
Derek Lee
Derek Lee bridges drumming, software engineering, education, and entrepreneurship to create innovative tools that empower drummers and educators.
His 35-year drumming journey spans DCI, jazz, rock, recording, and touring with original bands. Accepted to Berklee College of Music, he ultimately pursued software engineering at Purdue University.
Derek spent over two decades building systems and coaching teams as a software engineer. His shift to consumer apps led him to develop education tools for Mike Johnston (“Groove Freedom”) and Benny Greb (“Gap Click”) before bootstrapping Beat Note, a platform shaped by his drummer-developer perspective to address modern drum education needs.
Beyond software, Derek has coached hundreds through consulting, workshops, and community leadership.
At PASIC, he shares his drummer-turned-developer perspective, demonstrating how technology can transform practice, composition, and music education.
His 35-year drumming journey spans DCI, jazz, rock, recording, and touring with original bands. Accepted to Berklee College of Music, he ultimately pursued software engineering at Purdue University.
Derek spent over two decades building systems and coaching teams as a software engineer. His shift to consumer apps led him to develop education tools for Mike Johnston (“Groove Freedom”) and Benny Greb (“Gap Click”) before bootstrapping Beat Note, a platform shaped by his drummer-developer perspective to address modern drum education needs.
Beyond software, Derek has coached hundreds through consulting, workshops, and community leadership.
At PASIC, he shares his drummer-turned-developer perspective, demonstrating how technology can transform practice, composition, and music education.
Transforming Drum Education: Digital Tools to Empower Educators & Drummers
Session Description:
This session explores how digital drum notation tools revolutionize drumming education across lessons, classrooms, online learning, and self-study. Discover how technology makes notation more accessible, engaging, and interactive while strengthening the connection between guided instruction and independent practice through personalized content, creative applications, rich auditory/visual feedback, and structured practice.
For Educators:
– Reinforce notation reading and rhythmic accuracy with real-time visual and auditory tools
– Create engaging, adaptive lesson content for different learning styles and skill levels
– Share professional-quality materials across multiple formats (PDF, video, audio, link)
– Guide structured practice with customizable, multimedia-rich exercises
– Foster creativity and exploration through worksheets and interactive exercises
For Drummers:
– Take control of your learning with tempo adjustment, looping, and focused practice tools
– Build confidence in reading notation through immediate feedback and self-paced exploration
– Transform static exercises into engaging, interactive learning experiences
– Prepare efficiently for performances, studio sessions, and structured practice routines
– Expand your musical vocabulary through transcription and creative pattern development
Whether you’re a drum educator or a self-taught drummer, this session provides practical strategies and hands-on demonstrations for integrating digital tools into your drumming practice. Join us to discover how technology can make notation more accessible while building lasting practice habits that inspire and accelerate musical growth.
For Educators:
– Reinforce notation reading and rhythmic accuracy with real-time visual and auditory tools
– Create engaging, adaptive lesson content for different learning styles and skill levels
– Share professional-quality materials across multiple formats (PDF, video, audio, link)
– Guide structured practice with customizable, multimedia-rich exercises
– Foster creativity and exploration through worksheets and interactive exercises
For Drummers:
– Take control of your learning with tempo adjustment, looping, and focused practice tools
– Build confidence in reading notation through immediate feedback and self-paced exploration
– Transform static exercises into engaging, interactive learning experiences
– Prepare efficiently for performances, studio sessions, and structured practice routines
– Expand your musical vocabulary through transcription and creative pattern development
Whether you’re a drum educator or a self-taught drummer, this session provides practical strategies and hands-on demonstrations for integrating digital tools into your drumming practice. Join us to discover how technology can make notation more accessible while building lasting practice habits that inspire and accelerate musical growth.
Session Category:
- Drumset
- |
- Electronic/Technology
- |
- Virtual
Date:
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Time:
4:00 PM
Location:
Virtual
Session Type:
Clinic
Session Format:
Virtual









