Drum Lessons in Naperville, Illinois
Our Approach to Drum Lessons
At Musical Expressions, we are proud to offer a balanced approach to music instruction. We combine music history, proper technique and fundamentals, and extensive creative expression that allows students to not only grow but thrive as musicians.
Whether you’re a novice who has never picked up a drumstick or you’re preparing for collegiate or conservatory study, we have a teacher here that will meet you where you are and transform your capabilities through strategic and personalized drum lessons.
Experience the Musical Expressions Difference
Get StartedDrum 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 Musical Expressions, 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, Musical Expressions’ passionate instructors are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals while having fun doing it!
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Students at Musical Expressions, 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 Teachers:
Our staff offer diverse backgrounds in music, including extensive education and performance backgrounds as drummers. They are dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities learn the fundamentals of the drums, build a solid foundation, and explore music with creative freedom that can’t be found anywhere else.
Ronald Spaeth
Drums & Classical Percussion
Ron received both his BA and Masters degrees in Percussion Performance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Since moving to the Chicago area in 1989, he has performed professionally throughout the Midwest
Hershyl Edwards
Voice & Drums
Hershyl Edwards is a multi-instrumental musician and songwriter/composer who has been a music lover for life and has studied music since the age of 9. He’s been a music professional since the
Mark Payton
Drums
Mark Payton is a seasoned percussionist and educator with a lifelong passion for drumming. After expressing a keen interest in rhythm as a young child, he started private instruction as a percussionist in junior high and continued throughout high school.
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
Weekly
30 min
$150
Monthly
30 minute lessons are great for learning the basics and building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly
45 min
$225
Monthly
Fit for both beginners & intermediate students who need more than 30 minutes.
GET STARTEDWeekly
60 min
$300
Monthly
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
GET STARTEDFrequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat is the minimum age to start drum lessons at Musical Expressions?
We work with students of all ages and experiences at our music school. Typically, we find that kids should be at least seven years old before starting the drums, simply because physical development and comprehension skills are at a stage that sets them up for success. If you are the parent of a budding musician who has shown an interest in learning to play the drums but is not quite ready, starting with piano lessons can be an invaluable first step.
Do I need any prior experience?
With the right attitude and support from experienced drum instructors, everyone can excel as a drummer. We welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities – and will tailor our instruction to meet you where you are. When first starting to learn a new instrument, it can be a bit intimidating. Don’t fret. The staff at Musical Expressions is here to help you.
What styles of drumming can I learn?
We have a number of different teachers available for drum lessons in our Naperville studio. This means that you can explore one or many different musical styles, depending on your interests and tastes. If you have an idea of what you might want to learn, we can match you with a teacher who specializes in that particular style. If not, our drum instructors can help you explore and find the right fit.
What books will I need?
Because we customize our lesson plans to the students, the literature we recommend will vary depending on the style, skill level, and interests of the students. Your drum teacher will provide you with a list of resources, including books, online videos, and more to ensure you have everything you need to excel.
How do I select the right drum kit?
There are many options when it comes to selecting the right kit for your drum lessons. And there’s really no wrong way to go. Your budget, living situation, and aesthetic preferences will all play into your decision. At the end of the day, you’ll want a drum kit that supports your style preference and that you’ll be able to practice on regularly. Our teachers can help guide you to the right selection for you.
Why come to Musical Expressions for drum lessons?
We know you have choices when selecting where to take drum lessons in Naperville. While we may be a bit biased, our testimonials will only reinforce the idea that Musical Expressions is the best choice for music education.
We strive to create an environment where students can not only explore, but also express themselves. Testing boundaries, experimenting with different styles, and expanding your creative experience is essential to growing as a musician. This emphasis on personalized exploration is at the forefront of what we do at Musical Expressions.
Additionally, we ensure that you have the right guidance in place to help you develop and hone your craft. By personalizing our lesson plans to each individual student, you get the support you need, when and where you need it.
Lastly, our philosophy at Musical Expressions is very much student-driven. Our teachers are ready and capable of driving you down the path to musical excellence, no matter what that looks like for you.
Ready to Begin Drum Lessons in Naperville?
If you’re interested in learning to play the drums, Musical Expressions is the perfect starting place. Come meet our passionate, enthusiastic teachers and experience personally-tailored musical instruction. Contact us today to schedule your first drum lesson.
Start your music journey today!
Whether you’re looking to become the next rock sensation or a percussion major for your school marching band, the experienced drum teachers at Musical Expressions in Naperville can help you accomplish your goals.
Building unique lesson plans around the goals of our students, you can rest assured that your drum lessons will help you accomplish your musical goals. With the right teacher supporting you from the very beginning, drumming can become a fun and fulfilling experience.
