Testimonials

I am honored to say that I have had Carl Smelser instructing me on drums for almost exactly two years. Carl is a skilled and dedicated professional highly devoted to his craft. I can’t think of being in better hands than having Carl guiding me through this process. I am grateful for his patience and devotion and for what I have gained in knowledge thus far.
Terry P Shea Costa Mesa, Calif.

Carl Smelser is one of those rare individuals who is a wonderful musician and a gifted teacher. Carl was my son’s drum teacher and what I witnessed is a someone who is patient. Carl effortlessly and generously shares with his students his considerable knowledge of technique as well as an artist’s approach to playing the drums. My son’s playing and his sense of mastery of the drums benefitted greatly from having Carl as his teacher.
Silvia Barden

I am deeply thankful to have had Carl as a drum instructor. He has taught me numerous skills that have shaped me as a drummer and have enriched my creativity behind the drum set. Furthermore, Carl is very invested in his students’ well being. I often reflect on the life lessons he has shared with me. He is an incredibly caring individual and a great friend of mine.
Kris Schobert

My 8 year old daughter had been asking for drum lessons for quite a while. I searched for some time to find someone who was both great with kids and  knowledgeable about all aspects of percussion…until we found Mr. Carl! He was exactly what we had been searching for, and his lessons instantly became a highlight of my daughter’s week. She has learned so much so quickly, all while having fun. I’m getting quite an education myself just by listening in! He is a serious percussionist with an exuberant personality. Incredibly honest and reliable, and the fact that he comes to our home is a great bonus, considering our hectic schedule. We can’t say enough great things about our experience with Mr. Carl. We know that our daughter will be playing percussion for her lifetime, thanks to the positive experience with her teacher.
“Mom of 5”

Carl is an excellent teacher. Before taking his drumming circle class, I was a total stranger to drums. After finishing the 5th session, I felt totally excited and enthusiastic about this kind of drumming and I felt that I had great potential to advance, which I have done in the past 2 years. He helps students build their confidence and their skill, and he makes drumming both challenging and fun.
Mel Roth, Irvine.

Carl Smelser is a very knowledgeable and skilled instructor, and a pleasure to work with. He is a focused professional, and has the ability to relate with students of all ages. Both of my sons have enjoyed being taught by Carl, which shows in their new appreciation for drums. I strongly recommend Carl Smelser to any student or family looking to improve their musical talents.
John Thompson

As a newbie to drums … I am so fortunate to have found Mr. Carl Smelser to teach my daughter and I. He is a teacher who genuinely cares that his students make progress. He makes drumming easy to understand and has extensive knowledge of the equipment. If you are looking for a teacher with professionalism, skill, experience, promptness and a genuine good guy. Look no further. You have found the best teacher for the job. The BEST part about him … he LISTENS. He caters to what your needs are and what you want out of your lessons. Very accommodating and a pleasure to work with. I enthusiastically recommend Mr. Carl Smelser. You will not be disappointed.
Janet Joe

Carl Smelser is a great instructor and amazing person! His teaching style is persistent and patient at the same time. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get lessons for a beginner or a pro! After a lesson with Carl I was confident enough and had the chops to play the style of Jazz that I had always wanted to. I have had a working relationship with him for 6 years and can always count on his positive attitude and professionalism. He is a one of a kind, responsible, stand up guy and I will continue to work with him whenever I have the opportunity. 
Candace Hansen

To all potential drummers:
My son was a student of Carl Smelser’s for 5-6 years prior to going away to school and it was an outstanding experience not just for him, but the entire family. Carl is an outstanding musician, an even better teacher, and an even more exceptional person. He is patient and kind, always positive and incredibly generous with his time. It was always enjoyable when lesson time came around, even when you did not practice much that week. Both my son and my wife and I can and do recommend Carl to anyone interested in playing the drums with only the highest regard and encouragement.
Steve Dennis

When I asked Ryan what he remembers the most about his drum lessons with you, he said “It was FUN to take lessons with Carl! He is a great teacher and he always inspired me to do better, I WANTED to practice, didn’t want to let Carl down….He is a cool guy!” My husband and I always commented on your professionalism and love of music and how you were able to convey that love of music and respectful demeanor to our son. Yes, he learned to play the drums better, and deepened his love and knowledge of music, but he also saw how you were always so polite and friendly and so professional – a great example for a young man, and believe me, it did not go unnoticed.
Newport Coast Mom

Carl Smelser is an outstanding drummer and music educator. As a bass player, I’ve had the good fortune of working with Carl for over 25 years. He is one of the finest drummers I’ve ever worked with. As an educator, I admire how Carl brings out the best in his students, musically and personally.
Terri Egan, Ph.D.
Academic Director of Pepperdine University’s Master of Science in Organization Development Program

My wife and I owned and operated The Sheet Music Shoppe and Metro School of Music in Orange County California from 1979-2010. We Knew Carl for most of that time as a drum/percussion instructor of the highest level of said discipline. If you don’t know who I am- I invite you to just google Mort Weiss-and you will see that I am more than qualified to make this kind of observation. Aside from Mr. Smelser’s academic and technical skills- in which he is a high qualifier, he also possesses wonderful people skills & more importantly—He is a gentleman and a hell of a nice fellow.  Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can be of any further assistance.
Mort Weiss