Discover the Best Drumming Classes Near Me
Drumming is a musical practice that involves playing a percussion instrument known as a drum. The drum is typically made of a cylindrical body and a drumhead made of animal skin or synthetic material stretched over the top. As a drummer, you use your hands, drumsticks, or mallets to strike the drumhead and create rhythmic patterns and beats. Drumming can be performed as a solo act or in a group with other musicians, and it's a fundamental component of many musical genres, including rock, jazz, hip hop, and world music.
Why You Should Learn Drumming
Learning drumming can bring numerous benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Physically, drumming is a great form of exercise that can improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and overall fitness. It also provides a full-body workout, as the movements required to play the drums engage various muscle groups in your arms, shoulders, and core.
Mentally, drumming has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. It can also promote relaxation and stress relief, as the rhythmic patterns and repetition of drumming can have a meditative effect on your mind. What’s more, drumming in a group setting can foster a sense of community and belonging, as well as encourage teamwork and communication skills. Generally speaking, learning how to drum can be an enriching experience that offers you numerous physical, mental, and social benefits.
5 Ways to Learn Drumming
There are several ways to learn how to drum if you're interested in playing this instrument. Here are five options:
- Private lessons with a drum teacher: This is a traditional and effective way to learn drumming, where you receive one-on-one instruction from an experienced teacher who can tailor lessons to your skill level and goals.
- Online classes and tutorials: There are many online resources on drumming available, such as classes, video tutorials, and instructional books. These can be helpful for self-paced learning and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Drumming workshops and camps: These are intensive learning experiences that often take place over a few days or weeks and offer opportunities to learn from experienced drummers in a group setting. Workshops and camps can be an ideal way to improve your skills and connect with other drummers.
- Drumming apps and games: There are several drumming apps and games available that offer interactive drumming lessons, practice tools, and games that can be a fun way to learn and improve your skills.
- Learning from other drummers: You can learn a lot from watching and playing with other drummers, whether it's in-person or online. Joining a local drumming group or attending drumming events can be a great way to connect with other drummers and learn new techniques and styles.
In-Person Drumming Classes
In-person drumming classes are frequently offered at a variety of venues, including music schools, community centers, private studios, and music stores. Music schools and private studios often teach dedicated drumming lessons and classes taught by experienced drumming instructors. Community centers and recreation departments may also teach drumming classes as part of their overall programming, and music stores may offer drumming workshops or classes as a way to promote their products.
Additionally, some schools and universities may teach drumming classes as part of their music curriculum, and some performance venues may provide workshops or masterclasses taught by visiting drumming professionals. Ultimately, the availability of in-person drumming classes will depend on your location and the specific learning resources in your area.
Here is a list of schools and other venues that offer in-person drumming classes:
City Music Schools, formerly known as the New York Schools of Music, is located in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. Arthur Cremin founded the New York Schools of Music in 1921 with the vision of providing top-notch music education to all individuals. As City Music Schools, the instructors continue to carry out this vision by offering affordable music classes for a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, violin, viola, mandolin, drums, voice, banjo, harp, sax, trumpet, flute, trombone, and clarinet. They also provide music practice rooms for students.
Drum Lessons (Private) at City Music Schools is a one-hour private session with a drumming instructor. Scheduling for private lessons is flexible and subject to the instructor's availability. It’s a great way to learn drumming on a one-on-one basis with an expert. Students choose their preferred time and have this arranged with the instructor. If the instructor is unavailable during the date or time you’ve originally booked, CourseHorse and the class provider will help reschedule a time that works for both of you.
Conor Hall Drums, located in Astoria, Queens, is owned by Conor Hall, a freelance musician and music teacher with a Masters of Music Performance Degree and a Bachelor of Fine Arts-Specialized Honors Degree in Jazz Performance. He teaches group percussion and keyboards at public schools in New York City and private classes in his own studio. He specializes in jazz, rock, R&B, world music, hip hop, and Latin rhythms. Hall’s teaching approach emphasizes theory, technique, listening, leadership, cultural styles, and instrument application, helping students develop the tools to both learn and understand music. He recognizes that people learn at different speeds, so he encourages students to dedicate weekly time to work on materials. In his group classes, Hall creates a calm environment that fosters positive and fun experiences, promoting teamwork and skill development.
Drum Lessons/Private 1 Hour - All Levels at Conor Hall Drums is a way for beginning students to get behind the drum set from the first lesson. You’ll get familiar with the standard five-piece drum set (learning the names of each piece in the set) while exploring techniques, notation, rudiments, counting, backbeats, and fills. Practice tips and daily exercises will be given to you to work on at home. Intermediate students will start to develop independence, learning more rhythmic vocabulary, continuing to work on music reading, playing along to tracks, experimenting with various grooves and styles, while continuing to focus on keeping time and having a good feel. Advanced students will be tutored on odd time signatures, displacement, metric modulation, polyrhythms, soloing and improvisation, sight reading, and subdivision.
4-Lesson Private Drum: In-Person at Conor Hall Drums is a four-session class for all experience levels. Beginning students will become familiar with the drum set and learn techniques, notation, counting, and fills. Intermediate students will improve their rhythmic vocabulary and work on reading, grooves, styles, and timing. Advanced students will be taught odd time signatures, polyrhythms, soloing, sight reading, and subdivision. Daily exercises and practice tips will be provided for all levels.
The Williamsburg School of Music in Brooklyn, New York, is a family-owned business operated by Craig and David Howe, a son and father team. Craig is a professional musician and educator who lives in Williamsburg; David is a former jazz player who lives in Chelsea. They are neither a chain nor a franchise. They are just two music lovers who have a passion to pass on what they've learned through classes, in a way that will enrich the place they call home.
Adult Beginner Drums at Williamsburg School of Music is an entry-level drum class in which you’ll learn the basics of rhythm and playing on a standard rock drum kit. You'll pick up techniques and methods from a master percussion instructor, learn numerous beats and styles of drumming, and get yourself ready for either rocking out immediately or taking your music study to the next level. You do not need to read sheet music. No prior experience is needed. All materials (including drum sticks) will be provided for the class, but you’ll have the option of buying practice pads for home use. All enrolled students will get the chance to play a showcase at the end of the class.
Universal Drumming in Burbank, California, offers a top-notch hand drum class for those living in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The class is held at the Remo Recreational Music Center (RMC) and focuses on teaching the fundamentals of hand drumming. Through this class, students will learn essential rhythm and drumming skills that can be applied in any setting. This is an ideal opportunity to meet other drumming enthusiasts in the area. Whether you want to drum for fun, with friends, or professionally, or participate in drumming circles or dance performances, Universal Drumming is a great choice for a hand drum class based in L.A. or the Valley.
The Universal Drumming class at the Remo Recreational Music Center (RMC), courtesy of Universal Drumming in Burbank, will teach you the fundamentals of hand drumming. Participants will gain knowledge of rhythm and drumming, enabling them to effectively drum in various situations. This area, including Burbank and greater Los Angeles, is home to numerous drumming enthusiasts, making it a wonderful place to connect with others who share an interest in this dynamic instrument.
REIKI Wellbeing, also called Reiki Wellness Center, is located in West Covina, California. The center is a great option for students seeking a place to rediscover the wonders of life and gain inspiration to view it as a miracle. Their environment promotes wellness, incorporating Feng Shui and aromatherapy, and encourages meaningful connections with others over hot tea or organic lemonade. Reiki certification, energy healing, and drumming classes are among their offerings.
Shamanic Drumming Circle at REIKI Wellbeing is a class for all levels in which you can discover the outstanding power of a community in alliance with spirit. If you have drums or rattles, please bring them with you to this class. A previous class, the Shamanic Journeying experience, is recommended but not required.
Infinity Foundation in Highland Park, Illinois, is a non-profit educational organization committed to promoting human expression through a range of activities such as classes, workshops, retreats, and research. Their focus is on holistic studies, healing, and research to facilitate growth in body-mind-spirit integration. The foundation aims to foster a sense of community and raise consciousness through joy, loving support, and inner wisdom, while respecting diversity and promoting dialogue.
Love & Light Drumming Circle at Infinity Foundation is an enjoyable drumming experience combining drum and percussion instruction with a drum circle. You'll learn simple methods and techniques to produce sounds on different instruments while having a fun time playing. These techniques can be applied at drum classes, fire jams, or drum circles to enhance your playing and bring out your joyful spirit. Novices and experts alike will find it a thrilling and satisfying experience. Your host will guide you through playing bass, tone, and slap sounds on hand drums, as well as adding metal, wood, and frame drum sounds. You can then choose from a variety of instruments during the percussion orchestra/drum circle. As you play, your heart will be filled with the lively rhythms of the group.
The Sound Healing Ceremony Experience at Infinity Foundation combines various instruments, including gongs, crystal singing bowls, and drums, to create a healing and transformative environment. The instructor uses ascended master guides, sacred geometry, and Lilac Intuitive Healing™ to enhance the meditation. During the class, participants can release outdated energy and beliefs, relax into the divine, and find their center. The instructor recommends bringing a yoga mat and blanket for comfort, but chairs and cushions are also available.
Virtual Drumming Classes
Online drumming classes and in-person drumming classes have several differences. In-person classes give you the benefit of having direct, personal instruction from an experienced drummer. This allows for immediate feedback and personalized instruction that can be tailored to your specific learning style and skill level. In-person classes also provide the opportunity for hands-on practice with physical drums and equipment, which can be particularly helpful if you’re a beginner who’s still learning proper technique and form.
On the other hand, online drumming classes offer the convenience and flexibility of being able to learn from anywhere with an internet connection. Online classes may also give you a wider variety of courses and teachers to choose from. What's more, some online classes may offer additional resources such as play-along tracks, lesson notes, and video tutorials that can supplement the learning experience.
In a nutshell, the choice between online and in-person drumming classes will depend on your individual learning style, availability, and personal preferences. If you prefer direct, personalized instruction and hands-on practice, you may want in-person classes. If you value flexibility and convenience, you may prefer online classes.
The New York Open Center was founded in 1984 to promote a holistic, ecological, and spiritual worldview. Their in-person and online classes, programs, workshops, lectures, and performances aim to awaken human potential and create a more conscious, sustainable, and livable world. They host diverse programs from different practices, traditions, and belief systems, drawing from neglected sources and focusing on personal and societal transformation.
Full Wolf Moon Ceremony with Drumming takes place in New York Open Center’s virtual classroom. Cultures across the globe associate seasonal cycles of the Moon with the habits and behaviors of common local species of indigenous animals. Learn how to drum while familiarizing yourself with the lunar cycles and drumming rituals of other civilizations.
NYC Beat Making is a performing arts school that teaches drumming, beat-making, music theory, and music production classes online. You don't have to reside in NYC to sign up for the online programs offered by NYC Beat Making. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced percussionist, their instructors will give you the required assistance for your music education and help improve your drumming abilities.
Beat Making / Music Production Online 1:1 Lesson, hosted by NYC Beat Making, gives you personalized, one-on-one teaching in online music production. The class is personalized to your skill level, with a computer and headphones being the only requirements. It’s tailored to meet your individual needs, regardless of whether you’re a novice or a proficient artist. For novices, the class will cover the necessary skills and techniques for producing your own beats, without any prior knowledge. For advanced musicians, you can concentrate on your specific areas of interest, such as music theory, keyboard techniques, or mixing approaches. The class is taught at a pace that suits you and is adjusted to your preferred music style. You can ask questions and seek assistance throughout the class as needed.
Private Group Drumming Classes
If you want to reserve a private group drumming class online, CourseHorse can offer customized live online classes that cater to your organization or business. It's an excellent chance for team-building that inspires engagement and creativity. To schedule a private group drumming class, fill out the contact form to connect with CourseHorse and explore the available options.
Booking a group event with CourseHorse has several advantages, such as the ability to modify the group size and receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, with no booking fees. CourseHorse also supports a range of virtual platforms to facilitate your group's online gathering.
Drumming classes can be a great team-building activity for several reasons. First, playing drums requires coordination and communication between group members, which can help build teamwork skills. Drumming together requires each member of the group to listen to each other and play in harmony, which can help build a sense of trust and collaboration.
Second, drumming classes can be a fun and engaging way to break down barriers and encourage team members to bond. Participating in a rhythmic activity can create a shared experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their background or skill level.
Finally, drumming classes can help improve morale and boost creativity. Playing music can be a stress-relieving activity and can help team members relax and bond. Additionally, drumming classes can inspire spontaneity and encourage team members to get creative, which can be helpful in a team-building context.
To sum up, drumming classes can be an effective team-building activity that can promote collaboration, build trust, and boost creativity while also providing an enjoyable experience for all participants.
What Will I Need to Learn Drumming?
To start learning to drum, you’ll need a few basic things. First, you’ll need a drum kit, which consists of a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals, drumsticks, and a stool or chair to sit on. You can either buy a drum kit or rent one, and there are options available for different budgets and skill levels.
Second, you’ll need to find resources to learn from, such as in-person lessons with a drum teacher, online classes and tutorials, or drumming books. It's important to choose resources that match your skill level and learning style and to set achievable goals for your practice.
Next, you’ll need time and commitment to practice regularly. Consistent practice is key to improving your drumming skills and building muscle memory, so it's important to set aside time every day or every week to play and practice.
Lastly, it's helpful to have a supportive community or network of fellow drummers to share tips and advice with, and to get inspiration and motivation from. You can join online forums, social media groups, or local drumming communities to connect with other drummers and share your progress.
Is it Difficult to Learn Drumming?
Learning drumming can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires developing coordination, rhythm, and timing skills, as well as building physical strength and endurance. Like any musical instrument, mastering drumming takes practice, dedication, and patience. While it may seem difficult at first, with consistent effort and a willingness to learn, anyone can become a proficient drummer. Many resources, including online tutorials and lessons, can help beginners get started and progress their skills. In the end, the difficulty of learning to drum will depend on each individual's commitment and approach to the instrument.
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