Austin Wrinkle

Who We Are

Welcome to the world of drumming with Austin Wrinkle! I am a passionate and dedicated drummer and percussionist with a lifelong passion for rhythm and drumming traditions from around the world. With over two decades of teaching experience and a Bachelor's and Master's degree in music from the prestigious California Institute of Arts, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our lessons.

Our Mission

My mission is to inspire and empower students of all levels to unlock their musical potential and express themselves through the drums. I strive to create a relaxed, enjoyable, and tailored learning environment that caters to each student's unique needs and goals. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, my comprehensive curriculum covers various drumming styles, techniques, and instruments to help you achieve your musical aspirations.

Drum Set Lessons

Explore the world of drumming with personalized drum set lessons tailored to your specific needs and goals. In our lessons, we'll cover essential aspects of drumming, such as reading notation, mastering rudiments, developing hand/foot technique and coordination, and more. We'll also delve into style-specific studies in rock, jazz, and world music, as well as explore advanced concepts like creative phrasing, playing in odd time signatures, and more.

Tabla Lessons

Embark on a journey through the world of North Indian classical music with tabla lessons. Learn the classical repertoire, taught to me by the renowned tabla maestro, Swapan Chaudhuri. In our lessons, you'll master tabla techniques, gain insights into Indian musical concepts, and discover essential aspects such as tuning and maintenance of the instrument.

Hand Drum Lessons

Discover the world of hand drumming with lessons tailored to your needs and goals. Explore a variety of hand drumming styles, including universal hand techniques applicable to different drums, as well as specific techniques for tabla, kanjira, doumbek, frame drums, and more. Learn about rhythm and structure while practicing specific exercises to improve your sense of time and rhythm. Develop the ability to express yourself on different hand drums and discover their distinctive sounds and creative potential.

About Austin Wrinkle

Born in 1971, Austin Wrinkle is an accomplished and versatile drummer and percussionist with a passion for rhythm and drumming traditions from around the world. With a unique blend of techniques and concepts from various cultures, Austin has developed a distinctive voice on a wide array of drums and percussion instruments. He is a founding member of the highly acclaimed percussion group, Hands On'Semble, and a founding member of the progressive jazz/rock band PLOTZ!

Awards and Accolades

During his illustrious career, Austin has received numerous accolades, including nominations for "World Percussionist Of The Year" in the 2014 Drum! Magazine Drummies Awards and a nomination for "Best Instrumental CD" at the MAVRIC Awards. Hands On'Semble has received awards for "Best Percussion Ensemble" in 2003 and 2002, with a first runner-up award in 2001.