SPECdrum℠ -

Some individuals communicate through words. Others communicate through rhythm. SPECdrum℠ creates a welcoming space where music becomes a pathway to confidence, connection, and joyful participation.

Welcome to SPECdrum℠, a drum program designed to bring rhythm, joy, and connection to your cognitively complex loved one’s world! At SPECdrum℠, we believe that music is a powerful tool for expression, self-regulation, and community.

Our inclusive drumming sessions provide a safe and supportive space where friends of all abilities can explore sound, develop motor skills, and experience the joy of making music together.

Whether your loved one has fun tapping out beats, needs an outlet for energy, or simply enjoys sensory-rich activities, SPECdrum℠ offers a fun and engaging experience, helping them feel seen, build confidence, and develop coordination.

Led by professional drummer/experienced instructor, John Hogan, SPECdrum℠ provides a safe space where every beat fosters connection, self-expression, and fun. No prior drumming experience is needed—just bring your energy, and we’ll provide the rest!

SPECdrummers will have fun with:

Rhythms
Coordination
Drum Beats
Collaboration
Helping Each Other
Playing Together
Call and Response
Engaging in a Drum Circle
Creating Drum Routines

Who We Welcome:

SPECdrum℠ is an inclusive gathering designed to support friends of ALL AGES with a variety of cognitive complexities, including but not limited to:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sensory Processing Differences
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Speech and Language Delays
Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, etc.)
Anxiety or Other Emotional Regulation Challenges
Physical Disabilities or Mobility Needs

Bio

John Hogan is a Dove Award-winning drummer and a Berklee College of Music alumnus serving the Charlotte area as a music artist and educator since 2001. He resides in Charlotte with his bride Melody and daughter Ellie.

Special needs dad who teaches with skills developed and adapted from lived experience
Teaches private and group lessons, summer camps and one-day intensives
Played for 40+ musical theater shows, multiple local Jazz trios, and 70+ churches in the Charlotte Metro area
“Resident” drummer for Broadway Dreams national intensive for 9 years
Toured with Passion Worship, Steve Fee, Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, and Tim Hughes; multiple national Tribute Acts
Former drum coach at Willow Creek Community Church (Chicago, IL); adjunct drum coach at Catawba College (Salisbury, NC)
Member of Carmel Baptist Church, serving regularly on the Worship Team

References:

John Hogan is a blessing to me and my family. As a dad to children on the autism spectrum, I greatly appreciate John's kind and creative personality. Not only is John a phenomenal musician and teacher, but he also engages people (students, parents, and everyone he meets) with genuine warmth and compassion. I am excited to experience what John is developing with SPECdrum. This opportunity combines so many aspects of John's passion and giftedness. I would encourage every family to consider the creative encouragement that SPECdrum offers.

John Hogan was a highlight of the Cakeable Cafe Grand Opening! With his warm and welcoming personality, John encouraged our team and guests to celebrate with drums and instruments. What a joy to see how John uses music as a natural connector, creating an accepting and accessible experience for everyone. It is exciting to see John creatively fusing his gifts with his passion to teach and connect people on the autism spectrum with the many benefits of music. As a special educator, I enthusiastically anticipate that SPECdrum’s students will enter a new world of expression, sensory integration, motor development, creativity, engagement, and confidence!

Behavior Policy:

At SPECdrum℠, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants and staff. While we understand that some participants may experience challenges with emotional regulation, physical aggression, violent behavior, or actions that pose a risk to others cannot be permitted.

Our team is dedicated to using positive behavior supports and de-escalation strategies; however, if a participant exhibits behavior that threatens their safety or that of others, we may need to evaluate whether our gathering is the best fit for their needs.

If you have any concerns about your child’s ability to meet these expectations, we encourage you to discuss accommodations and support options with us before camp begins.

Testimonials

Finding activities that truly understand how my son experiences the world has always been difficult. At SPECdrum℠, he wasn't expected to change who he was to participate. The environment was calm, flexible, and incredibly encouraging. By the end of the session, he was smiling, engaging with the instructor, and proudly showing us the rhythms he had learned. For the first time in a long time, he walked away saying, 'I can do this.' As a parent, that meant everything.

Our daughter has always loved music, but SPECdrum℠ gave her something even more valuable than learning rhythms. It gave her confidence. The instructor celebrated every success, encouraged her independence, and made sure every participant felt like an important part of the group. Watching her beam with pride behind the drums was one of those moments we'll never forget. We immediately signed up for the next opportunity.

I wasn't sure what to expect because so many activities rely heavily on visual instruction. SPECdrum℠ was thoughtfully adapted from the very beginning. The instructor used verbal cues, touch, rhythm, and patience in ways that helped me participate confidently alongside everyone else. I felt included instead of accommodated. That difference is hard to explain unless you've lived it. I left feeling seen, supported, and excited for what I'll try next.

Caregiver Participation:

OPTIONAL for Level 1 + 2 ASD
REQUIRED for Level 3/non-verbal ASD or those with anxiety/mobility challenges.

Contact Us!

We celebrate neurodiversity and aim to provide a supportive environment where every drummer can have fun, build friendships, and grow in confidence. If you have any questions about whether our programs are the right fit for your child, we encourage you to reach out!