Teacher Spotlight: Lindsay Artkop

Tuesday, July 11th 2023

Lindsay Artkop graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2016 with a B.A in Professional Music. While at Berklee, she concentrated on Drum Set Performance and Music Business. Her education also strengthened her skills in Music Theory, Harmony, Ear Training and Songwriting. This has certainly helped make her a student favorite since joining Lessonface in 2018. Lindsay has taught over 600 lessons and is praised for her teaching style, organizational skills and superb class materials. We caught up with this month's Teacher Spotlight via email from her home in Los Angeles.

1. What was the first instrument you played?

I started playing drums at 6. Over the years I also picked up guitar, bass, music production, and singing.

2. Who are some of your musical influences?

My favorite drummer is Myles Morris from the band Bad Suns. He’s an incredible drummer and writes super creative drum parts. Other favorite drummers of mine include Chris Coleman, John Bonham, and Steve Jordan.

3. Any advice for someone trying to learn drums/percussion online?

My best advice is to find an instructor that feels like a great match. Don’t try to go it alone or rely on random YouTube videos. It’s information overload out there, you’d be wasting a ton of energy with trying to be your own teacher. Find an expert that can lay out the easiest path for you. I’ve had a ton of previously self-taught students say they wished they’d started lessons sooner. An instructor provides you with the best guidance, feedback, and motivation, so you can just focus on your growth.

4. What is your favorite medium for performance? Live, audio or video? Why?

I love creating fully produced songs because it's like a big musical puzzle for me. I get to combine all the instruments I play—drums, guitar, bass, and my own voice. My songs always encapsulate a specific feeling or concept. I like to create parts for each instrument that are fun to play, and also communicate the song’s theme. I also enjoy the editing, mixing, and production phases. In the end I have a really high quality song that impacts other people and means a lot to me.

5. What makes a good drummer?

A good drummer serves the music. They’re reliable, can play in time, and are a great listener. They make other musicians feel comfortable, and also have their own unique style.

6. Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

My favorite part of being a musician is where music has taken me. I’ve traveled to really cool places all over the world, and met many amazing people. Music brings people together. Time management is the biggest challenge of being a musician. It’s not easy to balance creating music, practicing, teaching, and everything else in life. It takes a lot of planning, commitment, and follow through.

7. What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on creating more original music to release as an artist! You can find my music on all streaming platforms under my name. I also plan to do more live shows later in the year where I sing/drum simultaneously!