Los Angeles, CA  ·  In-Person & Online
Lightning Music Studio
10+
Years Teaching
20+
Private Students
500+
Students Reached
60+
Classrooms
10+
Schools
4+
Instruments
LA
Based
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Cole Castorina Cole Castorina Playing Piano Cole Castorina Cole Castorina Playing Guitar

Cole Castorina

I'm a percussionist, music educator, and composer based in Los Angeles, with over 10 years of teaching experience. I hold a Bachelor's in Percussion Performance from Chapman University and a Master's in World Percussion from CalArts, where I studied everything from Ghanaian, Brazilian, Cuban, and Peruvian traditions to North Indian tabla.

I've taught students from age 3 through college and beyond, in both private and group settings, at schools and organizations across Southern California — and performed everywhere from the East Coast and Midwest to Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Viper Room. I teach drums, piano, music production, and ukulele to students of all ages and levels, from curious 5-year-olds to adults finally learning the instrument they always wanted to play. My studio is in Glassell Park and I serve students throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Piano holds a special place for me. I started teaching myself around age 13, learning songs off YouTube before quickly moving into composing my own pieces. In college, I played mallets and studied classical piano as my secondary instrument, which sharpened my technique and musicianship significantly. Today, piano is my primary way of communicating musically — I use it every day. I've taught hundreds of students, from complete beginners through intermediate level, in both private and group settings.

I started Lightning Music Studio to build something bigger than a lesson schedule — a real music community in Los Angeles where musicians of every background and skill level have a place to grow, connect, and create.

Start Your First Lesson
Private Instruction

What I Teach

All ages. All levels. All fun! Personalized plans and written lesson notes after every session.

🥁

Drums & Percussion

From first beat to full kit — I teach grip, coordination, rudiments, reading rhythms, grooves, and real feel. Every style from rock to Latin to jazz.

Beginner Intermediate Advanced All Ages
🎹

Piano

Chords, sheet music, ear training, and theory taught together so learning feels musical from day one — not mechanical. Classical foundations or contemporary playing.

Beginner Intermediate All Ages
🎛️

Music Production

Beat making, arrangement, mixing basics, and how to actually finish tracks. Work in your own DAW or learn from scratch. Bring your project ideas.

Ableton Logic GarageBand
🪕

Ukulele

The most approachable instrument for any age. Chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and real songs from your first lesson. Great for kids and absolute beginners.

Beginner All Ages Kids

One of my many goals is to connect the community and help musicians find teachers. If you want to jam on an instrument I don't teach (guitar, bass, woodwinds, brass, strings, voice) — I know somebody! Fill out the contact form below and we'll get you connected ASAP.

Pricing

Simple Rates

Online
Live video call — low-latency audio, shared sheet music
  • 30 Minutes$50
  • 45 Minutes$65
  • 60 Minutes$80

Personalized lesson plan & written notes sent after every session

Online lessons via live video call — low-latency audio and shared sheet music. No lag, no frustration.

Drum Circle Drum Circle Overhead

Events & Drum Circles

Music isn't just something you learn in a room alone — it's something you do together. Lightning Music Studio runs community events throughout Los Angeles to bring people together through rhythm and sound.

🪘

Community Drum Circles

Open to all skill levels. No experience needed. Just show up and play. We meet at parks, community centers, and churches across the LA area.

🎵

Early Childhood Group Music (Ages 3–7)

Playful, immersive group classes that build pulse, rhythm, and pitch through games, instruments, and body movement. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to move and play.

🏘️

Coming Soon: Community Space

Drum circles and early childhood group classes will soon have a dedicated community space. Interested? Fill out the contact form below and I'll get back to you with more information as it comes together.

🎪

Student Recitals

Regular showcases where students perform what they have been working on. Great for motivation, confidence, and celebration.

🎉

Birthday Parties & Private Events

Want to bring live music or an interactive drum circle to your next celebration? I bring the energy, instruments, and a custom experience for birthdays, parties, and private events of all kinds. Fill out the contact form below and let's make it memorable.

Get on the Events List
Cole Performing Live
Cole in the Studio

Live & In the Studio

When I am not teaching, I am playing. I have been performing professionally in Los Angeles for years — live events, studio sessions, original projects, and everything in between.

I play drums, cajon, hand percussion, and piano across a wide range of styles. Available for live events, sessions, and private performances.

[Add your specific performance credits, bands, or venues here.]

Artist Site →
Coming 2027

The Lightning Space

A Home for Los Angeles Musicians

Lightning Music Studio is building a dedicated music space in Glendale / Eagle Rock — a co-op for independent musicians, teachers, and artists to work, teach, and collaborate under one roof. A real music community, not just a rental.

Private Lesson Rooms Soundproofed rooms for private instruction
Event Space Larger room for recitals, workshops & drum circles
Artist Membership Independent teachers run their own brands from our space
Community First Built for musicians by a musician — Glendale / Eagle Rock area
Join the Interest List
Get Started

Book a Lesson

Ready to start? Book a lesson directly below, or fill out the form and I'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Get in Touch

cole@lightningmusicstudio.com
📍 Glassell Park Studio · Greater LA Area · Online
🕐 Responding within 24 hours
First lesson — let's set goals and start playing

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