Personalized Percussion Lessons for Every Student

Learn percussion at your own pace through virtual lessons, from an expert player and mentor who cares about your well-being.

17+
years of teaching
90+
private students
1000+
marching band students
Photograph of Marissa Turney, smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a multicolored cardigan holding green yarn mallets.Abstract green brushstroke rectangles resembling marimba keys arranged in a curved pattern on a white background with black scribble accents.
“Marissa, you are an incredible teacher. One of the best! You have created an environment where I feel like I belong. I had never had that before. I appreciate everything you’ve done for our group, but also for me specifically…you’ve taught me so much about percussion and myself. I’m eternally grateful for you."
Salem
10th Grade
“...I can’t think of anyone better I could have spent that time with. You are an amazing teacher, and an even better person, and every year I spend with you only solidifies that…I’d never have been as happy and confident as I am now if not for you.”
Hannah
11th Grade
Your dedication and passion inspire me to look for the same in myself! You helped me express myself through music, opening myself up through band.”
Sammy
11th Grade
"Even when I got nervous and tried to skip over a tricky section, you stayed patient and helped me through it, not getting frustrated ... when I fell back into old mistakes we already fixed."
Katie
12th Grade
“When I was first going into high school, I was very burnt out with band…but with your help, I have rediscovered the passion I had lost.”
Simon
9th Grade
“While I was sad to lose our previous percussion director, I think that you were the best person to take his place. You make an effort to make connections with your students, and that means a lot.”
Daniel
12th Grade
Black and white sketch of Marissa instructing two students playing large bass drums with mallets in a rehearsal room.

Who is Marissa Turney?

Hi, I'm Marissa!

I’m a percussion educator, performer, and music lover.

I hold a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, one of the top music schools in the world.

Over the past 17 years, I've helped over 1,000 students at every level learn to play percussion better than they ever thought possible.

Now I'm ready to help you do the same.

Whether you're:

  • Just starting out in middle school band
  • Preparing for a music degree
  • Or finally learning percussion as an adult

— you’re at a critical stage of growth.

And the right teacher makes all the difference.

I'll get to know you and your goals and build unique lessons to help you improve (at your own pace).

More than that, I'll create a space where you can grow into a better musician and a better version of yourself.

Ready to get started? Sign up for your first virtual lesson today.

Perks of Learning With Me

With each lesson, you will…

Learn at Your Own Pace.

My lessons are built to meet you where you are (whether that means slowing down or speeding up).

Challenge Yourself Beyond Band Class

I’ll help you play better than you ever thought possible through 1-on-1 instruction focused on your unique roadblocks.

See Progress With Every Lesson

Get clear practice exercises and progress reports every week (plus honest equipment guidance so you don’t over-buy).

Get The Structure You need to Grow

No need to figure it out on your own. I’ll give you the plan. Just follow the steps and watch yourself improve.

Become the Musician You Were Meant to Be

Find your flow, build confidence, and move beyond technique to truly express yourself through music.

Photograph of Marissa instructing a group of musicians playing mallet percussion instruments outdoors near a building with large windows.
Photograph of Marissa Turney and a student smiling and talking near a xylophone and cymbals outdoors.

Play the Instrument You Love (Better)!

Ready to find out what you’re capable of? Let me show you.

Book your first 1-on-1 virtual percussion lesson, designed just for you.

How to Get Started

Black hand-drawn number one on a white background.

Pick a Time

Choose a weekly slot and lesson length that works for you (30, 45, or 60 minutes).

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Tell Me About Yourself

Fill out the lesson form  here and I'll get in touch to discuss goals and schedule our first session.

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Start Playing

I'll handle the lesson plan. You just show up, follow the process, and watch yourself grow

Learn to Play Any Percussion Instrument

Outline drawing of a drum set with bass drum, toms, cymbals, and hi-hat stands.
Drumset (All Styles)
Sketch of a xylophone with two mallets resting on the bars.
Xylophone
Sketch of a snare drum with two drumsticks positioned above it.
Snare Drum
Black line sketch of two bongo drums on a tripod stand.
Bongos & Congas
Line drawing of a marimba with mallets resting on top.
Marimba
Black and white sketch of a glockenspiel musical instrument with metal bars arranged in two rows on a wooden frame.
Glockenspiel
Black line sketch of a steel drum mounted on a tripod stand.
Steel Drum
Abstract black scribble drawing resembling two maracas and a triangle
Accessory Percussion
Black line illustration of four timpani drums arranged in a group.
Timpani
Black sketch of a vibraphone with mallets resting on the bars and a stand with crossed legs.
Vibraphone
Black sketch of a cajón drum showing front and side with sound hole.
Cajon (Box Drum)
Hand-drawn black sketch of musical notes on a curved staff.
Music Composition
I can teach them all (and more)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy my own equipment?

Yes. Since lessons are virtual, you'll need your own instrument and basic equipment. But I'll make sure you buy only what you actually need (not the most expensive thing in the music store).

How long are lessons?

You can choose the time slot that works best for you: 30, 45, or 60 minutes.

To maintain focus, most younger students do well with 30-minute lessons.

Adults often prefer longer sessions to get into flow and make faster progress.

Why are lessons every week?

Like any skill, practice makes permanent. But incorrect practice can build bad habits that are hard to undo.

Weekly feedback during lessons lets us correct your technique and work on specific challenges consistently. In my experience, this is the most effective way to make real, lasting progress.

Do I need to practice outside of lessons?

Yes. Lessons are for learning new concepts and getting feedback on your technique. Practice is where you actually improve.

But don't stress about how much time you can commit to practicing.

I know life is busy. After every session, I'll give you clear, focused exercises designed to fit your schedule. Of course, the more consistently you practice, the faster you'll grow. But whatever time you can give, we'll make it work.

What platform do you use for virtual lessons?

All lessons are conducted via Google Meet, which is free. You'll need:

  • A Google account
  • A laptop or some mounted device with a webcam
  • A reliable internet connection

NOTE: If you're joining by phone (instead of laptop), you'll need to prop it up so we can both see each other play. You can use something like this.

What is the youngest age you teach?

9 years old is generally the youngest age to start, unless your child already has a musical background.

For younger students, I also offer 30-minute introductory music lessons on piano (covering note reading and basic playing) to help them get a head start.

Contact me and we can talk about what lesson options work best.

Get In Touch!

Tell me a little about yourself and I'll be in touch within one business day.

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Photograph of Marissa in a group of smiling teenagers posing for a selfie in a school hallway with windows on one side.