Drum Impact brings the drums, the setup, and the know-how to lead any group — no musical experience required — into a live drum circle that leaves people smiling, connected, and a little surprised at what they just did.
A drum circle is a group experience, not a performance you watch. Eric brings enough drums and hand percussion for every person in the room, walks the group through a few simple rhythms, and then steps back as the group's own energy takes over.
Within the first ten minutes, people who've never touched a drum are playing in rhythm with the person next to them — coworkers, seniors, kids, volunteers, it doesn't matter. No one needs to read music or "be musical." The room just starts to move together.
It works for teams that need to reconnect, senior communities looking for real engagement, hospitals and volunteer groups celebrating their people, or any gathering that wants something more memorable than a speech.
No proposals, no long forms — just a text and a conversation.
Tell him your group size, the occasion, and your date. He'll get back to you personally — text 773.680.5340 or email espdrums80@gmail.com.
Every circle is custom to the group — a senior wellness program isn't run like a corporate team event. Eric shapes the pacing and goals to fit yours.
Drums, setup, and facilitation are all handled. Your group just shows up and plays — Eric runs the room from there.
"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."
"Our clients have greatly benefitted from your lessons, and we appreciate all you've done and shared with them."
"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."
Alongside drum circles, Eric teaches private drumset lessons — in person at his Chicago studio, or online from anywhere.
Text Eric with your experience level and whether you'd like in-person or online lessons, and he'll find a time that works.
Text for lesson availability →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 Percussive Arts Society's international convention.
Eric owns Drum Impact with his life partner, Michelle, and the two of them are based in Chicago.
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.