Brian Zimmerman
About
Hi! I’m Brian Zimmerman, a lifelong musician, passionate educator, and the founder of Bravo Beats. I’ve been playing drums and percussion for over 20 years, and teaching for more than a decade. Music has taken me across stages, classrooms, studios, and recording sessions—and now, it brings me into the homes of families across Bergen County.
I hold a Master’s degree in Music from NYU, where I focused on both performance and composition. In addition to drumming, I’m an active composer, producer, and singer, and I love helping students explore their own musical creativity—whether that means learning their first chords or writing their own songs.
My lessons are fun, focused, and tailored to each student. While percussion is my first love, I also teach:
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Music Production
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Drums
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Piano
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Guitar
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Music theory
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Ear training
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Music history
From beginner rhythms to advanced harmony, my goal is to make music feel alive and accessible—no matter your age or background. I work with kids as young as 5, teens preparing for auditions, and adults rediscovering their love for music.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is warm, patient, and flexible—designed to meet each student where they are. I focus on building a strong musical foundation while keeping lessons fun, creative, and engaging. Whether we’re learning drums, piano, or theory, I adapt to each student’s pace and personality, helping them gain confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of music.
Curriculum
I take a balanced and individualized approach to music education. Each lesson blends technical development, creativity, and musical understanding. I emphasize rhythm and ear training early on, and gradually introduce music reading, theory, and improvisation—based on the student’s age, interests, and learning style.
I believe students learn best when they’re both challenged and encouraged, so I adapt each lesson to keep things fun, structured, and meaningful. Whether your child is a total beginner or already playing, I focus on building confidence, consistency, and a deep connection to music that lasts beyond the lesson.
For Drums & Percussion:
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Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone
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All of Garwood Whaley's materials for snare drum reading.
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A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer by Charles Dowd
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Custom rhythm sheets & backing tracks
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Songsterr when necessary
Credentials & Affiliations
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NYU Master's degree in Music Composition and Theory. I studied under Pulitzer Prize winning composer Julia Wolfe
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Undergraduate degree in Music Composition and Theory from Western Washington University.
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Drum Scholarship for my undergrad studies awarded at age 18.
Bio
At the age of nine, Brian embarked on his journey into music, immersing himself in percussion and developing a sincere passion for singing. As high school came to a close, his dedication to music became undeniable, leading him to the inevitable pursuit of studying it in college. Throughout his undergraduate years, he delved into the realms of composition and piano, unlocking a broader range of creativity. His once-exclusive fascination with rhythm expanded to encompass harmony, texture, and timbre. The influences of Tool and Weather Report were soon joined by the likes of Aphex Twin, György Ligeti, and Joni Mitchell, as his musical horizons expanded.
Brian's path led him to NYU, where he embarked on a transformative journey to earn a master's degree in composition, studying under the guidance of the esteemed Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Julia Wolfe. Ever the restless spirit, he found himself drawn away from the confines of concert music and increasingly drawn to the realm of electronic music. In 2013, he took on the moniker Liezer (now Underformant) and began releasing albums that showcased his evolving exploration into electronic soundscapes. Brian played and toured with the band Evelyn from 2017-2019 (shown in right).