Taking lessons with Blaize has been an incredible experience. He’s the perfect balance of skill and warmth, bringing a level of expertise that’s matched only by his friendly, approachable nature. Blaize makes each lesson both productive and enjoyable, breaking down techniques in a way that feels accessible, regardless of your starting point. His patience and encouragement make it easy to push through challenges, and he celebrates each milestone along the way.

Blaize has helped me achieve developments in my playing that I didn’t believe were possible, giving me confidence and skills I never thought I’d have. Blaize is the best!

I started weekly lessons with Blaize in March 2021 virtually via Zoom and, most recently, in-person at his Boston-based studio. I live in Salem and work as a sales professional, so having the option to do our lessons virtually when I need to has been a big relief; quality is not sacrificed in these sessions. He is meticulous and organized with his lesson planning and post-lesson notes. He is punctual and a timely communicator. Blaize is a natural talent behind the drum set. More importantly, he is an equally gifted instructor of his craft--a rare combination.

His passion for his students' progress is endless and you can feel that, which is especially important to me on days I'm feeling lousy with the sticks. Ever since my early 20s I thought it was too late to start playing drums (something I've wanted to do forever). Blaize has a way of making you believe in yourself and put the negative self-talk away. He has a knack for breaking down overwhelming goals and making them seem more attainable. I'm shocked by the progress I've made since March and I don't think I could've done it as quickly and confidently though any other resource. There's an ocean of drumming resources available for self-teaching online nowadays; but if you actually want to get better faster and build your skills upon a foundation of solid technique so that you don't have to unlearn a ton of preventable bad habits one day, then look no further for your instructor.

Without exaggeration or hyperbole, Blaize Collard has changed the life of my family. Blaize is an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music, a member of a couple of professional bands with international road experience, and he is a super gifted music teacher for young kids. He introduced my son to music, in an incredibly patient and flexible and talented way.

He has shifted from drums to basic keyboard (when my son was “in the mood”) and more. His dedication to spreading the joy of music to all students is palpable. My son had severe stage fright when he began lessons with Blaize. This year, he auditioned for and secured a spot in a very cool rock/jazz band at his school. What can I say? Blaize is the teacher-of-your-dreams.

Where do I start with Blaize!? Well, FIRST he is a great guy. He’s so great at relating to you, and relating what you’re doing with real life benefits. He makes everything you learn have a purpose, there’s no, “Do this exercise to advance,” kinda stuff. Second, I’ll just say that my drumming skills overall since I started taking drum lessons from him via zoom have increased TENFOLD. Blaize was able to take the talent that I already had, and use it properly through certain methods. And these methods have SHOWN.

I met Blaize at a three-day drum workshop at Berklee, in the summer. I had THREE days with this guy, and I learned so much. I immediately was inspired to get better at what he taught at the workshop. I became so obsessed with what I had learned, that I decided to take lessons from him consistently, and as I said, one of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made. Anyone from a “beginner,” to “intermediate,” to “insane,” level of drumming, can learn massively from Blaize as a drummer, and a person.

I started my PI (Private Instruction) lessons with Blaize in my first semester at Berklee College of Music. I am a self taught player and didn't know how to sight read or play the rudiments, but Blaize helps me through with all of this stuff. I also take additional lessons with him at his studio outside of Berklee. I can see a lot of improvement in my playing! One thing I really like about Blaize is he is very friendly and understandable. I highly recommend people take lessons with Blaize if you want to get to the next level and play like a professional.