Enriching Lives Through Music Since 1990
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to advance your skills, our team of talented instructors can help you achieve your goals. The world of music is for everyone, no matter your age or abilities.
Drum & Strum Music Academy has been a leader in Music Education serving Fauquier County and surrounding areas since 1990. We offer in-person and online lessons for most instruments, including guitar, piano, voice, violin, viola, saxophone, drums, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, flute, harmonica, and many more.Our experienced teachers provide private lessons for all ages and skill levels in any musical style for beginners through advanced students. With year-round rolling enrollment, you can begin lessons right away.Join the Drum & Strum family, the trusted source for music education in the Greater Piedmont Region, where thousands have started their musical journeys. Enroll now, or call today and arrange your free trial lesson.
Melissa received her bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Music Education with a minor in Spanish and a Master’s degree from George Mason University and Shenandoah University. Melissa is currently teaching at Flint Hill Elementary School in Vienna, VA, and taught in Fairfax County schools for thirty-two years. Melissa holds multiple certifications in Orff, World Music Drumming, and Zumba. She was awarded teacher of the year in 2005 and music teacher of the year in 2006. She is also a recipient of the grant for the education recycle program from Annandale Community College where students created their own instruments and performed with them on the campus during the Earth Day celebration. Melissa feels that FCPS has provided countless resources and training for teachers to assist students in unveiling their multiple talents in the music classroom through POG, PBL, and creative and critical thinking skills.
John has been playing banjo and multiple other instruments for more than 40 years. His keen sense of musicianship along with his multi-instrumental ability gives John an understanding of music from several different perspectives. Students love his vast knowledge, capacity to play various styles, and his easy going personality.John has numerous years of teaching experience with both Drum & Strum and Fauquier County Public Schools, as well as many years involved in special education. John is a tremendous asset to Drum & Strum and to his students regardless of their age or ability.
Paul was the teenage son of a Peace Corps director growing up in Chile and Colombia in the late ’60’s. He began his musical career taking classical guitar lessons while simultaneously playing in garage bands and learning folk, blues, and ukulele from the Peace Corps volunteers. Paul later studied music theory at NOVA and then attended Berkley College of Music from 1978-79. His professional career has included touring with Nils Lofgren throughout the U.S. and Europe from 1986-2003, with sit-ins from Bruce Springsteen and Joe Walsh, where he was part of the full electric band as well as acoustic duo and trio formats, appearing on 2 live albums and a DVD. Paul then toured nationally and internationally with the Nighthawks from 2004-2018, recording 7 albums, and playing live shows backing up blues legends such as Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton and Bob Margolin from the Muddy Waters’ band, Hubert Sumlin from Howling Wolf’s band, Muddy Water’s son, Kid Ramos, and others. Paul has 27 years of studio experience including the recording of many albums by top D.C. area artists, several TV/film scores from Animal Planet to America’s Most Wanted, and many documentaries. Paul’s decades of experience includes performing in local bands which have included the Tommy Lepson Band, the Soul Crackers (including three appearances at the White House), The Newkeys, Jr. Cline and the Recliners, Mike Cotter, Mary Ann Redmond Band, Catfish Hodge, Billy Hancock, and many others. in addition to freelance work including rock, R&B, folk, and big band gigs. With 52 years of performing Paul has decided to take a break from the road and offer his years of experience here at Drum & Strum so that students don’t have to learn the hard way. Paul’s ability to transcend multiple styles, his years of experience and his easy-going personality make him a wealth of knowledge for those eager to learn and a perfect fit to the Drum & Strum team.
Loren plays folk songs, bluegrass, and fiddle tunes using flat picking, fingerstyle, and rhythm techniques. He is a natural teacher with plenty of patience and encouragement for students of all ages, interests, and abilities.
Steve has been studying, playing, and performing guitar for the last 22 years. He has been teaching all ages, beginner through advanced, for the last nine. Steve has played with numerous bands over the years including being one of the founding members of the local nationally signed rock outfit, the Daycare Swindlers. His main influences range the full scope from The Clash to Dick Dale. He covers many styles ranging from country, blues, rock, and ska to reggae, rockabilly, surf, metal, flamenco, and punk rock.In addition to his many musical skills, Steve has studied recording at Northern Virginia Community College, and recording engineering with Shannon Walton, former Fleetwood Mac Sound Engineer of Walton Recording. His diverse musical ability, combined with his friendly personality and long-time tenure with Drum & Strum, have made Steve a favorite to many students.
Dustin has created and performed original music with a wide range of bands and artists, such as The Green Room, Coma Ghost, Capita, KSSH!, Sister Ancestor, The Red Room, Spookey Ruben, Joe Harvard, Jack “Jacko” Monahan, ELO II, and Graphene. Beyond his work with bands, he also performs solo as an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter.
