About

Eric Betz-Swanson

Forty years behind the kit, hundreds of students, and a family connection to rhythm that goes back to the Revolutionary War.

Eric leading a drum circle
  • Treasurer, DCFG.org
  • Board member, Percussive Arts Society (pas.org)
  • Invited clinician, PASIC 2026 — "Drumming Up Senior Business in Your Community"
  • Official Remo endorser

Eric began drumming at age 10 and has spent more than 40 years playing, teaching, and building bands across rock, blues, country, reggae, and big band jazz — over 1,000 live performances and 100+ recordings along the way.

He's taught hundreds of drum students from around the world, previously managed the sales floor at Guitar Center, and now serves on the board of the Percussive Arts Society. In 2026, he's an invited clinician at PASIC, the Society's international convention in Indianapolis, presenting a session on building senior-community drum programs.

Eric owns Drum Impact with his life partner, Michelle, and the two of them are based in Chicago, serving clients across the Midwest.

In 2023, Eric traced his family's rhythm back further than expected: his fifth great-granduncle, Peter S. Betz, served nearly five years as a drummer in the Revolutionary War under General Washington.

40+
Years playing & teaching
1,000+
Live performances
100+
Recordings
5
Midwest states served: IL, MI, WI, IN, IA
Regular clients

Communities Drum Impact returns to

St. Joseph VillageBelmont Ave, Chicago — 75+ drum circles run, inside and out
Alden Estates of Tinley ParkQuarterly circles as part of their wellness & arts programs
Copernicus Senior CenterMilwaukee Ave, Chicago
Portage Park Senior CenterChicago, IL
Shriner's Children's HospitalChicago — annual volunteer appreciation circle
Sedgebrook LincolnshireNew client, 2026
What clients say

The reaction is usually the same

"Thank you for the fun drum circle. I've had volunteers tell me how much they enjoyed it — I think I'll make it an annual event when we celebrate our volunteers."

Mary McCauley — Volunteer Coordinator, Shriner's Children's Hospital Chicago

"Our clients have greatly benefitted from your lessons, and we appreciate all you've done and shared with them."

Mary Blume — Regional Director, City of Chicago Area Agency on Aging

"Eric walks the right path, consistently doing the right things, at the right times, and in the right way. He serves not for recognition, but because service is part of who he is."

Arthur Hull — Rhythm Evangelist
Text Eric to book your group →