Drummer John Dare describes himself as a “recovering jazz snob.”

The Auburn native, who began pounding the skins at age 4, received classical jazz training while earning a music education degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Because those jazz techniques were ingrained, Dare considered himself a “purist” regarding drumming methods, preferring to pass on those techniques to his students.

But after joining a classic rock band not long ago, he said, his mind has been opened to other possibilities.

On Saturday, Dare will share his methods, both classical and otherwise, at a drum clinic at Auburn Public Theater. The free workshop, which is open to drummers of all ages and skill levels, will include a “mini-concert” by Dare and other professional musicians, along with his explanation of various techniques and a concluding improvisation session.

Dare said that he was born practically with a set of drumsticks in his hands, as his father and grandfather were both professional drummers themselves, and his two older brothers played as well.

“Some of my earliest memories are of helping my dad set up his drums for a gig, and watching my older brother's band rehearse,” he said from his Auburn studio.

Dare took private lessons at Speno Music as a boy and played in every school ensemble that would let him. He was also the house drummer for six seasons at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, performing in more than 30 productions.

After attending Berklee from 1979 through 1982, Dare began a long, successful career as both a performer and teacher. His extensive resume includes tours with nationally-known acts like Bobby Freeman and Chaka Kahn, and in 2001, he had the honor of performing for former President and First Lady Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Dare's true passion, though, lies in teaching.

“Just like it happened to me, I want to try to help new generations (of drummers) take root,” he said. Dare began “officially” teaching in 1989, and opened the John Dare Drum Studio in a small building behind his Auburn home 10 years later.

“I think the biggest problem with young drummers is that they don't listen to the other players,” he said. “It's really important for not just drummers, but any musician, to be able to 'hear the form' of music as a whole.”

Dare recently began playing with local classic rock combo The Jitters, which he said has caused him to re-think his methods of both teaching and playing.

“Since I've been playing with them, I've become a more 'complete' musician, which I can hopefully pass on to my students,” he said.

In 2005, Dare was fortunate enough to quit his job as finance manager at H & L Ford, in Auburn, to concentrate on teaching full-time.

“(All great musicians) share pedagogical regimens that they have practiced for countless hours,” he has said on his Web site, www.daredrums.com. “Unfortunately, many teachers today haven't been exposed to these methods themselves ... they can't pass on that which they don't possess.”

In planning his upcoming clinic, Dare approached APT owner Carey Eidel about renting the space, and Eidel said he agreed without hesitation.

“One of our goals as an organization is to host community events whenever possible, and John's clinic fits right in with that,” Eidel said.

The clinic will begin with a performance by Dare, who will be joined by Larry Campanelli on piano and Mike Burns on bass. Dare will then explain various drumming techniques and will distribute free educational materials to registered attendees.

If you go

What: John Dare Drum Clinic

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn

When: From 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22

Cost: Free, but prior registration is suggested

To learn more: Call 246-6059 or visit www.daredrums.com