Shaun Oster
All drumset is jazz. Whether you accept that or not, that is its origin. When you release the limits of style and silence the inner critic, you find what drumming actually is: loving time.
- I do not focus on grooves. I do not teach songs. I teach you to find your weaknesses and nurture them — from unfamiliarity to familiarity, from familiarity to ferocity, from ferocity to grace.
- We are all inherently ambidextrous. We have simply neglected one side. My work is restoring that balance — in your hands, your feet, your ears, and your instincts.
Lineage
Mark Craney — independence, body freedom, the pulse. A singular approach to time and creative expression. Funk, fusion, and rock were the vehicles, but the destination was always freedom. I studied with Mark weekly in Los Angeles before his passing. Everything I teach carries his fingerprint.
Joe Labarbara — softness, taste, improvisation married to traditional technique. I studied under Joe at CalArts. His approach taught me that power comes from restraint.
Efrian Toro - recognizing and understanding that polyrhythm can not be quantified or linearized - True groove and rhythm is a harmonic relationship that must be felt.
I also carry a deep influence from Art Blakey, Billy Higgins, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Harvey Mason, Mike Clark, Steve Gadd, Brian Blade and Peter Erskine.
I accept three students.
Intermediate and advanced players only. I am not a music school and this is not a business — it is a practice. If you are serious about the instrument and willing to do the work between sessions, reach out. I will decide if we are a fit.