Online Lessons
Dennis Mackrel is an experienced jazz educator who conducts master classes, seminars, and workshops throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States.
Dennis Mackrel
Dennis first came to prominence in the early 1980s as the drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra, where he remained for several years after Basie’s passing. He later became the leader of the Basie Orchestra and held the position from 2010 until 2013.
His performance credentials have since included significant stints as the drummer in other prominent big bands, including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Carla Bley Very Large Band, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, as well as in small ensembles led by Hank Jones, Joe Williams, George Shearing, and countless others.
He is also a celebrated composer, arranger, and conductor whose work has been recorded by many ensembles, including the Count Basie Orchestra, the WDR Big Band in Cologne, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and numerous ensembles that have commissioned new compositions from his pen.
He is currently a full professor at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.
Before You Purchase Your Lesson...
- Please click HERE to go to my Google Calendar
- Choose the date and time you would prefer to meet.
- Once you have chosen your preferred date and time, I will send you an e-mail confirming the lesson.
- PLEASE DON'T PURCHASE YOUR LESSON UNTIL YOU RECEIVE MY CONFIRMATION E-MAIL.
Choose a pricing plan
1st Introductory Lesson (60 minutes)
$150
Includes a free 15-minute technical setup period.
(all new students start here)
(all new students start here)
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to schedule an Online Lesson. What do I need to do?
- You will need to go to my Google Calender by clicking on the link provided above these questions.
- Choose the day and time that you would like to meet and push the button that says "BOOK".
- Then, both you and I will receive e-mails from Google Calendar and after reviewing your request, I'll contact you directly to confirm my availability or let you know that I'm unavailable.
- You will receive an e-mail from me shortly afterwards either confirming your request and sending you a video link for the lesson or suggesting a different day.
- After I've confirmed your lesson and sent you a video link, then you will come back to this page and pay for your lesson.
Do I need any special software or equipment?
No, Jitsi runs directly in your web browser, so you don't need to create an account or install heavy software but you will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera, microphone, and a pair of headphones or earbuds to prevent audio echo.
I would prefer to use another video conferencing program like Zoom. Is that a problem?
No. Just let us know and we'll send you a link to whatever program you feel most comfortable using.
How do I reschedule or cancel my lesson if I have a last-minute scheduling conflict?
You can reschedule your lesson up to [e.g., 24 hours] before the start time using the link in your Payhip confirmation email but cancellations made with less than [24 hours] notice are non-refundable.
What happens if I am running late?
I will wait in our Jitsi room for 15 minutes. However, if you do not join within that window, the lesson will be marked as a no-show and cannot be refunded or rescheduled.