— DRUM COACH • GASTONIA, NC
DRUMS
BY
LIZ
Play more musically.
Think more creatively.
Become the drummer
every band wants.
—
Learn the concepts that transform grooves, fills, coordination, creativity, and musical expression through a proven teaching method developed over nearly five decades of teaching.
35+
Years Teaching
1000s
students taught
100%
competition scores
— ABOUT LIZ
THE COACH BEHIND THE KIT
Liz Doberstein is a lifelong educator with over 35 years of experience helping students become confident, creative musicians through the drums. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Liz brings decades of experience in drum set performance, technique, and musical development to students in the Carolinas and beyond.
Her teaching philosophy is simple: help every student become a more musical drummer by building strong fundamentals, creative thinking, confidence, and the skills needed to express themselves behind the kit.
Liz is also the founder and director of Drums Unlimited, a performance ensemble where students develop musicianship, teamwork, creativity, and performance skills through original choreographed compositions.
Drum Set
Develop groove, coordination, technique, and musical expression behind the kit. Build a strong foundation while learning how to create and apply ideas in a musical way.
Technique & Musicianship
Build the skills behind great playing — including rudiments, stick control, articulation, and technique that directly transfers to drum set performance.
Virtual Lessons
Learn from anywhere with personalized instruction designed around your goals, skill level, and musical development. Experience the same focused coaching online.
Liz Doberstein · Drum Coach · Belmont, NC
"My goal is to put every student on a fast track of learning — guiding them to feel confident and completely capable of flourishing in any musical environment."
— Liz Doberstein, Drums By Liz
PHOTO GALLERY
BEHIND THE KIT
LESSON PROGRAMS
LEARNING PATHS
A structured approach designed to help students grow from building strong fundamentals to
developing creativity, confidence, and their own musical voice.
Foundations & Beginner Lessons
Start with proper technique, timing, coordination, reading, and confidence while developing the fundamentals that create a strong foundation behind the kit.
All AgesMusical Development
Develop groove, dynamics, phrasing, creativity, and musical understanding while learning how different ideas connect together in real playing situations.
Skill BuildingCreative Application
Explore fills, patterns, rudiments, and musical concepts while learning how to develop your own ideas, style, and expression behind the kit.
Musical GrowthAdvanced Mastery
Develop complex coordination, polyrhythms, independence, and advanced techniques while building the confidence and control needed for higher-level playing.
Advanced DevelopmentTechnique & Percussion
Develop snare drum method, rudiments, stick control, articulation, finesse of play, and percussion concepts that naturally transfer into drum set playing and around-the-kit applications.
TechniqueDrums Unlimited
Selected students may be invited to join Liz's performance ensemble, developing teamwork, creativity, confidence, and performance skills through original choreographed compositions.
Performance GroupBeginner Lessons
Start your drumming journey with proper technique, reading music, and building coordination. Perfect for kids and adults picking up sticks for the first time.
All AgesIntermediate & Advanced
Push your technique further with complex rhythms, styles, and solo development. Take your playing to the next level with hands-on coaching.
Skill BuildingCompetition Prep
Liz has sent students to NY All-State competitions with scores of 95–100%. Specialized solo preparation and performance coaching for serious competitors.
Competition ReadyVirtual Lessons
Can't make it in person? Liz offers fully interactive virtual lessons via video call. Same quality instruction from the comfort of your own home.
Online AvailableSnare & Percussion
Focused snare drum technique from rudiments to complex solos. Also includes djembe and world percussion for a broad rhythmic vocabulary.
Multi-PercussionDrums Unlimited
Select students may be invited to join Liz's performing ensemble — a dynamic show of choreographed compositions that performs throughout the community.
Performance Group—STUDENT STORIES
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Every student starts somewhere different. Whether they are picking up sticks for the first time, developing their musical voice, or preparing for performance, Liz's goal is the same: helping each drummer become confident, creative, and capable.
"Liz completely changed the way I approach the drums. She helped me build confidence, understand rhythm, and actually enjoy the process of learning. I never thought I could progress this quickly."
"What makes Liz different is that she doesn't just teach you what to play — she teaches you why it works. Her attention to detail helped me become a more confident and musical player."
"I took virtual lessons with Liz from out of state and it was every bit as effective as in-person. Her ability to explain concepts clearly and make lessons engaging is incredible."
Find the right course for your level.
Beginner
Start your drumming journey the right way with confidence, not confusion.
Whether you've never sat behind a kit or you know a few basics but keep hitting a wall, this course builds the foundation every great drummer needs: the right mindset, timing instincts, and musical thinking before the fancy stuff.
What you'll get:
Step-by-step lessons designed for real beginners, no prior experience assumed
Learn how to recover from mistakes mid-groove like a pro, instead of freezing up
Understand how to think like a musician, not just someone hitting drums
Build your first simple grooves into bigger, more musical ideas
Turn basic fills into something that actually sounds good
Perks Included:
Lifetime access to all Beginner lessons
Practice-along video format — play at your own pace
Foundation that carries directly into our Intermediate course
Private community access to ask questions and share progress
Intermediate
You've got the basics, now it's time to actually sound like a drummer.
This course is built for players ready to move past "keeping a beat" and start developing real technique: rudiments, coordination, and the small details that separate hobbyists from confident players.
What you'll get:
Master essential sticking patterns and rudiments the fun way — not the boring textbook way
Build true hand-foot independence with hi-hat and bass drum coordination drills
Learn how to layer rim shots and accents to make your grooves pop
Upgrade your fills with tasty bass drum notes that add depth and groove
Train your hands to move freely so your creativity isn't limited by technique
Perks Included:
Progressive lesson structure that builds week over week
Downloadable practice sheets for rudiments and sticking patterns
Direct pathway into the Advanced course once you're ready
Priority access to live Q&A sessions (if/when offered)
Advanced
Push past "good" and start playing with real creativity and control.
Designed for experienced drummers who want to expand their vocabulary, tackle complex rhythms, and develop the improvisational skills to build full musical solos — not just play along.
What you'll get:
Learn iconic advanced grooves like the Purdie Shuffle and Bossa Nova feel
Master odd groupings (3-3-2, 2-3-3) and 16th/32nd-note fill patterns
Explore advanced hi-hat creativity and groove embellishment techniques
Build full musical drum solos using tom-tom themes and rudimental development
Expand paradiddle-based grooves and funk patterns into sextuplet-level fills
Perks Included:
Access to our most technically advanced lesson library
Performance breakdowns of full pieces, not just isolated drills
Ideal for players preparing for bands, auditions, or live performance
Badge/certificate of completion for the Advanced tier (optional add-on)
Not sure where to start? Contact Us
Explore Other Lessons
GET STARTED
READY TO PLAY?
Whether you're picking up sticks for the first time or training for competition. Liz is ready to guide you. Book a lesson or send her
a message below.
