Beginner percussion for ages 5-10 in Gainesville, Florida.
Heartbeats Percussion Studio gives young beginners ages 5-10 active, individualized percussion instruction focused on rhythm, drums, coordination, listening, and music-making. No previous music experience is required.
Lessons may use acoustic drum set, practice pad, drumsticks, keyboard, hand percussion, rhythm games, movement, listening challenges, and age-appropriate music reading. The goal is structured progress without taking the fun out of making music.
Bill Fritz is a second-generation percussionist who has been playing drums and percussion since 1996. His formal music education began in the inaugural sixth-grade band at Kanapaha Middle School under Dr. Gerald Poe and continued at Buchholz High School, where he performed from 1999-2003 in marching, symphonic, and jazz ensembles under Paula Thornton, with percussion instruction from Tom Hurst.
During Bill's years at Buchholz, the music program earned consistent Superior ratings, performed in the 2000 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, received the 2003 Sudler Flag of Honor, and was selected to perform at the 2003 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Bill also earned individual Superior ratings at District and State Solo & Ensemble assessments.
He later performed with the University of Florida Gator Marching Band on crash cymbals and participated in concert band. He continues to perform as a church drummer.
At Heartbeats, Bill turns that background into practical, age-appropriate instruction built around strong fundamentals, encouragement, movement, listening, creativity, and the satisfaction of learning to make music well.
Playing percussion since 1996 - Buchholz marching, symphonic, and jazz ensembles - Superior Solo & Ensemble experience - University of Florida Gator Marching Band and concert band - Current church drummer
Eagle Scout - longtime youth leader - current Scouting America Youth Protection Training - documented Florida Level II background screening through the Alachua County school system
There is no monthly commitment and no lesson bundle. Families may book one lesson at a time or reserve a recurring weekly time, with each lesson paid separately. Bill can help families choose the lesson length that best fits the student's attention, goals, and readiness.
Choose an available 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lesson in Square.
Submit your booking. No payment is collected when you book.
We will review your request and confirm whether the appointment is accepted.
Once approved, we will send private arrival details. Payment is due at your lesson.
- Parent or legal guardian remains in the lesson room for the entire appointment.
- One family is hosted at a time.
- The home-studio address is never posted publicly.
- Lessons are by appointment only; no walk-ins.
- Private instructional photo and video choices are optional and do not affect eligibility.
- Late arrivals do not extend the scheduled lesson.
- Rescheduling and student credits are subject to instructor availability and the current studio policy.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Wednesday and Friday: 11:30 AM-4:30 PM
Email: heartbeatspercussion@gmail.com
Call or text: (352) 363-1304
Service area: Gainesville, Florida
Choose an available lesson time that works for your family. New and returning families can book directly through Square.
Cancellations and rescheduling: Please let us know at least 24 hours before your lesson if you need to cancel or reschedule. If illness or something unexpected comes up, contact us as soon as possible so we can find another available time.
Heartbeats also develops rhythm and percussion programs for libraries and local family events. Public community programs are separate from private one-student lessons.