TEACHING
Colin teaches:
Drums & Percussion – All levels, from first lessons to working professionals
Piano – Technique and repertoire for beginners through intermediate players
Composition & Theory – All styles and levels
Colin Hinton’s teaching philosophy is grounded in curiosity, fundamentals, and sound. He believes every student learns differently, and his job is to discover what makes each one light up — what inspires them to practice, listen, and create. Some students come for high school or college audition prep; others are picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after years away. All are equally valid.
Hinton’s approach balances rigor with curiosity. Technique, time, and touch matter, but they’re always in service of sound and awareness. Progress comes not from endless repetition but from mindful practice — learning to hear cause and effect, to connect body and ear. He wants students to understand not only what to practice, but why.
His teaching draws on a wide range of mentors and traditions: the craft and discipline of Ed Soph, Ari Hoenig, Dan Weiss, Tyshawn Sorey, and Ralph Peterson; the compositional and conceptual depth of Ingrid Laubrock, John Mallia, and Eric Wubbels; and the broader artistic lineage linking jazz, classical, and experimental worlds. He encourages students to develop an ear for nuance, intention, and sound, rather than chasing style or genre.
Hinton works with a diverse community of students — from children and teens to working professionals — both in Brooklyn and online. Many of his current students are adult learners, including those rediscovering music or seeking a creative outlet after long breaks. His lessons often serve as a space for connection and exploration as much as for technique.
Ear training, rhythm studies, and ensemble awareness are woven through every lesson. Sessions are available in person at his Brooklyn studio or online via Zoom, with flexible weekly, biweekly, or as-needed scheduling.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Colin is the best! I’ve been taking drums with him for almost a year and a half now, having started as an absolute beginner. I can’t believe how far I’ve come.”
— Mary W.
“Colin is an excellent teacher with a very patient and calm teaching style and is very knowledgeable.”
— M. L.
“Colin is an extremely passionate and thorough yet easygoing drum teacher. I’ve been learning mainly jazz drumming with him and it’s been great.”
— Nico T.
“I’ve been taking drum lessons with Colin for a few years. He is great at meeting you where you are at and giving you the tools to advance. I highly recommend!”
— Rachel F.
“Finding a teacher like Colin is hard to come by. While I have prior music experience, I have never been taught music in this way—he makes complex ideas approachable.”
— Christina C.
“I started taking drum lessons with Colin as an absolute novice, no experience whatsoever. The patience, guidance, and encouragement have been incredible.”
— David W.
“Ever had that feeling like ugh I want to learn piano, should I? Could I? Well you should and you could — but do it with Colin.”
— Marta R.
“Colin is an amazing musician and a thorough, focused, and compassionate teacher who meets his students where they are.”
— Richard R.