Drum Lessons in Long Island, NY
Our Approach to Drum Lessons at Grace Music School
Looking for drum lessons in Long Island? We fully acknowledge that each aspiring drummer is a unique individual. While it is true that everyone must begin in the same place, where you go from there is completely up to you. The flexible style of our instructors will foster your musical creativity, offering wisdom, and guiding your technique to levels of excellence. While creative expression is strongly encouraged, we incorporate certain features across the board for all our students, especially in the beginning phases of instruction.
Experience the Grace Music School Difference
Drum Lessons Should Be Fun!
Few things in life are more satisfying than sitting down at a set of drums and playing your heart out. Students will find this unbridled joy in drum lessons at Grace Music School, as fun is the centerpiece of our teaching philosophy. We want our students to LOVE that feeling, whether it’s their first or five-hundredth time on the throne (and yes, it’s really called that!).
Whether your interest in the drums is currently an individual pursuit or you’re already part of a band or ensemble, Grace Music School passionate instructors are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals while having fun doing it!
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Students at Grace Music School can count on well-rounded instruction, rooted in proper technique. Working with a professional instructor, you will begin to master the fundamentals of drumming: a strong sense of pulse, how to control touch and tone, well-rounded drum vocabulary, ergonomic drum set configuration, good posture, healthy wrist action, four-limb independence, and efficient sticking patterns.
We strive to ensure that all of our drum students have a rich and varied lesson experience and become literate musicians. Students will be immersed in essential elements of music theory including rhythm and notation, and will gain exposure to the rich history of percussion.
We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals
Our teachers pride themselves on helping you discover new ways of connecting with the instrument while also working on music you know and love. The world of drumming is wide and deep – but through our tailored instruction, we help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.
Are you a member of a jazz ensemble? We’ll focus on swinging, dynamics, chart reading, and how to “kick” the band. Is your band hoping to be the next big country/rock/pop act? We’ll focus on playing with power, steady grooving, and bread-and-butter fills. Perhaps you desire to be a virtuosic drummer who can move in and out of all sorts of styles? We’ll help you identify the similarities and differences between them and navigate the precise skills needed for each.
Our Drum & Percussion Teachers
Frank Lao
Frank Lao has enjoyed more than 10 years as a professional musician since graduating from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Music. At UD Frank was the founder and president of the UD Percussion Club and raced with the UD Cycling Team.
Patrick Roche
Babylon based percussionist Patrick Roche is an active performer and educator in several sides of the percussion world. As a chamber musician, Patrick has appeared with the Four as One, Avalon, and Mirage percussion quartets.
Steven DeBellis
Steven DeBellis is a professional drummer/percussionist based on Long Island. In Summer of 2022, Steve was selected to star as a principal cast member in Amazon Studios upcoming film…
Eliza Stoehrer
Eliza Stoehrer, MT-BC, is a passionate Music Therapist and instructor from Long Island, New York. Primarily a percussionist and vocalist, Eliza has also studied guitar and piano from a young age.
David Nieves
David Nieves is a 25-year musician specializing in drums, percussion, woodwinds, brass and piano. He got his start at the age of 10 when a chance meeting with a music teacher prompted him to start clarinet.
Emerson Forbes
Emerson Forbes is a trained percussionist and jazz musician with significant experience in songwriting, guitar, and piano. In 2024, Emerson graduated from the University of Delaware on the Dean’s List with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies.
Dylan Krukowski
Dylan Krukowski is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and music educator with a deep background in chamber music and solo performance. Having graduated from Ithaca College with a dual degree in Performance and Music Education,
Justin Adelman
Justin began his musical journey at age 4, inspired by his Dad’s enjoyment of performing in concert and his Grandfather’s love of music. Justin is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer.
Noriko Mendez
Born and raised in Japan, Noriko developed a deep passion for music from an early age. She studied classical music at the Yamaha School and later expanded into pop music at the Yamaha Light Music Center in Tokyo.
Thomas Diognardi
Thomas Diognardi is multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter from Bethpage, NY. He’s spent the better part of his life performing with various bands, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Production from the Music Conservatory at SUNY Purchase.
What you can expect
Together we explore student musical goals
We match students with one of our expert instructors.
Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit your Schedule & Budget
30 min
Weekly Lessons
$190
/month
45 min
Weekly Lessons
$285
/month
60 min
Weekly Lessons
$380
/month
Frequently Asked Questions
So, What Are You Waiting For?
We’re excited to match you with a teacher that can guide you along on your musical journey. Nothing will enable you to progress more effectively than a one-on-one partnership with an inspiring professional.
Let us help you explore and build your abilities in a setting that is comfortable for you. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step, so get started today!