Shibayama Percussion Studio
Percussion lessons
in Longmont
and online.
Learn snare, mallets, timpani, and drumset from a Juilliard-trained member of the Longmont Symphony. Daytime lessons are available for homeschool students and adults, and online lessons are available nationwide and internationally. Students of all ages and levels are welcome, from first-time beginners to those preparing for auditions.
"…impressive soloist…"
— The New York Times
Why study with me
A caliber of teaching rarely found
outside New York.
Juilliard pedigree
A Bachelor's and Master's from the world's most prestigious conservatory — and over a decade on New York City's most demanding stages.
Real professional experience
Broadway. The Metropolitan Opera. Carnegie Hall. Good Morning America. 25+ years of performing at the highest level.
Whole-musician approach
Every lesson weaves in rhythm literacy, ear training, music theory, and performance mindset. Students learn to think like musicians.
Intentionally small roster
I keep my student list small on purpose. Real relationships, consistent scheduling, and lessons genuinely tailored to each student.
Bilingual instruction
Fully fluent in Japanese and English. Language is never a barrier to great musical education.
A rare find in Colorado
Juilliard-trained percussionists offering private lessons in the Boulder–Longmont area are extraordinarily rare. You won't need to travel.
"The goal isn't to play the notes. It's to understand why they matter — and to feel that understanding in your body."
— Chihiro Shibayama
What I teach
The full percussion toolkit.
Snare & drumset
Rudiments, reading, and musicality for concert snare and kit. From first paradiddle to advanced orchestral excerpts.
Mallet percussion
Marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone — two and four mallets. Scales, sight-reading, and solo repertoire.
Timpani
Tuning, touch, muffling, and musical phrasing. Orchestral excerpts and audition preparation.
Accessories & more
Triangle, tambourine, bass drum, cymbals — the full section toolkit that rounds out a complete percussionist.
Every student develops a personalized curriculum. Beginners explore different instruments to find what excites them. Advanced students build the multi-instrument proficiency that audition panels expect.
Who I teach
Lessons for every student.
Homeschool students
Daytime private lessons that fit a homeschool schedule, plus small studio classes of up to three students.
Adults
Beginner-friendly daytime lessons on marimba, drums, and percussion. It's never too late to start.
Parents & young children
Small daytime classes for up to three parent-child pairs.
Online lessons
Live lessons for students outside Colorado, nationwide and internationally.
Audition prep
Preparation for All-State, honor bands, youth orchestras, and school auditions.
Conservatory & arts school auditions →Tuesday and Wednesday daytime lessons are currently available.
Book a free 15-minute callLesson options
Find the right format
for your student.
All lessons are 60–75 minutes.
8-Lesson Pack
$680 total · save $120 vs. drop-in
- Prepaid block of 8 lessons
- Flexible scheduling — no weekly commitment
- In-person (Longmont) or online worldwide
- All ages and levels welcome
Monthly Membership
$360 / month · billed monthly
- 4 lessons per month
- Weekly schedule
- Billed monthly, cancel anytime
- In-person (Longmont) or online worldwide
Semester Package
12–16 lessons · prepaid per semester
- Lowest per-lesson rate
- Prepaid for full semester
- Includes 2 makeup lessons
- In-person (Longmont) or online worldwide
Single Lesson
Pay per session · no package required
- No commitment required
- Book when it works for you
- In-person (Longmont) or online worldwide
Ready to get started? Reach out and we'll find the right fit.
Inquire about availability30-minute lessons are also available for younger or beginning students at roughly half the listed rates — just reach out and we'll find the right fit.
Student outcomes
What students achieve.
Juilliard acceptance
Students have earned spots at Juilliard Pre-College — one of the most selective programs in the world for young musicians.
Audition success
Targeted preparation for school ensembles, regional, and All-State auditions with a conservatory-level method.
Performance confidence
Students regularly present recitals and win school performance opportunities — because every lesson is designed for the stage.
Preparing for summer music program, conservatory, or college auditions?
Audition prep →Frequently asked
Questions answered.
Do I need my own instrument to start?+
Not necessarily! For beginners, I'll guide you on exactly what to get and when. In-person students have access to instruments in my studio. Online students will need some equipment at home — I'm happy to recommend affordable options based on your goals.
What ages do you teach?+
I teach students of all ages — starting around age 6 through teens, adults, and returning musicians. My approach is always tailored to each student's goals and learning style. It's never too late to start.
Do you offer online lessons?+
Yes! All lesson packages are available both in-person (Longmont, CO) and online worldwide.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Semester packages include 2 makeup lessons per term. Drop-in lessons must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged. I understand life happens and always try to be flexible.
What percussion instruments do you teach?+
I teach the full percussion battery — snare drum, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, timpani, and drum kit fundamentals. Pre-college students develop proficiency across all major classical percussion instruments.
日本語でのオンラインレッスンをご希望の方へ
日本語ページはこちら →Get in touch
Ready to begin?
Spots are limited — I keep my roster intentionally small so every student gets the attention they deserve. Fill out the form below to get started.