Joshua Chai - Drummer Extraordinaire

Joshua grew up in Missoula and started playing drums at 13, and was involved in jazz and marching bands through junior high and high school. Upon graduation, he moved to attend a private college in San Dimas, CA. During this time he also studied abroad in Sierra Leone, Africa. It was here that he experienced firsthand the universal power of the language of music.

When he returned to school in Southern California, Joshua continued studying music in the classroom and playing for school bands. He also received private instruction from two world class teachers based in Los Angeles. 

He has been back in Missoula since 2016 and played with many groups, such as Red Onion Purple, Transcendental Express, Ocelot Wizard, Moneypenny, Collard Greens, Why We Came West, Fates Fortune, JD and the Western Front, and Mirror Gods. He continues to study and play all types of music, and is once again offering drum lessons!

What are lessons with Joshua like?

The lessons will focus on technique and creative templates for musical exploration. Joshua's drum instruction focuses on creativity and finding a personal style. He starts by teaching sight reading, stick control, rudiments and hand technique, specifically using rebound to your advantage. 

After this, Joshua focuses on drum set independence, learning different styles of music and creative systems that allow you the freedom to create grooves and exercises that are musical.

With this approach, there is an emphasis on phrasing, kicking the band, time keeping and counting. Musicality is the goal of drumming and the driving force behind Joshua's teaching style.