Chip Clemmer's Webpage

Chip Clemmer is one of the  most sought after drum set teachers in the Washington, DC area.

Chip brings to the table over 40 years of  private teaching experience. While he has spent years teaching orchestral percussion in the private school industry, he has decided to limit his teaching practice to teaching serious drum set students by appointment, depending on his availability. 

Drumming should be an enjoyable experience. That being said, it takes a lot of work to become a solid, competent drummer. 

I had the good fortune to study with one of the industry's giants, the late Sonny Igoe. He always told me, "don't get stuck in one groove." I agree. Drummers should be able to play all styles of music. You never know where you next meal ticket is going to come from. 

One excuse I hear all the time from amateur drummers is, "I am a rock drummer, I can't play the blues, or jazz." Wait a minute. Can you count to 4? Except for swing, the styles blues, rock, and country, have a lot in common. In my teaching, I stress being able to play all styles at any given moment. That's my main teaching philosophy. I will address basics in how to play different styles, and recommend what books to utilize in subsequent pages.