1^st lesson free

Stefanos

5 (6 reviews)

Rate $102
Response 2h
Students
Number of students Stefanos has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
7
Number of students Stefanos has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (6 reviews)

$102/hr

1^st lesson free

Drum
Percussion
Djembe
Tambourine
Goblet drum

Professional percussionist and educator, Berklee graduate, expert in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, jazz, world music. Personalized lessons on creativity, technique, self-expression for all ages!

Drum
Percussion
Djembe
Tambourine
Goblet drum

Lesson location

- online

Super tutor

Stefanos is one of our best Drum tutors. High-quality profile, verified qualifications, a quick response time, and great reviews from students!

About Stefanos

Hello! I’m Stefanos Athinaios, a professional percussionist and educator specializing in Middle-Eastern, Balkan, Mediterranean, and North African percussion. With over a decade of performance and teaching experience, I combine diverse cultural influences with electronic percussion and drum set elements into multi-percussion setups for ethnic, jazz fusion, and world music.

A Berklee College of Music graduate, I’ve learnt from distinguished musicians such as Jammey Haddad, Misirli Ahmet, Dave DiCenso, Mark Walker, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten and Tigran Hamasyan. I’ve played at festivals, jazz clubs, and orchestras worldwide and made 200+ recordings for artists, film and tv. In addition to performing, I’ve worked as a musical director, arranger, and instructor, offering lessons and workshops to students of all ages and skill levels.

All these experiences have shaped my approach to music and education. Music, at its core, is beautifully simple - it’s us who often overcomplicate it. While I consider technique an indispensable tool, it's just that - the means to express ourselves without limitation. Take jazz for example, it’s not about complex chords or abstract rhythms. The philosophy of jazz, from its rich history to the present, lies in its embrace of freedom: the freedom to follow your instincts, tell your story, and connect with others.

My greatest accomplishment as a mentor is seeing my students develop their own voice and sharing it with confidence and joy. I take pride in knowing I helped someone get closer to their goals, fostering self-assurance and individuality in their playing.

About the lesson

I started playing music because it was fun, and that same passion keeps me playing professionally to this day. My main goal is to inspire that enthusiasm in my students - not just during our lessons, but throughout their entire musical journey. Whether you’re a professional or just starting, I believe that loving what you spend your time on is key to both achieving your goals and taking care of your mental well-being.

Possible Areas of Study:
- Middle-Eastern percussion (Darbuka, Riq, Frame Drums, Tapan/Davul, etc.)
- Balkan rhythms and techniques (odd meters, regional instruments, etc.)
- Mediterranean percussion styles
- Jazz and world music improvisation (phrasing, metric modulation, etc.)
- Electronic percussion and applications
- Multi-percussion for fusion music (hybrid setups, creative possibilities, etc.)
- Theory, reading, rhythm exercises (sight-reading, chart reading, ear training, etc.)
- Audition preparation (schools, ensembles, professional opportunities, etc.)
- Confidence and performance techniques (stage presence, managing anxiety, etc.)
- Recording techniques and arranging percussion parts (layering, mic placement, etc.)

Together, we’ll design a structure tailored to your unique needs, goals, and learning style. My experience at Berklee’s Effortless Mastery and Global Jazz Institute programs helped me develop skills to stay fully present and enjoy the art. I aim to pass that on, helping you feel confident, at ease, and comfortable - whether on stage, recording, jamming, or in any other musical setting.

For younger students, I create an interactive learning space with age-appropriate materials, building a strong foundation while making music enjoyable and engaging.

Learning materials, including PDFs, play-alongs, and demonstrative videos, are provided to support your progress.

Feel free to reach out with any specific goals or areas you'd like to explore - these are just suggestions, and I’m here to help you progress in any direction you choose.

Reviews

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience had by the students of Stefanos.

5 (6 reviews)

C

Claudio
- 5
Perfect! Stefanos is an excellent teacher and a very kind person! He cares a lot about tailoring a custom plan for each student and, in my case, we rapidly converged on useful learning goals.
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C

Claudio

Perfect! Stefanos is an excellent teacher and a very kind person! He cares a lot about tailoring a custom plan for each student and, in my case, we rapidly converged on useful learning goals.
R

Roni
- 5
Perfect! Stefano is a fantastic drums and percussion instructor, engaging, knowledgeable. He’s worked with both me and my son, and he’s great with both kids and adults. His classes are structured yet fun, and his expertise across drumming and ethnic percussion really stands out. He makes every class engaging while building real skills, and his knowledge across drumming and ethnic percussion adds great depth to the experience. Highly recommended!
Read more Read more

R

Roni

Perfect! Stefano is a fantastic drums and percussion instructor, engaging, knowledgeable. He’s worked with both me and my son, and he’s great with both kids and adults. His classes are structured yet fun, and his expertise across drumming and ethnic percussion really stands out. He makes every class engaging while building real skills, and his knowledge across drumming and ethnic percussion adds great depth to the experience. Highly recommended!
See more reviews

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

M

Myriam

As a jazz pianist exploring cross-cultural rhythms, Stefanos has been exactly the teacher I needed. He has a deep knowledge of different rhythmic concepts, but what stands out most is how he teach me to develop my own patterns and find my creative voice rather than just copying his. He's kind, respectful, and somehow always knows when to push me further. Lessons are well-structured, fun and always keep me hooked. Would definitely recommend him!
Read more

M
Myriam
As a jazz pianist exploring cross-cultural rhythms, Stefanos has been exactly the teacher I needed. He has a deep knowledge of different rhythmic concepts, but what stands out most is how he teach me to develop my own patterns and find my creative voice rather than just copying his. He's kind, respectful, and somehow always knows when to push me further. Lessons are well-structured, fun and always keep me hooked. Would definitely recommend him!
A

Alexander

What fun, creative and interactive ways of teaching Stefanos has! Throughout our lessons he always finds how to keep me focused and to the task without wasting time. His technique is exceptional for traditional instruments, but knows how to transfer them to a classic drum set or more advanced pads. Stefanos above all is very friendly and supportive - we've had 6 lessons so far and I am definitely not looking to stop any time soon. Try him out!
Read more

A
Alexander
What fun, creative and interactive ways of teaching Stefanos has! Throughout our lessons he always finds how to keep me focused and to the task without wasting time. His technique is exceptional for traditional instruments, but knows how to transfer them to a classic drum set or more advanced pads. Stefanos above all is very friendly and supportive - we've had 6 lessons so far and I am definitely not looking to stop any time soon. Try him out!
O

Oliver

Stefanos is a phenomenal musician. He has a wealth of knowledge, whether it’s his ability to play multiple percussion instruments or his vastly diverse experience in rhythm. I came to him seeking lessons on daf but what I got was so much more. Not only are his lessons an extremely resourceful, his teaching is also fun and engaging. I would highly recommend!
Read more

O
Oliver
Stefanos is a phenomenal musician. He has a wealth of knowledge, whether it’s his ability to play multiple percussion instruments or his vastly diverse experience in rhythm. I came to him seeking lessons on daf but what I got was so much more. Not only are his lessons an extremely resourceful, his teaching is also fun and engaging. I would highly recommend!
M

Maria

Stefanos is the kind of person who makes learning as safe as it can be! He really tries to help you grow in your playing and enjoy the process!
Read more

M
Maria
Stefanos is the kind of person who makes learning as safe as it can be! He really tries to help you grow in your playing and enjoy the process!
View more recommendations

Rates

Rate

$102

Pack prices

5h: $475
10h: $849

free lessons

The first lesson with Stefanos will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

online

$93/h

Details

-Learning materials, including PDFs, play-alongs, and demonstrative videos, are provided to support your progress.

-Out-of-lesson support: Available for any questions, concerns, or guidance between sessions.

-Flexible pricing options available, based on individual circumstances.

-A small travel charge may apply for lessons at the student’s location, depending on distance.

Professional percussionist and educator, Berklee graduate, expert in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, jazz, world music. Personalized lessons on creativity, technique, self-expression for all ages!

Lesson location

Super tutor

About Stefanos

About the lesson

Reviews

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

free lessons

online

Details

Stefanos's Video

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Professional percussionist and educator, Berklee graduate, expert in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, jazz, world music. Personalized lessons on creativity, technique, self-expression for all ages!

Lesson location

Super tutor

About Stefanos

About the lesson

Reviews

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

free lessons

online

Details

Stefanos's Video

Similar Drum tutors in New York

Evan

Mike

Justin

Holly

Cauan

Tyrone

Felix

Fairuz

Frank

Allen

Johan

Davy

Peter

Jacob

Floyd

BASTOS

Zak

Valentina

Jose

Andy

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levels

All languages in which the lesson is available

Reviews

Reviews

Recommendations

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