Drums & Percussion Lessons in Washington, DC
Our Approach to Drums & Percussion Lessons
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 the creative expression is strongly encouraged, we incorporate certain features across the board for all our students, especially in the beginning phases of instruction.
With drum lessons at Middle C Music, you’re more than a number. While we do provide a foundation in technique, fundamentals, and expression, we also listen to your needs and goals and then tailor lessons based on your preferences. You become a percussion expert as you prepare to achieve your musical ambitions.
We invite you to take drum lessons at Middle C Music because we’re passionate about this instrument and about your musical and personal development. Learning to play the drums fosters confidence, commitment, discipline, creative thinking, and cognitive function. The benefits you gain from drum lessons at Middle C Music remain with you for life and give you a foundation for success on and off the throne.
Our Approach to Drums & Percussion Lessons
GET STARTED01 Drums & Percussion 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 Middle C Music, 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, Middle C Music’s passionate instructors are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals while having fun doing it!
02 We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Students at Middle C Music 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.
03 We Care About Your Musical Interests
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 Drums & Percussion Teachers:
The highly-qualified drum and percussion instructors at Middle C Music are passionate, experienced, and versatile. With years of playing experience, our talented teachers understand the ins and outs of percussion and eagerly share their knowledge with you in an engaging, supportive, and nurturing environment. We offer customized lessons that give you a strong foundation and help you hone your talent and skill.
AJ Rios
Piano, Drums, Percussion
Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Coming from a musical family on both sides, Rios was born fully aware of his purpose and passion. By age 3, he was given his first shot
Keith Butler Jr.
Drums
Having come of age in the cultural melting pot of Wilmington, North Carolina, Keith Butler, Jr. has deep roots in many musical traditions. Due in no small part to his versatility and
Nelson Dougherty
Guitar, Bass, Drums & Ukulele
Nelson Dougherty is a multi-instrumentalist, improviser and composer. He studied Jazz and classical guitar at Brevard College where earned a Bachelor of Arts with and emphasis in Jazz.
How it works
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Lesson Pricing
Weekly
30 Min Lesson
$230
Monthly
30 minute lessons are great for learning the basics and building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly
60 Min Lesson
$460
Monthly
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
GET STARTEDFrequently
Asked
Questions
GET STARTED
What is the minimum age to start drum lessons at Middle C Music?
We welcome students of all skill levels to take drum lessons at Middle C Music. While we create a positive and inspiring environment for all drum players, we’ve found that children generally do better if they’re older than 4 and physically and mentally ready to begin drum lessons.
Physical development is important since drum players must have dexterity, control, and motor skills as they learn rhythms and hold and maneuver the drum sticks. Drum students must also know how to count and have an adequate attention span for lessons and practice sessions.
We welcome you to contact us and discuss your child’s needs, interests and goals as you decide if your child is ready for drum lessons.
Do I need any prior experience?
Players of all skill levels benefit from drum lessons at Middle C Music. You may learn faster if you have previous exposure to percussion, understand rhythm, and can read music, but our teachers create customized lessons that allow you to learn foundational skills, develop advanced techniques and discover the joys of drumming.
What styles of drums can I learn?
Middle C Music offers versatile instruction for drummers of all styles. Our drum instructors specialize in marching band, orchestral percussion, jazz, pop, country, R&B, and metal.
Tell us what you want to play, and we match you with an instructor who can help you achieve your goals. We can also grow with you as your skills improve or your interests change.
What books will I need?
Every drum student has different needs and interests, and your instructor will customize a curriculum just for you. You’ll receive a personalized list of books to buy after your first lesson. Your instructor can also recommend drum sets, stools, and other equipment, too.
Are drums the right fit for me?
We often think of drummers as people who like to pound on things. But drumming requires concentration, technical knowledge, physical stamina, and creativity.
Listen to a variety of music styles and identify the percussion parts or meet with a drum specialist at Middle C Music as you decide if this instrument is a good fit for you.
Why come to Middle C Music for drum lessons?
If you’re ready to express your musical talents, skills, and creativity on the drums, we’re here for you. Middle C Music personalizes lessons to your unique needs, and our experienced, passionate, and skilled instructors create an engaging environment that promotes learning and fun.
With our student-centered approach, you gain a balanced education that helps you develop excellent musicianship and prepare to achieve your future goals.
Ready to begin drum lessons?
Contact Middle C Music today to begin your customized drum lessons. We prioritize your needs whether you want to hone your natural rhythm, land a spot in the marching band, or prepare to perform on stage. Discover how our balanced approach gives you the foundation and skills you need for success.