Aku Tanninen
I was immediately impressed by Aku’s depth of experience, both as a musician and an educator. His background performing and teaching overseas, combined with more than 30 years behind the kit, brings a perspective that is incredibly valuable for our students. He’s worked across such a diverse range of styles - from rock and funk to reggae, hip-hop, and jazz - and I’m really excited to have someone with that breadth of experience joining our teaching team. — Coleman Smith, CMA Founder
Beginner to Advanced Drum & Percussion Instructor | Beginner Guitar
As an instructor at Coletrain Music Academy, Aku brings more than 30 years of musical experience across a wide range of styles. His musical journey began in Europe around age 10, when he first discovered drumming through heavy metal. Over the years, that passion expanded to include hard rock, classic rock, funk, reggae, hip-hop and jazz, along with guitar and vocals.
Aku has performed with a variety of bands in multiple countries and toured nationally throughout the United States. During his years living in Lima, Peru, he was the lead singer of a popular Sublime tribute band, adding vocals and guitar to an already extensive background as a drummer and performer. Today, he continues to perform throughout Colorado with South of Proper, along with other jazz and funk projects.
In addition to his extensive musical background, Aku brings years of experience as an educator, including more than five years teaching English, primarily in Lima, Peru, as well as experience teaching private music students. His background in education, combined with decades of performing, gives him a patient, adaptable approach to working with students of different ages, experience levels and musical interests.
At CMA, Aku teaches drums and percussion from beginner through advanced levels, as well as beginner guitar. Whether a student wants to build a strong foundation, develop rhythm and technique, learn favorite songs or explore different musical styles, Aku tailors lessons to each student’s interests and goals.
