1^st lesson free

Stefanos

5 (4 reviews)

Rate R1132
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Stefanos has accompanied since joining Superprof
7
Number of students Stefanos has accompanied since joining Superprof

5 (4 reviews)

R1132/h

1^st lesson free

Percussion
Djembe
Tambourine
Goblet drum
Bodhran Drum

Berklee graduate and professional percussionist teaches Middle Eastern and Mediterranean percussion from traditional foundations to creative fusion

Percussion
Djembe
Tambourine
Goblet drum
Bodhran Drum

Lesson location

- online

Super Tutor

Stefanos is one of our best Percussion tutors. High-quality profile, qualifications verified, organised and responsive to lesson requests, and appreciated by their students.

About Stefanos

Hi, I'm Stefanos Athinaios, a professional drummer/percussionist, composer and educator based in New York City. I graduated from Berklee College of Music, where my studies focused on Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Afro-Cuban and West African percussion as well as broader world music traditions alongside drum set. I also minored in Effortless Mastery, a program with an emphasis on playing with less tension, greater freedom and more presence. I've also had the privilege to learn with musicians like Jamey Haddad, Misirli Ahmet, Eguie Castrillo and Tigran Hamasyan.

I've been teaching for over a decade, working with more than 200 students of all ages and levels, from kids just starting out to advanced players and working professionals, including students with learning differences. I don't believe in "difficult students." Every student has their own way of learning, and part of my job is finding the approach that helps them connect. I've also led workshops and masterclasses for institutions including Berklee, Silkroad and El Sistema programs, focusing on rhythmic literacy, ensemble playing and cross-cultural approaches to rhythm.

As a performer, I've played festivals and jazz clubs worldwide, performed with orchestras and contributed to 200+ recordings for artists, film and TV. On many of these projects, I've also worked as a musical director, co-composer and arranger.

Learning these instruments isn't just about memorizing rhythms. Each tradition has its own sound, feel and function, and I want to help you play in a way that feels authentic, both to you and to where it comes from, whether you're accompanying a dance, improvising or bringing these sounds into your own music. Most importantly, I want you to have fun in the process!

About the lesson

Lessons are built around your instrument, your current level and what you want to be able to do, whether that's playing traditional music authentically, improvising or bringing these sounds into contemporary or original work.

We usually start with fundamentals and technique, since everything else is built on that foundation. From there, we build rhythmic vocabulary while learning how each rhythm actually functions inside real music, not just as an abstract pattern.

Depending on your interests, we can work on:
* Grip, basic strokes and tone on a range of percussion instruments from around the world, including darbuka, riq, frame drums, tapan/davul, djembe, cajón and more
* Traditional rhythmic vocabulary and phrasing
* Odd meters and asymmetric rhythms (5/8, 7/8, 9/8)
* Ear training and learning rhythms by listening
* Accompaniment, ensemble playing and improvisation
* Combining these traditions with drum set and electronic percussion
* Adapting traditional rhythms to contemporary, fusion and original music

An important part of my approach is that I don’t treat these traditions as separate worlds. My own work blends different musical cultures with drum set and electronic elements, and my experience teaching drum set helps me show you how those musical ideas can work on a full kit or within a multi-percussion setup.

A 7/8 groove should eventually feel like a musical phrase, not seven beats you’re counting in your head. I focus on developing that internal sense of the rhythm, not just understanding the math. A rhythm or phrase you learn by hearing, stomping and internalizing tends to stick with you more securely than one you only read off a page, so alongside notation, we spend real time listening and playing back what you hear.

Beginners build a solid foundation in technique, tone and basic rhythmic vocabulary first. Intermediate and advanced students can go deeper into ornamentation, improvisation and ensemble playing while developing their own voice within the traditions they study. All students, regardless of age or level, get hands-on experience applying what they learn in a real musical context.

I provide notation, recordings and play-alongs as needed, so you always know exactly what to practice and why.

If you're not sure exactly where to start, send me a message with what draws you to these instruments or traditions, and we'll figure out the right starting point together.

Recommendations

Recommendations are written by the tutor's friends, family, and acquaintances.

M

Myriam

As a jazz pianist exploring cross-cultural rhythms, Stefanos has been exactly the teacher I needed. He has a deep knowledge of different rhythmic concepts, but what stands out most is how he teach me to develop my own patterns and find my creative voice rather than just copying his. He's kind, respectful, and somehow always knows when to push me further. Lessons are well-structured, fun and always keep me hooked. Would definitely recommend him!
Read more

M
Myriam
As a jazz pianist exploring cross-cultural rhythms, Stefanos has been exactly the teacher I needed. He has a deep knowledge of different rhythmic concepts, but what stands out most is how he teach me to develop my own patterns and find my creative voice rather than just copying his. He's kind, respectful, and somehow always knows when to push me further. Lessons are well-structured, fun and always keep me hooked. Would definitely recommend him!
A

Alexander

What fun, creative and interactive ways of teaching Stefanos has! Throughout our lessons he always finds how to keep me focused and to the task without wasting time. His technique is exceptional for traditional instruments, but knows how to transfer them to a classic drum set or more advanced pads. Stefanos above all is very friendly and supportive - we've had 6 lessons so far and I am definitely not looking to stop any time soon. Try him out!
Read more

A
Alexander
What fun, creative and interactive ways of teaching Stefanos has! Throughout our lessons he always finds how to keep me focused and to the task without wasting time. His technique is exceptional for traditional instruments, but knows how to transfer them to a classic drum set or more advanced pads. Stefanos above all is very friendly and supportive - we've had 6 lessons so far and I am definitely not looking to stop any time soon. Try him out!
O

Oliver

Stefanos is a phenomenal musician. He has a wealth of knowledge, whether it’s his ability to play multiple percussion instruments or his vastly diverse experience in rhythm. I came to him seeking lessons on daf but what I got was so much more. Not only are his lessons an extremely resourceful, his teaching is also fun and engaging. I would highly recommend!
Read more

O
Oliver
Stefanos is a phenomenal musician. He has a wealth of knowledge, whether it’s his ability to play multiple percussion instruments or his vastly diverse experience in rhythm. I came to him seeking lessons on daf but what I got was so much more. Not only are his lessons an extremely resourceful, his teaching is also fun and engaging. I would highly recommend!
M

Maria

Stefanos is the kind of person who makes learning as safe as it can be! He really tries to help you grow in your playing and enjoy the process!
Read more

M
Maria
Stefanos is the kind of person who makes learning as safe as it can be! He really tries to help you grow in your playing and enjoy the process!
See more recommendations

Rates

Rate

R1132

Package rates

5h: R5256
10h: R9703

free lesson

The free first lesson with Stefanos allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.

30min

online

R970/h

Details

- I also offer between-lesson support for brief questions about practice or lesson material.

- Discounted 5- and 10-lesson packages are available for students who want to commit to regular lessons.

- A travel fee may apply to lessons at the student’s location, depending on distance, and will always be agreed in advance.

Berklee graduate and professional percussionist teaches Middle Eastern and Mediterranean percussion from traditional foundations to creative fusion

Lesson location

Super Tutor

About Stefanos

About the lesson

Recommendations

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free lesson

online

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Stefanos's video

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Berklee graduate and professional percussionist teaches Middle Eastern and Mediterranean percussion from traditional foundations to creative fusion

Lesson location

Super Tutor

About Stefanos

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Package rates

free lesson

online

Details

Stefanos's video

Similar Percussion tutor profiles

Devin

Liam

Rosco

Peter

Mikaelin

Refiloe

P-KC

Naledi

Apiwe

Valentina

Jose

Zak

Patrick

Japhy

Giovanni

Elliott

Jose Rico

Durgesh

Rob

Matteo

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