Musical Life Podcast Episode 19: Columbus Drum Instructor Interview: Cole Harrison

In this heartfelt episode of Musical Life, host Julie Chambers sits down with multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and music director Cole Harrison of Chambers Music Studio. Cole teaches at our College Avenue (Bexley 2) location and supports all our studios with everything from subbing lessons to facility improvements—and his story is as rich as his range of talents.Cole opens up about his early musical influences (including a surprising one: The Chronic by Dr. Dre), his rocky start with piano lessons, and how he eventually found his true voice as a percussionist. He shares how his high school experience at Fort Hayes' intense vocational music program shaped him, and how college led him from music tech to jazz to ethnomusicology.You’ll hear powerful reflections on what it means to teach with empathy, including a moving story about a student who found confidence and connection through music. Cole also shares how he balances performing with teaching, what musicians can learn from unexpected genres, and why expanding your musical tastes—even into music you don’t like—is essential for growth.🎶 Highlights:The moment Cole fell in love with musicHow a bad piano experience shaped his teaching philosophyMentors who changed his life (and how their legacy lives on)Tips for balancing performance and private teachingA meaningful breakthrough with a struggling studentA gentle challenge: listen deeply—even to music you don’t loveWhether you’re a parent, student, or fellow musician, Cole’s story is a reminder that music is everywhere—and when we listen closely, we grow.💻 Learn more or book a lesson: chambersmusicstudio.com🎸 Follow Cole’s band: swaggmidwest.com | @swaggmidwest