Music Instruction

Bio

Julian Allen has performed, toured,  produced, and recorded with many artists, including Theo Katzman, Joey Dosik, Rachel Mazer, Moorea Masa, Swatkins,  Anna Ash, Grace Kelly, Pomplamoose, Goldford, Family Company, Michelle Chamuel, Vulfpeck, Jacob Jeffries, Caleb Hawley, Robert Hurst, Geri Allen, Seth Bernard, BORNS, Antwaun Stanley, Woody Goss, May Erlewine, Woman Believer, and Madelyn Grant. His self-produced album, “Could U Be,” was released in March 2018. Julian is currently in the processing of producing his second EP, “Waking Well.” Julian has contributed as a producer and arranger on Rachel Mazer’s records, “How Do We Get By,” and “Simply Casual EP,” as well as Madelyn Grant’s album, “Purpose.” 

Julian teaches privately from his home, as well as Coast Music Conservatory in Hermosa Beach. He has taught for several years, delving into drums and percussion, music theory, piano, creative process, songwriting and production, vocals, and group band performance with his students. In addition to his private studio, Julian has previously  been an instructor at the Ann Arbor Music Center , at Milford Music School. He brings a unique sensitivity, personability, passion and positivity to instruction, as well as an embrace and flexibility toward all music styles, approaches, processes, and skill sets.

 Philosophy

I love working with people to pursue creative and personal growth and fulfillment. I bring an open mind and heart, and a passionate and supportive attitude, always prioritizing and remaining flexible toward the needs of any client. Wether as a teacher or collaborator, I believe I bring a degree of personal care and sensitivity, mixed with professionalism and training that makes my musical services truly unique and meaningful.

As a teacher, I have over ten years of experience instructing in drums & percussion, piano, voice, music theory, creative process, and general musical fluency in many genres and settings.

I love sharing my knowledge as a professional drummer, songwriter , keyboardist, lyricist, producer, and vocalist, but also love to share my experience in music business, crowdsourcing, band leading, and creative process and improvisation .

The essence of my musical training and belief : technique and fundamentals are so important, but the creative process and spirit of exploration is equally so. My goal is that lessons and collaborations are equally fun and productive for any client, and I am always happy to adapt and throw my energy into a client's unique goals, perspective, curiosities, and process.

tESTIMONIALS fROM sTUDENTS

“Julian taught lessons at my business in Ann Arbor, MI. He is one of our best drum teachers, to date. He's knowledgeable, talented, professional, respectful, kind, responsible, and fun. He's the whole package!”  - Karen King, Owner of the Ann Arbor Music Center 

“Taking lessons with Julian has without a doubt been the highlight of my journey with music. In the time that I have been with him, I’ve learned so much about drumming and music in general, not only was I able to learn songs I wanted to play but also new styles and genres I never would have gotten into.”

-Henry

“Julian is a magnificent musician and obviously loves what he is doing.  I took lessons with my son and we have very different ways of learning and Julian made every effort to customize our experience to reflect that style of learning. I also found Julian's positive energy to be contagious and always left our lessons feeling excited for the next one. I highly recommend him.” - Peter, Student 

My son really enjoys piano lessons with Julian. Julian makes it fun and educational. Julian is very organized, professional and great at communicating with us regarding any scheduling issues and reminders - Geoff L. 

“Julian is an excellent drum teacher, especially when learning technique & limb independence!  He adapts lessons to your greatest areas of interest, which makes lessons much more fun.  He has also been essential for learning songs to play with my jam band!” - Diann, Student for 10 years 

“Julian took our daughter’s undefined talent and gave her instruction on how to perfect her skills.  He started with her at 11 and worked with her for 3 years.  She now plays in marching band, jazz band, concert band, and symphony.  Julian gave her exposure to the full drum set along with reading music and rhythm. He made it fun but always had take home work and kept a structure to his lesson.  His prices are well worth it, very reasonable he is an amazing  artist and mentor.” - Amy, Mother of Student 

My 12  year old son has worked with the talented Julian Allen for 3 years. We started with voice lessons and then added piano. Julian is so knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging... all qualities that make him a stellar music teacher! We would highly recommend Julian Allen!! - Shauna M.

I  took voice lessons with Julian for over a year. He took me from zero experience to actually being comfortable and confident with my voice in a very short time. I found him to be an excellent mentor - knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and good at explaining concepts. My lessons were a high point of each week - I had a ton of fun and I absolutely recommend him as a teacher. - Kevin H 

Julian is an extremely talented teacher who can help you in pretty much any area you would like to work in. He really gets to know his students so they can learn as best as possible. Julian and I have gone over a wide range of concepts and therefore my playing ability has drastically improved. He knows what he’s doing, he’s good at teaching the lessons, and he’s cool to be around! - Owen B. 

I think Julian has opened up a whole new world of Jazz drumming for me! Without him I probably wouldn’t know how to play salsa music and the 3/2, 2/3, and rumba clave. Super nice, guy and I always end up leaving the lesson with a smile on my face. When I started with him I was also thinking of another drum teacher that a friend from school recommended but when I stepped into my first lesson it was love at first sight. lol. Julian proved to be a very good drum teacher over time and taught me lessons in drums that I will remember for the rest of my life. For this I am extremely grateful. - Brody