Learn from Great Marimba Teachers

Hi, I’m Derrick Raiter, a professional percussionist with over 30 years of experience. I help drummers and percussionists of all levels build strong technique, confidence, groove, and musical expression through personalized, engaging lessons. My teaching is shaped by a national performance career and seven years of private study with renowned drummer Anika Nilles.

I approach music with a holistic mindset: with work ethic and discipline, yet also empathy and passion from the student's perspective. I see music as a tool to enhance the expression that already exists within the individual, while pinpointing necessary skills that still need to be developed.

I've been playing percussion for over 20 years. I am a tenured percussionist with the Houston Ballet Orchestra and perform regularly with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, and Ft. Worth Symphony. I hold two music performance degrees from Baylor and Rice University.

Hi, my name is Sam and I like to play the drums! My main instrument is percussion, but I have learned many instruments during my time as a student and teacher. As a teacher I have taught percussion, band, choir, guitar, and music theory lessons. I love to play music, but I also like to make music too!

I am a classically trained percussionist with a Master of Music from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University. My performance background includes regular appearances with the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Sinfonietta Orchestra.

Jack Schabert is a Twin Cities based drummer, composer, and educator. He performs professionally around the metro area with various jazz groups, and is an Instructor of Percussion, Piano, Drum Set, and Jazz Studies at Opus Music Academy. Jack is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Andy Blanco is a percussionist in New York City with a diverse career of performing and recording with symphony orchestras, opera companies, chamber ensembles, bands, singers, composers, and on Broadway. He is currently a percussionist and assistant conductor for West Side Story on Broadway.

I hold a Conservatory Diploma in Classical Percussion from Bruno Maderna Conservatory in Italy and a BA in Music Performance from Morley College, London. I have deep knowledge of ABRSM and Trinity exam syllabuses across all grades, and have achieved a 100% pass rate with every single exam student I have prepared.

I am a classically trained percussionist and a graduate of The Juilliard School, currently based in Hungary where I teach at a music school and maintain an active performing career. I’ve had the privilege of performing with orchestras and ensembles around the world, including appearances at venues like Carnegie Hall or Concertgebouw Amsterdam as well as collaborating with members…

With over a decade of experience behind the kit, Rosco Charles is a dynamic and versatile drummer known for his explosive energy on stage, musical sensitivity, and powerful groove. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Rosco brings a unique blend of technical skill, showmanship, and passion to every performance – whether it’s in front of a festival crowd or in a classroom full of…