The Rhythm Lab

is a percussion studio based in

Portland, Oregon that is owned and operated by Douglas E. Smith.  The studio is fully equipped with 6 drum sets, 2 sets of timbales, 10 conga drums, a professional set of Musser vibes, and various other drums and hand percussion instruments, including smaller instruments for children.

The studio also has a powerful Macintosh Logic Pro based Digital Audio Workstation, Garageband, and iTunes as well as thousands of programmed grooves and samples for students to play along with.  More than twenty speakers are placed throughout the studio so that musical examples can be heard from any location in the studio.

All students who take lessons at the studio use the book series called “Rhythm by the Numbers”, a curriculum invented and authored by Mr. Smith.  With this system, anyone can have an immediately satisfying experience at his or her first lesson.  Also, by having all of the students work out of the same source material individually, they are unknowingly building a common vocabulary, which can later be used in a group setting. 

The mission of the studio is to provide a satisfying education to anyone interested in the study of rhythm, from the absolute beginner to the professional.  Experimentation, improvisation and creativity are always welcome and encouraged.  The teaching philosophy focuses on conveying practical rhythmic knowledge, yet emphasizes enthusiastic encouragement to ensure that the experience of the lessons are satisfying and enjoyable.