Drum Lessons at Kalamazoo Music School
At Kalamazoo Music School, every drum lesson room is equipped with Yamaha drum kits for our students. Our instructors teach rock, metal, jazz, funk, blues and many other styles of drumming, and challenge every student with technical exercises specifically designed to improve their speed and comfort. Beginning students need only their drumsticks and a notebook, and all that’s needed for practice at home is an inexpensive drum pad. Drummers are encouraged to bring in their favorite drum parts to learn. Many of our students are band members who play in local clubs and churches.
WHAT STYLES OF drumming DO YOU TEACH?
Our drum instructors teach all styles, from rock and metal to pop, jazz, funk, country, blues and classical.
Our drum studio features two side-by-side drum sets for optimal learning, large rhythmic study guides, and plenty of hand drums and auxiliary percussion to expand your skills.
WHAT ARE PRIVATE drum LESSONS LIKE?
Our instructors challenge our students with wide-ranging technical exercises designed to improve speed and comfort. Drum language can be complex, and theory is encouraged. Students can bring in their favorite drum parts to learn in their lessons.
We work with you to craft a lesson plan that fits your individual needs and the student's favorite type of music. Whether you're playing in local bands, a seven year old taking their first lesson, or a fifty year old returning to the drums after many years, we’ll set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
take 39 weekly private lessons (in 30, 45, or 60 min sessions) in our September to June School-Year Session; plus an optional 8 week Summer Session (you can also enroll mid-year)
perform in 3 stage concerts (w/ professionally recorded video) in December, March, and June
stay focused + track progress in your dedicated practice binder
access rewards, prizes + encouragement all year long through our KMS Practice Challenge
get your professional photo taken at our annual photo shoot in April
HOW QUALIFIED ARE KALAMAZOO'S drum TEACHERS?
Our teachers have received their education from prestigious institutions such as Manhattan School of Music, Eastern Michigan University, and of course Western Michigan University. Many of our instructors have performed nationally as soloists or as part of touring bands and have over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience combined. In addition to their teaching credentials, our teachers have warm personalities, are extremely friendly, and strive to get to know each student (and their parent, if younger) on a personal level.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO READ MUSIC?
No. Beginners are welcome!
DO I NEED A drum set TO LEARN THE INSTRUMENT?
Definitely not. Our drum lesson rooms are equipped with a Yamaha drum kit for our students. Just bring your drum sticks and a notebook. Beginning students can practice at home with a drum pad and sticks for only $25.
Meet Our Drum Students
Reviews from our drum students:
“I’ve been so happy with the people and the environment KMS provides. My 5 year old loves coming into the studio and seeing his teacher Mr.Ryan and getting greeted by Mr.Benje. Everyone is so personable, kind, accommodating and patient! We’ve been so pleased with their teaching style too! Highly recommend!” - Amy McNamara
“This place is amazing. It’s not just a place to learn an instrument, it’s a place to experience and become a part of the local musical community of very talented people. I have grown very much in only 8 months. I have gone from barely being able to play the drum-set to performing in front of a crowd at the union on multiple occasions. I would recommend Kalamazoo Music School (Jazz and Creative Institute) to everyone interested in music.” - Zachary Tarnow
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