontiers, Jazz, funk, Latin, rock, blues... He covers every style. An all around amazing human-being and a terrific friend to our family, as well. I could offer a stronger recommendation...

  • Jeff W, Brooklyn NY

    Dave has been teaching our son drums for the last 4+ years. I can't say enough great things about Dave as a person, musician and especially as a teacher. Not only is he a terrific drummer of all styles but more importantly he has the skills, knowledge and patience that enables him to be a great teacher as well. His teaching method really keeps things interesting, from rudiments to rocking out. My son is 11yo and he really looks forward to Dave's lessons each week. In addition, Dave was able to seamlessly transition to online lessons during this coronavirus outbreak. We're very grateful for Dave and would highly recommend him to anyone of any age for lessons

  • Peter O, Brooklyn NY

    Dave is an amazing drum teacher and even better person. Our son has been studying with him for over 8 years. Dave is not only a great musician and teacher but also has been a good friend and mentor to our son Zach. Dave continues to expand Zach knowledge and open his eyes to all kinds of music. He pushed him out of his comfort zone and you can see the improvement in Zach playing. Recently Dave was able to transition to online lessons and they continue to practice together virtually. Dave is the best! I would highly recommend him.

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