Drum INSTRUCTORS

Drum Instructors

Drum

Instructors

Colten Dusenberry

Drums

Drummer and percussionist Colten Dusenberry was gifted his first pair of drumsticks on his 16th birthday and his first drum kit bought a year later. His passion for music and the drums started in his uncle's jam room where he held monthly jam sessions with his friends and family. Tired of sitting on the sideline watching everyone else play, Colten decided right then and there that the drums were something he really wanted to take on.

Born in Phoenix Arizona, Colten has been primarily a self-taught drummer now for 17 years, with Country Music and Blues being the foundation of his playing. He has since added other genres to his repertoire such as Classic and alternative Rock.

Over the years, Colten's experiences range from playing with several local Artists and Bands, recording albums, and being a session drummer for local groups. A few of the events/venues he has played at include: Rock n Roll Marathon, Phoenix Country Club, and Mullett Arena for the Arizona Coyotes Pro hockey team.

Currently residing in his hometown in Arizona, Colten plays drums regularly at local venues, bars, and restaurants with his current band "The ContraBanditos." Now, he has recently decided to add teaching to his resume, where he will grow and learn how to teach others what he has been teaching himself for so many years.

Some of the Artists and Bands Colten has played with include: Cellmates Travelling Roadshow, Pat James Band, The Howlin' Coyotes, The ContraBanditos, Whey Jennings (Waylon Jennings' Grandson), Harry Luge, Doug Stone, and Tony Buckman.

Mike Mule

Drums

Mike has over 40 years of experience as a drummer. He was born and raised in New York. He has been playing in various bands over the course of his life from the time he was 12 years old. He has played in venues such as CBGB’s, Kenny’s Castaway, The Ritz, Webster Hall, and Beggar’s Opera, in New York; more recently at Country Thunder, The Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota, The Winds Casino, and The Ritz-Carlton in Vegas. He has been in Anthem since 2002 and teaching at Rhapsody since it's doors first opened.

The most important thing for him in teaching is keeping it fun for all ages. He loves to teach and give back to his students what has come to him in the many years he has spent as a professional drummer. He teaches many styles and genres of music. He was awarded a plaque by Shangri-La Music Company for excellence in the field of entertainment for producing and promoting positive, meaningful music that lives on. This is what he strives to convey in all of his work, whether teaching, playing out live, or recording in the studio.

Nic DeSilva

Drums

Nic DeSilva’s musical journey is a story of hard work, dedication, and joyful discovery. A proud former Rhapsody student, Nic grew up surrounded by music. As a child, he spent countless hours at his mother’s dance studio, where she taught classes. Immersed in rhythm and movement from an early age, he developed a natural sense of timing and coordination long before ever picking up a pair of drumsticks.


In sixth grade, Nic began studying piano and continued his lessons throughout middle school. This strong melodic foundation, combined with his passion for the drum set, allows him to bring a well-rounded and engaging approach to instruction, especially for beginner concert percussionists. His understanding of both rhythm and harmony helps students connect the dots, build confidence, and have fun while learning.


Growing up, Nic also competed in a variety of sports. Through athletics, he learned perseverance, discipline, and how to push past the inevitable challenges that come with mastering any new skill. That same determination fuels his teaching style today. What Nic may lack in years of experience, he more than makes up for with tireless work ethic, preparation, and an authentic commitment to helping his students succeed.


At 16, Nic joined his first band through Rhapsody’s performance program, and his love for live music quickly flourished. Since then, he has performed with a wide range of groups across genres including rock, funk, jazz, and blues, bringing energy and versatility to every stage. Most recently, he performed with SOS (alongside fellow Rhapsody instructors Dylan, Mason, and Aleia) in Alice Cooper's Proof Is in the Pudding competition, where they advanced to the semifinals, a testament to their talent and dedication.


Today, Nic is passionate about inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. Whether teaching rock and funk grooves on the drum set or guiding beginner and intermediate players through jazz or metal styles, he creates an environment that is motivating, supportive, and fun. For Nic, teaching isn’t just about music, it’s about helping students discover their potential, celebrate their achievements, and develop a lifelong love of learning.