Teacher gives the gift of music to eager young talents in Calgary

At the tender age of 12, Andrew Richardson, now 16, was given his first drum set. After initially trying guitar, he started on the drums and fell in love.

“I think I was a really pretentious kid and I liked the size of the set,” Richardson said.

Richardson said learning to play the drums has given him more than just good dexterity.

“It’s really primal. It’s good for relieving stress. It’s a lot more intricate than people seem to think," Richardson said. "You’re not just smashing things. Once you learn the technique, you get really into it and into a groove and, it’s awesome.”

About a year ago, Richardson enrolled in drum lessons. Perfecting the skill allowed him to further his talent and join a band. He is currently the drummer for The Poppy Seed Project, a local heavy metal group.

After playing around the world, Peter Hurni is now instructing up-and-coming Calgary drummers.

Photo: Ashley Freeman/ Calgary Journal

Peter Hurni, his instructor, is no stranger to the drum set. Born in Switzerland, Hurni plays jazz, latin, fusion and funk and has played with numerous bands over the past three decades of his musical career.

Having recorded 12 albums since 1980, Hurni has toured worldwide with his multi-award winning group Birdland. He has been featured at the jazz festivals in Luzern, Montreaux, Bern and Zurich in Switzerland.

In North America, Hurni has performed in Los Angelas, Vancouver and across Alberta. A member of the Calgary Musicians Association and C-Jazz, Hurni is passionate about the drums and said giving students the gift of music is what makes his job so rewarding.

“I think you should learn the instrument you are drawn to," Hurni said. "Learn the instrument you love. I want to help students find the music within themselves and learn how to express it through the drums.”

Andrew Finlay, 17, has been a drum student of Hurni’s for three years. He hopes to one day play in a band.

“Maybe I subconsciously love hitting things," Finlay said. "It’s just always been a passion for me. I’m always tapping on things and can’t stop. The music just flows through me.”

Hurni’s flexible teaching schedule has allowed Finlay to take private lessons in the comfort of his own home at times that work best for Finlay.

Finlay said lessons with Hurni are convenient because you “can play whatever you want.” He has learned to play everything from jazz to heavy metal.

“Make sure you’re open to different styles of music,' Finlay said. "Don’t set yourself on just one.”

Hurni said it’s important that students be invested in learning the skill.

“For the drums, like any other instrument, it takes a high level of commitment to truly master them," Hurni said. "Don’t be afraid to try.”

Currently, Hurni has about 17 students in Calgary. His in-house studio, located in Signal Hill, will be complete by mid-February. Rates for drum lessons are $25 per half-hour in studio or $50 for one hour. Prices for home schooling vary.