instruction

One of the most respected drum educators in Russia, Max Klots has over 30 years of successful teaching experience: since 1994, he has taught hundreds of students from all over the country and beyond. Max currently teaches at St. Petersburg State Conservatory and Mussorgsky College of Music where he has authored complete drum set educational programs for both prestigious institutions.

Max has gained wide international recognition: he is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (N.A.R.D.) and the only teacher from Russia to be included in Dom Famularo’s Approved Teachers List published by Modern Drummer magazine.

One of the great Jim Chapin’s favorite students**, Max has made great contributions to popularizing the “natural approach to technique” – and Moeller technique, in particular, – via his clinics and instructional products. Max’s musical playing and effective teaching methods are praised by the likes of Jim Chapin, Bill Bruford, Steve Smith, Dom Famularo, René Creemers, Peter Magadini, and more. Max’s rudimental books and methods are officially recommended by the N.A.R.D. for all students of rudimental technique.

If you are interested in studying with Max, contact us.

  * In 2007–2015, Max also taught at St. Pete. State Institute of Culture.
** Max has studied with Leningrad’s famous V. Kirichenko (1991–1992), took his place in 1994 following his retirement; with Jim Chapin in 2003–2005; with Dave Weckl in 2013.

news

20/06/2026

Enrollment at the new Contemporary Music Faculty of the St. Pete. State Conservatory is underway! Apply 6/20-7/10!

20/06/2026

Sat, June 20 | 7pm | Jazz Boat | Max with Gasan Bagirov Trio (1 | 2)

05/06/2026

Fri, June 5 | 7pm | Jazz Boat | Max with Mikhail Kostyushkin Quartet (1 2)

live

20/06/2026

Sat, June 20 | 7pm | Jazz Boat | Max with Gasan Bagirov Trio

05/06/2026

Fri, June 5 | 7pm | Jazz Boat | Max with Mikhail Kostyushkin Quartet

08/04/2026

Wen, Apr 8 | 7pm | Jazz Philharmonic Hall | Max with Valery Nagorny Ensemble