Musical Life Podcast Episode 20: Columbus Drum Instructor Interview: Cole Harrison

When you walk through the doors of Chambers Music Studio, there’s a good chance you’ll run into Cole Harrison. Maybe he’s teaching a percussion student, repairing something behind the scenes, or running sound at a recital. Cole wears many hats in our community—but at the heart of it all, he’s a passionate teacher and performing musician who believes deeply in the power of music to transform lives.

In this episode of the Musical Life Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with Cole to talk about his journey—from a little kid discovering music through his dad’s record collection to the thoughtful, empathetic educator he is today.

A Musical Spark (and a Surprising Source)

Cole didn’t come from a musical family—but his dad had a serious record and CD collection. One day in 1992, his dad brought home The Chronic by Dr. Dre, and it was a revelation. The sonic richness of that album opened Cole’s ears to the power of sound in a way he’d never experienced before.

It wasn’t long before he was enrolled in Suzuki piano lessons. But unfortunately, the experience was discouraging. A poor teacher fit left him frustrated and disengaged—until middle school band gave him a second chance through percussion. That’s where everything began to click.

Learn More About Drum Lessons

Save the world with us!

Click Here

Teaching with Empathy

Cole’s early piano struggles now inform his teaching philosophy. He understands firsthand how discouraging it can feel to fall behind or feel like music just “isn’t for you.” Today, he’s on a mission to meet students where they are—emotionally, musically, and personally.

“You’re not in a race against your peers—or even yourself,” Cole shared. “It’s about finding the pace that makes you feel good.”

Whether a student is feeling stuck, afraid to make mistakes, or just unsure if they have what it takes, Cole is there to help them reconnect with their potential.

Drum Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ideal age to start drum lessons?

The best age to begin drum lessons is typically between 8 and 10 years old, though anyone can start at any age. At this age, children generally have the motor skills and attention span required for learning the drums. However, adults and retirees can also learn to play the drums! We also offer a specialized class for 5-8 year olds called World Drumming—check it out!

What qualifications do your drum teachers have?

Our drum teachers are highly qualified, with extensive backgrounds in both performance and teaching. Many hold or are pursuing advanced music degrees and are skilled in teaching students at all levels, from beginners to advanced players.

What do drum classes typically include?

Each drum lesson covers the fundamentals of drumming, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and fun musical games designed to make learning effective and enjoyable.

How long is each drum lesson?

Lesson lengths vary depending on the student’s age and skill level, generally ranging from 30 minutes for beginners ages 5 and up, 45 minutes for intermediate students ages 8 and up, and an hour for more advanced students ages 12 and up.

Are there performance opportunities for drum students?

Yes, we offer various opportunities for students to perform their new skills. These recitals and concerts help students showcase their progress and gain confidence in their abilities.

Teachers Who Leave a Legacy

Throughout the episode, Cole reflected on the teachers who shaped his path—both through positive examples and moments he hopes never to repeat. He spoke especially fondly of:

Steve Dodge, his first private drum teacher, who built his confidence and taught ambidextrous technique.
Mark Flugy, a jazz piano teacher who helped Cole test out of a college course despite his limited piano background. Mark’s clarity, humor, and deep knowledge left a lasting impression—and connected Cole to the pedagogical legacy of jazz master Bill Dobbins.

Learn More About Drum Lessons

Save the world with us!

Click Here

From Fort Hayes to the Front of the Classroom

Cole attended the Fort Hayes vocational music program in high school—a competitive, intense environment that prepared students to start gigging right after graduation. By the time he enrolled at Capital University, he was already working in recording studios and playing live shows.

Originally a music technology major, Cole later switched to jazz studies and then percussion performance, deepening his interest in global music traditions and ethnomusicology.

Funny enough, teaching wasn’t even on his radar—until a friend asked him to sub a few private lessons. The moment he stepped into that role, something clicked. He found himself energized and fulfilled by the process of helping others learn.

A Moment That Mattered

One of the most moving moments in the interview came when Cole told the story of a student with a speech impediment and limited musical aptitude. The student often felt like he was falling behind his peers, frustrated and embarrassed. But through Cole’s patience and encouragement, he had a breakthrough—one that brought tears to both of their eyes.

“Even if he never plays another note,” Cole said, “I know I helped him feel seen, capable, and connected.”

Bexley Drum Lessons

Columbus Drum Lessons

Worthington Drum Lessons

Balancing Teaching and Performing

Cole is also the music director of Swagg, a Columbus-based band that performs at weddings and events. He manages to balance gig life with teaching by setting smart boundaries—booking students during low-risk times for performances and staying transparent about his schedule.

His advice to other musicians? Keep teaching and gigging separate when possible. Don’t overbook. Be realistic about your time—and respectful of everyone else’s.

Tip For A Musical Life

When asked how non-musicians can bring more music into their lives, Cole had a simple answer: listen with curiosity.

In a world of algorithms and curated playlists, it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone. But Cole encourages everyone to explore the music they don’t initially like, to notice the musicality in background noise, and to rediscover the sounds around them—like traffic, birds, or even silence.

“If you can appreciate the things you don’t care for,” he said, “you start to hear music where you didn’t think there was any.”