Hello, my name is Cody Johnson.

This is a small excerpt to offer insight into my mission behind DrumShack Abilene, my story as a drummer, as a musician, and as a person.

Thank you for your interest in DrumShack Abilene. I’m the sole proprietor of DrumShack Abilene and freelance drummer for several church’s and bands. DrumShack originally started from a desire to fulfill my own needs. After moving to Texas in early 2018, I spent 2 years without having any capacity to play drums. It was a difficult transitional period in my life, and a sacrifice I needed to make (at the time; which ultimately taught me how important music was in my own life)

During that time, I fully experienced the lack of support for drummers in the community. In my experience, there is very little support for the production value commonly expected from a drum set player. The local gear markets are abysmal, and even after I’d made the 3 hour drive to the nearest Guitar Center, there is still a prevailing attitude that keeps drummers in the corner. You always get the, “Here’s a Q-Tip to try that cymbal with…and no…you can’t play it with a drum set.” On top of that, I and drummers alike, often don’t have a place to play or practice.

I wished there had been SOMETHING. I envisioned a place where drums are welcomed; “Yes! You can try the drums!” “Yes you can listen to the difference between Maple and Birch Shells!” “Yes! You can try those cymbals with that drum set!” “Yes! You can practice here!” I wanted to provide a place where drummers would WANT to play. Where I would want to play; in a studio. To me, a Drum Studio was the solution. 

We’ve set the scene for DrumShack to come to fruition, now lets rewind to look at my more formative years on the instrument and explore why teaching remains such a strong passion for me:

I remember as a young drummer having a very distinct and life changing realization. I realized there was some aspect about playing the drums that made the drums sound and feel good that I hadn’t quite learned or had the capacity to reproduce yet. It was a startling realization, because I had been drumming for years at that point being “self taught.” (more like self neglected?) I was a real graduate from “YouTube University.” With some real gaps in my playing. I decided to invest in lessons. I began studying, and learning to practice in a way I hadn’t before. I began to strive for accuracy, and control. A critical component is Worship Drumming. It taught me to serve a higher purpose with the notes I played. I realized my drumming is NOT really for ME. And ever since, I have made it my mission to help other drummers grow as people, and as musicians.

My Beliefs for all my students; 

1.) Doing anything, including drumming, is a skill. 

2.) Learning any skill is also a skill in itself. 

3.) Anybody, with the right guidance, information, and application, can learn any skill.