ZeKe Bauer is the Head Instructor and Owner of ZeKe’s Drum Skool in Corvallis, Oregon. Born and raised south of Portland in Milwaukie, Oregon, ZeKe took an interest in drums from an early age, spending a lot of free time playing on his uncle’s drum kit by age seven. Just a few years after this, ZeKe started learning cello formally in school, which laid the foundation for the understanding of reading music, music theory, and the other necessities of being a well-rounded musician.

 

In his mid-twenties, ZeKe suffered Sudden-Onset Chronic Tinnitus that many doctors stated would cause him to possibly lose his hearing by age 40 (luckily later proven to not be true). From that moment forward, he took a new approach to life – living it to the fullest. He bought his first drum set on his 24th birthday and put tons of time and effort into learning how to master the instrument. ZeKe built a foundation with Oregon drum instructor Larry London, and he continues to sharpen his skills with drummers and drum educators like Dave Elitch (Paramore, Weezer, Famed Drum Teacher and Clinician), Johnny Rabb (Veteran and World Renowned Drum Educator and Clinician, Collective Soul), Jay Mumford (Danger Mouse, Biz Markie, Karen O), Kj Sawka (Pendulum), Tim Baltes (Disney, Warner Records), JP Bouvet (Creator of the "Down Up Method", Childish Japes, 2011 Guitar Center Drum Off Champion), and Forrest Rice (standards, Covet, Wolfy).

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As a performer, ZeKe has gigged with many artists around the Pacific Northwest, opening for rap and hip hop legends like Curren$y and Jay Electronica. Currently he performs Live Drum Dj Sets as a solo artist consistently throughout venues in the Corvallis, Eugene, and Salem area, and can also be caught playing in random spots around town outside on a sunny day. ZeKe is constantly working on his own solo drum n’ bass music along with his own solo drum tracks using an FX pedalboard to create backing tracks and sounds creating ambient music.

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ZeKe uses his years of knowledge to help drummers reach their goals regardless of age or skill level. He’s taught over 6,000 drum lessons, and through a few with you, can help you gain basic drumming skills, expand to build your unique voice as a drummer, learn how to play your favorite songs, sharpen up your playing or taking that leap to the next level, and help you ultimately reach any goal you might have with your drumming – whether it’s to get on the road and tour or to simply have a good time feeling confident on the drum set in your basement.

 

Want to see what Zeke’s up to now? Check out his Instagram page or YouTube channel.

 

Want to learn with ZeKe? Click the contact button at the top of the site and send a message today!