Dareem Chandler is a music teacher, professional drummer, composer and now the founder of Drumlab Academy and Studio.

It was set up, during the pandemic, which closed some doors to Chandler, but opened others.

He said the concept of the lab, at his home in Debe, south Trinidad, took shape during the first lockdown in 2020.

"Before the pandemic, I was on the verge of getting into some great opportunities for my musical career. But everything came to stop. All those opportunities were taken away from me abruptly."

Chandler, who has played with a range of vocalists and bands, including TT jazz musician Adan Hagley and The Skatalites – the popular ska band from Jamaica – said opportunities including US tours with some big names in soca and recording opportunities for studio album collaborations were among the projects halted by covid19.

That would have been good – not only financially but also for networking and expanding his range of experience as a performer.

"I was in the US when the lockdowns began, and so I returned to TT. Nothing was happening."

But then, while seeking inspiration online at home in Debe, Chandler said, "The thought crossed my mind to build a space where I could have everything I need for teaching, such as equipment, mechanisms to manage the noise level."

Chandler has been investing in equipment for years.

"At the point when I started the studio, I already had two drum sets. So it was just for me to source a few other parts to make the collection complete."

The space also includes a recording studio, for which friends lent him equipment such as microphones and studio interfaces.

Asked how his classes work, Chandler said he uses the recording studio to help develop his music students.

"We learn the fundamentals of the drum set, but we also make it goal-oriented. I ask the students to choose a song, then, I would use the exercise to determine the technical abilities necessary to accomplish the song. We spend time working on the technical skills, then we work on the song."

He said the studio gives him the option of recording students as they play along with tracks, and this helps Chandler and his students track their progress.

"I have seen it motivate many students."

Chandler has a wide age range of learners: the youngest is four and his oldest student in his 40s.

He said the studio, which opened in November 2020 has grown, and much more can happen within the confines of public health regulations to limit the spread of covid19.

"For what I have been able to do so far, I am incredibly proud and satisfied. I do classes and drum recordings. I have done recordings for soca artistes here in TT that should be released next year. These are pieces I have recorded here. I have been able to do some cool and interesting things since I've had the space."

[caption id="attachment_912339" align="alignnone" width="819"] Dareem Chandler said he has had experiences that reassured him of the Drumlab Academy’s value to the community in how music helps his students and the positive i