MUSIC FACTORY VA ALUMNI
Preparation for Professional Musicians
Madi started lessons with me at a young age and after working through basic chords she immediately started composing songs. What a natural talent! I am so proud of her, she is living her dream!
I first met Lane Drum, an eager and young music teacher in 2009. We hit it off right away. His knowledge and honesty accompanied by his patience was the perfect formula to discover the music in me that I eagerly aspired to develop. I quickly learned from Lane as we meshed well and I began to soar, not only as a musician, but also a songwriter. Lane encouraged me to move steady and increase my sessions so I could grow at an unusual pace for my age; much like an engine. He guided me with compassion with every music note I produced from my instrument. My instrument, I called my best friend and new found love. Lane never rushed and took time to open the envelope to the music world. His teaching was prepared, precise and balanced. He wasted no time to increase and perfect my lessons to accommodate my needs, music style and undiscovered passions music held for my life. Lane is simply a “G” of a music coach. He won’t fail you or your goals, or yourself or your child. He is the best thing to happen to me at a very young age. He catapulted me into the direction I belong and supported me and my parents 100% on the best recipe for my success. I am currently a platinum singer/ songwriter. I was nominated for my first Juno award all at the young age of 21. Lane, I will never forget the confidence and every minute we spent in that tiny room 3 hours a week because it most definitely opened my music portal for life. I will be forever grateful. I’ll be sure to mention you when I get that first Grammy!
Madi Wolf
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
Music Factory VA Alumni
Stage Ready
Tyler Reese was my student and what a student he was! Tyler really worked hard and absorbed everything I taught him. He practiced hours each day developing his skills. Diversity was an important aspect of our lessons. Tyler has gone on to study at The Berklee College of Music and played countless gigs in Nashville, as well as around the country. Tyler was awarded the opportunity to have a lesson with the great contemporary jazz artist Pat Metheny! Tyler also worked as a session guitarist in Nashville , as well as playing weekly gigs in town on Broadway. After recording a duo album entitled ” Life In 20″ , with a famed Prince backup singer, Tyler was invited to audition for Prince! I am so proud of Tyler and all his accomplishments.
Lane is an amazing guitarist, educator, and person. Studying with him was extremely beneficial to me; I learned more from him than any other teacher, and he constantly inspired me to practice and put in the work to be the best guitarist I could possibly be .”
Tyler Reese
Guitarist, Nashville-based Session and Studio Player, Songwriter and Music Producer
Music Factory Va alumni
All styles. All levels.
I had the great opportunity to share my musical knowledge with the legendary McTell Brothers! Wow what an amazingly talented duo!! Rooted in Americana, Jeff and Brian started at a young age and were gigging by age 9!!! Early on they dove into the blues and were playing Clapton and Stevie Ray note for note! Later they became immersed in the talented artist Richard Thompson who had a huge impact on their music. The McTell Brothers play locally and perform their original material, as well as material from their influences. I am very proud of both of them and try to catch them live as often as I can.
” I wouldn’t be anywhere near as competent of a guitarist without the guidance of Lane Drum. Through our weekly private lessons, along with classical and jazz ensembles, he taught me music theory, and advanced music reading, and opened my ears to jazz and other forms of music that I hadn’t yet explored. Lane’s guidance has been invaluable to me. I’ve learned so much in our lessons. On top of it all, he’s just a great guy. Mr Drum, I’m forever in your debt. To anyone looking to expand their musical knowledge and guitar playing skills, no matter what “level” you’re at, I couldn’t recommend a better teacher than Lane Drum.”
Jeff Brown-Hill
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, one-half of The McTell Brothers
Music Factory VA ALumni
Solid Musical Foundation
Joan Niderberg is a student I have had the privilege to teach for several years now. Joan is a talented singer/songwriter who came to me looking to expand her knowledge on the guitar to open up her songwriting . Along the way, we have explored other styles of guitar such as classical and the blues. Our goal as student and teacher is to broaden her accompaniment skills and harmonic knowledge to allow her more options as a songwriter. We have drawn from many styles to develop her technique on the guitar. I am very proud of Joan’s accomplishments!
“Lane has expansive musical experience & training to share. Lane works with a variety of students including young bright children, adults, budding songwriters, people with learning challenges, classical guitarists, bluegrass players, rock, and jazz and folk. Lane keeps his students challenged and engaged. I was looking for a teacher to take me beyond basic chords to aid my songwriting. I chose Lane because of his training at the VCU and Berklee schools, as well as his broad performance experience.”
Joan Niderberg
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter
MUSIC FACTORY VA ALUMNI
Music College Preparation
Isabella has been a student of mine for the last 2 years and has shown tremendous drive, enthusiasm, and excellent study habits. Isabella came to me with a basic skill set and has excelled very rapidly, mastering the basics, including chords, scales, arpeggios, and music theory. Isabella shows an exceptional ability to understand theory and ear training. She is an excellent sight reader and has an excellent ear. She also has a wonderful sense of tone and technique, and her interpretation of the classic repertoire is superb. What stands out for me as a teacher is Isabella’s work ethic. She would routinely get up at 5:00am to practice before school.
Lane Drum is a detailed teacher who has great love for what he does. He is skilled in all styles of guitar and is passionate about sharing it with his students. His knowledge for guitar and music is inspiring and encouraged me to work hard. Originally coming to him for classical lessons, I received a strong technical and musical foundation in all styles of guitar that I still use in my studies. Without his encouragement and guidance I may not have decided on the musical path I’m on. Lane Drum understands the importance of music and is a great teacher for anyone looking to add musical skill to their life.
Isabella Benitez
Guitarist, Student, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Music Factory VA STUDENTS
Individualized Lessons
Clay and Tate are some of my newest students. Tate began studying with me in group lessons and progressed to individual lessons and ensembles. Clay started off with no experience but progressed quickly and is an enthusiastic member of my rock ensemble.
Lane has been teaching my sons for two years now. They are very different personalities and Lane tailors their lessons to their specific learning needs and interests. He took my attention-challenged 8-year-old and made him a masterful guitar player in a matter of months. He helped him realize a talent he didn’t even know he had! He even convinced me to start learning guitar myself! Lane is an incredible, knowledgeable teacher who knows how to provide structure without losing the fun! His ensembles are a celebration of musical joy and provide his students the chance to shine!
Anne Briggs
Mother, Beginning Guitarist