Drum Lessons

Begin your musical journey at Long & McQuade with private and online Drum lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are picking up the instrument for the first time, or you already have experience and want to continue to hone your skills, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals in a professional, encouraging environment.

Why Choose Long & McQuade for Drum Lessons?

Choose Long & McQuade for drum lessons taught by experienced, professional instructors who tailor private drum lessons to beginners and advanced players alike. You have the option of learning in modern studios equipped with quality acoustic and electronic drum kits, or take online drum lessons if that suits your schedule. We offer flexible booking with daytime, evening, and weekend options so practice fits your routine. Trusted across Canada for music-education excellence, Long & McQuade gives you a clear path from first lesson to confident performance.

Student learning how to hold drum sticks during a drum lesson with a teacher

What Drum Topics Will I Learn?

Drumming is a skill that develops over a lifetime. The topics below show what many students start with, but your path can go in countless directions. Whether your goal is to play casually, perform on stage, or build a professional career, lessons give you the foundation and guidance to keep growing as a drummer at every stage.

Beginner & Intermediate Topics

Proper stick grip and stroke technique
Basic coordination between hands and feet
Keeping steady time with a metronome
Reading drum notation and rhythms
Core grooves in rock, pop and funk
Building simple fills to connect song sections
Developing rudiments like rolls, flams, and paradiddles
Dynamics, accents and tone control
Playing along with songs and in a band steel-string

Advanced & Professional Topics

Expanding speed, endurance, and precision
Advanced bass drum and hi-hat independence
Ghost notes, syncopation, and linear drumming
Styles such as jazz, shuffle, bossa nova, samba, calypso, and afro-cuban
Polyrhythms, ostinatos, and metric modulation
Soloing and trading phrases with other musicians
Drum tuning and tone production for live and studio playing
Audition and gig preparation, from practice to performance

Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style

Drum Lessons for Kids

Ages 5-12

What to Expect for Kids Learning Drums

Age-appropriate drum kit lessons using games, movement, and rhythm activities
Positive reinforcement to build confidence and coordination
Focus on timing, listening skills, basic drum notation, and motor control
Learn just for fun or start preparing for formal music exams

Learning Outcomes

Recognize drum sounds and read beginner drum notation
Develop a steady sense of rhythm and timing
Improve focus, patience, and coordination through regular practice
Build confidence and stage presence with optional performance opportunities

A kid smiling at the camera playing drums

Drum Lessons for Teens

Ages 13-18

What to Expect for Teens Learning Drums

Personalized music choices in rock, jazz, pop, funk, or contemporary styles
Options for RCM exam prep, music theory, or school audition support
Opportunities to explore songwriting, improvisation, or band performance
Guidance for school music programs, talent shows, or recording projects

Learning Outcomes

Develop creative independence and musical identity
Build confidence, focus, and discipline through regular practice
Use music as a positive outlet to manage stress and boost well-being
Gain a lifelong skill that supports both personal and academic growth

Teenager smiling at the camera behind a drum kit

Drum Lessons for Adults

Ages 19+

What to Expect for Adults Learning Drums

Convenient scheduling options such as evenings, weekends, or daytime
Learn the music you enjoy from rock, jazz, pop, and funk
No exams required (unless you'd like to set a goal!)
Lessons focused on personal enjoyment, growth, or relaxation

Learning Outcomes

Relieve stress and support mental wellness through music
Improve coordination, memory, focus, and creativity
Build a rewarding hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
No pressure, just progress, confidence, and the joy of drumming

"I've always wanted to learn drums, but I don't have a drum kit."

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the good news is: you don’t need to own a drum kit to start drumming.

At Long & McQuade, we make it easy for beginners to begin without the pressure of buying equipment right away. Our free in-store practice rooms come fully equipped with acoustic and electronic drum kits, giving you a quiet, comfortable space to practice between your weekly drum lessons.

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Understanding the Different Types of Drum Kits

If you're thinking about getting your own instrument, here's a quick breakdown of the main types of drum sets that you can begin considering.

Acoustic Drum Kits

Traditional drum sets with real drums and cymbals, known for their authentic sound and feel. Acoustic kits require more space and regular tuning/maintenance but offer the most natural playing experience and dynamic range.

Acoustic kits are great for intermediate to advanced drummers who want full, dynamic sound and professional-level playability.

Shop Acoustic

Electronic Drum Kits

Popular with students of all levels, electronic kits mimic the feel of acoustic drums while allowing you to adjust volume, use headphones, and access built-in sounds and practice tools. They’re perfect for quieter practice and small spaces.

Electronic kits suit beginners and players with space or noise restrictions, offering flexibility and built-in learning tools.

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Hybrid Drum Kits

Combining acoustic drums with electronic triggers, hybrid kits offer versatility for recording, live performance, and practice—giving you the best of both worlds.

Hybrid kits fit drummers seeking to combine the best features of acoustic and electronic kits, often for performance or studio work.

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"How do I Pick the Right Drum Teacher?"

Choosing the right piano teacher is one of the most important steps in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade we believe that the best teacher is not only highly skilled but also a great match for your personality, goals, and learning style.

Whether you’re a parent seeking a patient, encouraging teacher for your child, a teen interested in rock, jazz, or improvisation, or an adult learner looking for a supportive, no-pressure space—we’ll help you find the perfect match for your drum lessons.

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Choosing the Right Program at Long & McQuade

2 Women taking an in-person drum class with a teacher

Private Drum Lessons

Private Drum Lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Private lessons are suitable starting at age 8.

A woman during a Zoom call taking an online Drum lesson

Online Drum Lessons

Online Drum Lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30-, 45- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Online lessons are suitable starting at age 8.

"Should I take any Exams or Tests?"

It really depends on your goals, and how you learn best.

Exams and tests are always optional for music students. For students who want to set structured goals and earn recognition for their progress, music exams can be a great option. In Canada, there are a few main exam boards that percussion and drum students may participate in:

Most Popular Exam Options in Canada

Exams can help students stay motivated, track progress, and gain a sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that can be used for school credit or future opportunities in music.

Not every student needs to pursue exams — some prefer to play for fun or focus on performing. But for those who enjoy having milestones to work toward, exams are an excellent way to celebrate progress and build confidence.

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of Canada’s most established music education programs. While RCM provides drum and percussion programs and courses, it does not currently offer a formal graded exam syllabus for drums. Students studying drums through RCM-affiliated schools still benefit from structured teachings that emphasizes rhythm, theory, ensemble performance, and musical literacy.

ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a UK-based examining body with international recognition in Canada. ABRSM offers exams for classical percussion with a focus on theory, musicianship, and ensemble performance exams to strengthen their rhythmic and theoretical understanding. This program suits those focused on classical percussion training rather than contemporary drumming styles.

Trinity College London

Trinity College London is a UK-based program with accredited exam centers available in Canada. Trinity offers both classical percussion and Rock & Pop Drum Kit exams, providing flexible options for students with different musical goals. The Rock & Pop stream covers styles such as rock, funk, and jazz, with assessments that include technical exercises, performance pieces, and improvisation skills. Its focus on real-world musicianship and stylistic diversity makes it an ideal path for aspiring drummers looking to perform or record professionally.

"How can I be successful in my Drum Lessons?"

It's all about being consistent with practice.

The students who grow the most on their musical journey are the ones who practice regularly. Practicing for even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most children are ready to begin drum lessons around age 6-7, but some may start a little earlier or later depending on their attention span and interest. Our teachers specialize in working with young beginners and will adapt their approach based on each child’s developmental stage.

Not at all! You can start your drum lessons and use our free in-store practice rooms at Long & McQuade while you explore your options. Over time, we recommend having access to an acoustic or electronic drum kit at home to support regular practice and progress.

Most students begin with 30-minute weekly lessons, though 60-minute sessions are also available for intermediate and advanced drummers. Lesson length depends on your age, experience, and personal goals.

Yes! Many of our instructors offer online drum lessons using high-quality video platforms. It’s a convenient way to learn from home while still receiving personalized, one-on-one instruction from a qualified teacher.

We’ll help you find the right instructor based on your goals, schedule, age group, and learning style. Whether you're preparing for RCM exams or just learning for fun, we’ll match you with a teacher who fits your personality and musical interests.

Lesson fees vary depending on the instructor’s experience and the length of each lesson. Most 30-minute drum lessons start at competitive rates. Contact our Lessons Centre and we’ll help you find options that fit your goals and budget.

Yes! We offer Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam preparation for students interested in a structured curriculum with formal evaluation. Some of our drum instructors are RCM-certified or have extensive experience helping students succeed in percussion exam levels.

Not at all! We teach adults of all skill levels—including absolute beginners. Many of our adult students find drum lessons to be energizing, rewarding, and a great way to stay mentally and physically sharp. It’s never too late to learn music and enjoy the rhythm.

We understand that life gets busy. While we encourage regular attendance for consistent progress, we offer flexible scheduling options and make-up lessons when possible. Just let our Lessons Coordinator know in advance.