DRUM LESSONS FOR KIDS, TEENS, and adults of all Experience Levels

​There is so much joy intrinsic to playing drums and percussion. We cherish the opportunity to help students of all skill levels find this joy. Our drum instruction centers around a “fundamentals first” approach. Because the drums are such a physical instrument, learning how to hold the drumsticks and have a proper posture for playing are keys to success for every student. While it may seem like “ just hitting things” it’s important to realize that there is so much more going on when you strike a drumhead or do a drum roll. 

While our drum instruction is tailored to the needs and goals of each student, beginner drum students with us can expect to learn the following:
Proper technique and posture for playing the snare drum or drum pad 
Fundamental rudiments that can be applied to any style of music or drumming
Beginner rhythm reading and percussion notation literacy. 
Beginner keyboard reading 
Good practice habits using a metronome 

Intermediate Drum Students can expect to build on the previous items as well as incorporate:
Drumset technique and independence of the limbs
Beginner approaches to certain rhythmic feels
Intermediate level snare drum exercises and etudes
Play alongs to specific songs or genres selected by the students
Listening

Advanced level Drum Students can expect to build on all of the following and additionally add:
Playing with brushes
Advanced levels of coordinated independence practice as it applies to funk, jazz, and latin music styles
Specific songs for play alongs covering a wide breadth of styles
Advanced snare etudes 
What is “Time?”
​

What do I need to have in order to start lessons?

Here are some of our favorite things when it comes to getting a beginner student up and running. No Drumset Necessary!

A good pair of drumsticks:
Vic Firth 5As are a great place to start for smaller hands. 5B's are good for slightly larger hands. 

A practice pad:
The Evans Realfeel Practice Pad is a life long friend of mine and will be great for keeping the noise down when practicing singles and doubles. 

Here is a good bundle that we can recommend with a few of these items.

A metronome or a metronome app:
A metronome is crucial for developing musicianship and should be a integral part of your practice routine as a drummer. We recommend the Korg TM60 or the app Tempo which can be found for free on the app store.

Books:
Breeze Easy Method for Drums Vol 1
This book is great for getting early students reading and playing basic snare drum parts.

Fast Track Drums Vol 1
Excellent resource for early Drum set instruction

George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control
Another fundamental book every drummer should have in their collection

Ted Reed's Syncopation
Good for more advanced drum set students looking to develop coordination

While all of these things will help students learn and progress more smoothly, they are not absolutely required for all students. I understand cost can be a prohibitive factor so I want to emphasize this point. Music (and especially rhythm) should be available for all to enjoy.  

HOW LONG ARE THE DRUM LESSONS?

We offer lessons that are 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes in length.

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