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Teacher Feature Troy Kunkler

May 23, 2026

Rhythm, Grit, and a Whole Lot of Groove

Turn up the volume—this one’s got a backbeat.

At Music Royale, we don’t just teach music. We live it. And if you’ve ever wandered past a lesson room and felt the pulse of something unmistakably alive, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Troy Kunkler laying it down.

Troy is one of those musicians who makes rhythm feel less like a skill and more like a force of nature. A drummer first, a pianist when needed, and a lifelong student of sound, his journey started back in middle school—sticks in hand, curiosity turned all the way up. That early spark carried him through his percussion studies at Ohio University and straight into the heart of Columbus’s vibrant music scene, where he’s been a constant presence ever since.

And when we say constant, we mean it. Last year alone? 193 gigs. Yeah, you read that right.

Watch his full video interview here

Read his teacher bio here

Built on Rhythm, Driven by Passion

There’s something undeniably magnetic about percussion. Maybe it’s the primal energy. Maybe it’s the sheer fun of it. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because, deep down, everyone wants to play the drums.

Troy gets that.

But he also understands that behind every killer groove is patience, discipline, and a willingness to sit in the struggle a little while longer than most. His advice to beginners is refreshingly real: take your time. Progress doesn’t always come in lightning bolts. Sometimes it creeps in quietly, showing up one day when you realize something that felt impossible last week suddenly clicks.

That moment? That’s the magic.

Teaching That Hits Different

Troy’s approach to teaching isn’t about cranking out cookie-cutter drummers. It’s about building musicians who can think, adapt, and grow.

Sure, you’ll learn the essentials—rudiments, timing, feel. The stuff every drummer needs in their toolkit. But beyond that, Troy opens the door wide. Into jazz. Into rock. Into whatever sound gets you fired up enough to keep going.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters.

His philosophy is simple: give students the tools to solve their own musical problems. Not just today—but for the long haul.

When the Going Gets Tough…

Every musician hits that wall. The frustration. The doubt. The temptation to pack it up and walk away.

Troy’s been there—and he’s got one message: don’t quit.

Instead, rewind. Think about the moments music meant something. The times it made you feel alive, or helped someone else feel something real. That’s your anchor. That’s what pulls you through.

And sometimes, having the right teacher in your corner makes all the difference.

More Than Just a Drummer

Here’s where things get even more interesting: Troy isn’t just locked behind a drum kit. He’s got serious chops on mallet percussion too—bringing a whole different texture and color to his playing.

And when he’s not teaching? He’s out there, everywhere.

From jazz ensembles to indie bands, pit orchestras to one-off university gigs, Troy’s calendar stays packed. You might catch him performing with October Ember, The San Francisco Threesome, the Doug Hare Trio, The Lightsey Jazz Five, or Continuo. He even switches gears and plays bass with Marvin the Robot. Throw in vibraphone sets and a steady stream of live performances, and yeah—it’s safe to say he stays busy.

But that’s the beauty of it. He’s not just teaching music—he’s actively living it, night after night.

Why Learn with Troy?

Because he meets you where you are—and then helps you go somewhere new.

Because he knows the grind and the payoff.

Because whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or looking to break out of a plateau, he’s got the experience, the versatility, and the mindset to help you level up.

Ready to Find Your Rhythm?

If you’re curious about working with Troy, dive deeper into our Teacher Bios, explore everything we offer on our Website, or reach out through our Contact Us page to get started. And if you want to hear Troy in action, keep an eye out for his bands around Columbus—you never know where that next groove might hit.

At Music Royale, the beat never stops.

And with teachers like Troy Kunkler, it never gets boring either.