TESTIMONIALS
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Bill has been a fantastic teacher as well as mentor to my nine year old son. My son has a cousin who has been taking drums much longer and is only a little better than my son. Bill and his wife Sharon welcome each family into their home with loving hearts. I especially like the fact that they are Christian. Actions speak louder than words. I could tell you a hundred and one reasons to enroll your drummer now, but I will merely state three. Affordability, Bill's kind heart and Passion to teach, and lastly I am sure you're kiddos will love drums!!!
-Kristina-
Outstanding instructor! My son has been taking drum lessons and has learned so much. Bill makes it really fun to learn. Would highly recommend him!
-Shannon-
Billy is a long-time experienced, highly skilled and knowledgeable drummer. There are few drummer/musicians here in the Pacific Northwest who have been at their craft professionally as long as him. (I know that it's been over 50 years for Billy~!) I highly recommend Billy as a teacher and professional who specializes in a vast awareness of all types of drumming styles and the application of the individual instruments included in the drum kit to create those drumming styles in music. He has played professionally with every kind of band you can imagine. In addition to all I've mentioned above, you will never find a nicer, more pleasant guy to be around and work with than Billy Barner!
-Dan Moeler-
Billy and I have worked in bands together for several years and he is perhaps the most musical drummer I know. His ability to contribute ideas to arragements is outstanding as, of course, is his musicianship. They call him Billy "the pocket" Barner for good reason!
Son Jack, Jr.
Delta Blues Recording Artist
As a professional bass player for many years it has been my pleasure to perform with Billy in several styles of music. Blues,Funk,Rock,even Country when called for. From small intimate settings(100) to outdoor ones (2500 plus) If Billy is the drummer you know its going to be a good gig. If you are fortunate enough to be one of his drum students, Billy will be able to teach you every style you wish to learn!
T-Town Bass Ace, Eric "Rico" Bauer
I'm a bass player with over 40 years of experience. It's my pleasure to recommend Billy Barner. He substituted quite often for our drummer and everytime we played together, I played better and the band sounded better. The fans were quick to tell us how much better we sounded with Billy. We played blues, R&B and rock. Billy was strong in all fields. He has a very pleasant nature and is very sincere and If I were an aspiring student I wouldn't hesitate to ask him to teach me what he knows.
Bill Charlton
Bass player: Little Feat, Nick Nicolas Band, Groove Gators
Billy's nickname "In the Pocket" really says it all. I have had a very good fortune to play with Billy in several different bands. I am always pumped to walk into a gig and see Billy on the stage. Mr. Barner is a consummate musician, who's repertoire of rhythms is seemingly endless, Rock, Reggae, Funk, Soul, Ballads, Shuffles, Mambos, Sambas, 2nd Line, Blues, the list goes on and on.....AND he know at least 3 ways to play each one of them. Billy understands the term "rhythm section" to a 'T'. He is dynamic, spontaneous and solid as a rock. When Little Bill's longtime Drummer Tommy Morgan was injured this year we were so very lucky to have Billy Barner sub the rest of the year, wottah player!
Billy Stapleton
Little Bill & The Blue Notes, Power House, Mark Dufrene, Stick Shift Annie
Billy is a super drummer, and a very pleasant, easy going, warm, fun person. We've played together in my band, I've also played as a guest with his band, and we've also worked on recording projects together. It's always a pleasure! Billy sets a great groove appropriate to the song, creates a strong foundation with positive energy and cool vibe. Personally, he's always very positive on-stage and off stage too. He's a person with the utmost of integrity
Brian Lee
Blues Orbiters
I'm a fellow musician and have played with Billy. It's important to me when I play music that everyone plays well and Billy does just that. Professional! I'm sure that's how he teaches as well
Roger Rogers
The Roger Rogers Band
The Wolf Pack
Billy is a true pro. Any style, any situation... always smiling and ALWAYS grooving.
Greg Timmons
Guitarist
Having been involved in the music scene here in the Pacific Northwest for many years, both as a member of the original Galaxies and The Rainier Jazz Band, it is my belief that Billy Barner is one of the top drummers around. Billy can play in my band anytime.
Ron Rustadt:
Saxaphone, vocalist
The Galaxies
Throughout the last three decades I have had the good fortune to work with Billy several times and the one thing that I have come to count on is the high level of musicianship and professionalism that he exemplifies. He is a pro!
Larry Williams: Saxaphone
As the President of the South Blues Association and Event Manager for The Tacoma Events Commission I've produced many events that Billy Barner has performed. I've found him to be an excellent musician, very professional, responsible, and displays a great attitude.
Gary Grape
President South Sound Blues Association
I highly recommend Billy Barner for drum lessons!!! Billy and I go way back, but most recently hooked up performing together with THE GALAXiES - www.thegalaxies1964.com
Billy is a GREAT drummer, teacher and all around wonderful person to be around and work with!!!
Chuck Naubert
Founding member of THE GALAXiES
I have worked with Billy many times over the past several years with regard to booking his bands, King Kom Beaux and Blues Redemption to play at our outdoor concert series. He is always very professional and friendly and his bands always put on a great shows.
Kristin Unden
Events Coordinator: Uptown Village, Gig Harbor
Bill was the drummer in my band, "The Great Pretenders", for eight years. He is a fabulous person and an excellent drummer. He can teach many musical styles of percussion. Even after he moved on from the band, he continues to be available to me if I need a sit-in for a night. Bill is a thrill; it's hard to keep him still. But then, he is a drummer! One would do well having Bill as an instructor of the sticks.
-Charlie Hollis-
I play music professionally with Mr. Barner. He is a consummate pro and highly sought after by fellow musicians in the Puget Sound area. He is also highly regarded as a good person, with an even temperament and amiability.
-Joe Hendershot-
Bassist
I've worked with Billy since the 1980's, on stages big and small. His drumming ability is above and beyond the norm, and his professionalism is respected by all who know him. He not only has the chops, he brings it with a passion and style that's hard to top.
Even better than all that is the fact that he's really a cool guy, and takes care to make sure your musical experience is enjoyable.
-Roger Williamson-
Guitarist - Vocalist
I have known Billy Barner for many years as a musician and a friend. As the education director of the Washington Blues Society, I’m always interested in the teaching aspect of music. It isn’t a hard topic on which to get Billy going. He is the consummate musician and teacher, his ability is only outweighed by his enthusiasm. The method he employs is one on one and geared individually to the level of each student. He is excited to see the progress and the pride in his students. Most new students have learned enough to begin to play with a band after the first lesson. Of course the complicated aspects to drumming are a long way off from there, but Billy will get you there IF you practice and if you are willing to learn. If I wanted to learn to be a drummer, Billy would be my teacher; and I know a lot of drum teachers.
-Roy Brown-
Washington Blues Society