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Welcome to One Planet Percussion!
" Have fun learning rhythms from around the world with teacher Michael Beechey.
Individual lessons are designed specially for each student, using your favorite songs and beats.
Click on the pictures above and learn more about the fascinating world of rhythm!
Registration limited- Use Contact form for a Free Introductory Lesson!
or call
778 269 DRUM (3786)
Parent testimonials
"My son has been filled with music since he was a wee one, but pushed back against any suggestion of mentorship. At 8, he has shown more openness to the idea and it’s felt important to find the right person for such an independent character.
We chose Michael after seeing his small leaflet in a local cafe and ready the lovely reviews written from past students.
Seeing the benefit of Michael’s influence in our son is immediate as I witness my sons excitement around visiting and willingness to go. Michael offers a grounded and warm influence. He is calm and yet playful, focused and yet fun! To see my son finally experience mentorship with such a passionate and capable player leaves me feeling so grateful. Micheals lessons are logical and yet playful as he creates the safe space for my son to be himself, access new learning, while also feeling the freedom to be joyful and play!
How inspiring to witness mentorship in action as a young, high energy, silly kid with great rhythm, gets a chance to spend time with someone so experienced, patient and passionate. Grateful!!! Kate
When my son Tommaso was 5 years old, one day, he was watching TV and saw a drumset player. Tommaso was so excited and said "this is so cool, I want to learn this". But we thought it was too early for a young boy. Another important reason was that we could not find a good drum teacher around, so we forgot all about this. Last year we came to Duncan from China,and Tommaso already 11 years old. Fortunately, we met Michael Beechey, a professional and very patient drum teacher. Tommaso started to learn drums from Michael. Michael is outstanding. He has lots of experience teaching children drumming. He knows how to work with different children and encourage them. So, thank God we found such a good teacher for my son. Thank you Michael!"
Susan, Duncan
"I am very happy with Janelle’s progress and enthusiasm for drumming.. I dusted off my son’s old set, which now is in our garage and my daughter plays every night! Thank you Micheal for creating the spark of curiosity for music!"
Barb W, Duncan
"My boy is 9 years old and he started drum lessons with Michael last year. Michael surely helped my son to be more confident to play drums. He always starts with simple games to get my boy to focus. My boy loves to have lessons with Michael. Thank you Michael! " Jen - Duncan
"Michael facilitated a introductory drumming circle lesson for my Grade 4 class at Queen Margaret’s School. He provided a rich learning opportunity where the students listened to music from different cultures, played percussion instruments from around the world, and helped them to consider how music helps us to be better global citizens. Michael fosters a safe, fun, and collaborative environment. I highly recommend him as a guest teacher for both youth and adults." TF Duncan
"My daughter, who started with Mike at ten years old, really engaged with his teaching. She appreciated his technical expertise and was motivated by his efforts to use songs she chose as lessons.
I am impressed with Mike's style and work." JR, Duncan
"Michael gave my two daughters lessons in African drumming for one month, which they enjoyed tremendously. He took care in understanding both of their unique learning styles and tailored his teaching approach accordingly. They will most likely continue learning with him in the future". SS Duncan
Parent and student
"Our 10 year old son took lessons weekly with Michael for 2 years. He went from very beginner to playing along with top 40 tunes our son chose, such as songs by 21 Pilots, One Direction, and Sam Smith. Michael encouraged weekly practice and sent home helpful tips such as ideas for drum apps, apps for making his own beats. I highly recommend One Planet Percussion for any age, and ability student! Also, being able to use a loaner drum set at the beginning was a huge help, while our son figured out if drumming was for him. And Michael helped us choose what type of set to buy when we were ready. We only stopped lessons as we moved. Thank you Michael for starting our son on his drumming path! "
Jen Hlannon
"Our two boys 8 and 12 love going to their drum lessons with Michael. He comes up with innovative ideas to teach each child individually and at the end of each lesson they leave enthusiastic and excited with what they have learned. It's not easy to keep these boys interested, but you always manage to do it..Thanks Michael!" MW, Duncan
"My son has special needs and Michael has been more than patient, caring, supportive and most importantly willing to learn and adapt to these needs. When someone else may have given up Michael pushed through the challenging times and for this I am so thankful:)" KM, Duncan (7 yr old)
"As an adult learner, I appreciate how Michael experiments with how I will learn best. He is very receptive to tailoring lessons to my interests and he knows how to challenge me while understanding that adult learners sometimes struggle to find practice time. And, as somebody who loves a wide variety of music, I enjoy Michael's incredible knowledge of different genres and his ability to explain the differences clearly to me. I have learned so much in a short time." Jen, Duncan (adult)
"I am a senior with a long lasting desire to play the drums. I recently signed up for lessons with Michael, however, not without some trepidation as I thought I was probably long past the ‘expiry date’. Michael has changed that for me and, without pressure, has encouraged me to go ‘at my own speed’ enabling me to ramp up within my time schedule." Dick (adult)
"Drumming feeds my soul and going to Michael's studio is the highlight of my week. His patience, encouragement and non-judgemental manner have provided nourishment for my budding skills.....and make learning so much fun! Thank you Michael." CF Duncan (adult)
From other musicians
"I want to acknowledge your willingness to step in and support the special needs community in Duncan as a volunteer. What I have noticed since you started playing with us is your own eagerness to learn – a teacher who still wants to learn himself is a great asset to any group and in your case – to any band who wants a drummer who also has a great HEART! Thank you for stepping up to the plate for us".
Lynn, Glenora
"Michael Beechey has been a musical associate of ours for over six years. He has been a member of our musical collective as a highly professional and motivated player always exhibiting great taste in musicianship. We would not hesitate to recommend Michael Beechey as an excellent mentor in music to our friends and associates." Dallas and Pat Selman Cobble Hill, BC
"Mr Beechey is well respected in the musical community in the Cowichan Valley, and for good reason. His work ethic and integrity is commendable, as is his collaborative nature and musicianship. As a result, I take great joy in taking every musical opportunity to work with Mr Beechey. I expect every success from his future endeavours. A solid, creative musician. A joy to work with! "
David Lieffertz Musician & Teacher, Chemainus
" I have known Michael Beechey for four years as fellow musician. I can attest to his high level of musical accomplishment achieved through education, disciplined practice and performance. He has extensive experience as a music teacher and he has shown caring and competence in his relationships with young people." William Winter , Bijoux du Bayou, Victoria
"I have worked with Mike Beechey through 2012 with a local Victoria BC act. Mike is an outstanding drummer for this working group. I understand he has been with the group for some time and has been known to be dependable, creative and amicable to the creative input of others. He is a pleasure to entertain audiences with. Mike is the consummate perfectionist but not afraid to push the envelop and bring unique interpretation to a long standing well used repertoire. Mike is patient and attentive. He is competent with his instrument and willing participant in the various duties and responsibilities that come with playing in a group.
Mike Regimbal Bijoux du Bayou Victoria
I have played with Michael for over two years now. I find him to be passionate about music and drumming. Accomplished and still eager to learn, Michael is always ready to take the song to the next level.
Darrel Keeler, The Mexican Bus Ride, Duncan
Michael has performed with my choirs on several occasions. I have found him to be not only a good musician, but also genuine and sincere in his approach to the music and other musicians. He is dependable and generous with his time, and always willing to help with our percussion needs!
Sheila Johnson (director - Concenti Singers and Cowichan Valley Youth Choir)
"I recently had the opportunity to play with Michael in the backing band for a short series of shows by the Medford Singers doing Disney material. I was inspired and challenged by Michael’s talent and professionalism. He took a leadership role in the band, and on key occasions initiated ad lib musical interludes by us when people were coming and going from the stage. It was a successful and enjoyable experience! I look forward to my next opportunity to play great music with Michael."
Stephen Flood --- Bass Player
"I produced a number of choral concerts in Duncan, Victoria and Sydney in which Mr. Beechey performed. It was always a great pleasure to work with Mr Beechey, he is a cultured, pleasant professional musician who takes his responsibilities seriously. His Berklee training is evident in his deep knowledge of both classical and modern percussion. His style of drumming is loose yet clear, you can clearly hear he's an acolyte with fierce energy, exciting fills and exciting colors to complement the orchestra and blend in beautifully with an ensemble's texture." Clara Chay Robertson, Producer
"Michael is a complete professional and a joy to play with. He has great feel and a talent for moving easily between a very wide variety of styles. I recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to play with Michael do so immediately. You will not be disappointed.
You will have a very good time, as he keeps very good time."
:-) Randy Waldie professonal guitarist/painter
"If you are looking for a drummer teacher who will give you complete knowledge and instruction and lead by example of hard work and commitment, Michael is your guy. One if the hardest working drummers I know on the island who loves and plays all types of music."
Sam Torrance, leader and founding member zydeco band Bijoux du Bayou
"Michael has played on numerous occasions over the last few years with our group. We are a dance band specializing in playing for an older age group. We reach back into the 40s through the 70s for cover songs our audiences can relate to. We play a mixed bag - old country and rock, Dixie, Latin American, waltzes, polkas, etc. We don't use set lists, and throw one song after another with virtually no gaps in between. This can be difficult for a fill-in guy to master, for there is no rehearsal time. Michael performs admirably off the top of his head in what could be a trying situation for an inexperienced musician. He is personable, very capable, and relates well to the other band members, and we will be using his talents again in the future".
Dan Hughes, bandleaderMy brother was a pedestrian hit by a bus walking across the street. Two more steps and the bus would have flew pass him - the driver never saw him - his life changed in every way at the moment ; he was 66 at the time. Today my brother is living in a long term care home and still has a zest for life, but it’s hard when the people around you are mostly declining and you are not.
Micheal was found through this facility to help Ron get away from the life inside a LTC facility. Michael is kind, caring and always trying to help him, whether in conversation, helping with his phone, making him laugh, and helping him to find or have a better life.
We really appreciate Michael, my brother always says he’s a great man, so kind - I trust him. All words you want to hear from someone you love. .Thank you Micheal Joanne D
Community Service
I just wanted to let you know how fantastic it has been having Michael working with my Dad. I feel like Michael totally understands my situation and looks for ways to help my Dad. He is thoughtful, very resourceful, knowledgeable, and kind and he clearly puts a TON of energy into his work. I feel so very lucky to have him helping us. Thank you so much for finding him and assigning him to work with my Dad. He is amazing and I would happily write a reference for him if you ever need one. Kerry
I have known Micheal for many years. He is kind, caring, and generous with his time. My husband is very sick and cannot be left home alone, sometimes when I need to go out early in the morning for a couple of hours. Michael comes in and keeps him company. My husband really enjoys his company. Thank you, Michael, we really appreciate your help. NA Duncan
My brother was a pedestrian hit by a bus walking across the street. Two more steps and the bus would have flew pass him - the driver never saw him - his life changed in every way at the moment ; he was 66 at the time. Today my brother is living in a long term care home and still has a zest for life, but it’s hard when the people around you are mostly declining and you are not. Micheal was found through this facility to help Ron get away from the life inside a LTC facility. Michael is kind, caring and always trying to help him, whether in conversation, helping with his phone, making him laugh, and helping him to find or have a better life.
We really appreciate Michael, my brother always says he’s a great man, so kind - I trust him. All words you want to hear from someone you love. .Thank you Micheal Joanne D