Drum Lessons in Rochester, MN
Learn Drum with Us
Our drum instructors are warm and friendly, and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. 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.
At the Academy, Our state-of-the-art drum lesson room is equipped with a drum kit and practice pads 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.
Our Approach to Drum Lessons
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 Rochester Academy of 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, Rochester Academy of Music’s passionate instructors are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals while having fun doing it!
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Students at Rochester Academy of 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.
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 Drum Teachers
Our drum faculty have received their musical education from such prestigious institutions all over the country. Some have toured the US and Europe, and bring over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience to your lessons.
Brian Hamilton
Piano, Guitar/Bass/Ukulele, Drums, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion
Brian describes himself as ambitious, easy going, and cooperative. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education K-12. His main instrument in college was the tenor saxophone. Brain directs band for…
Cameron Smith
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Drums
Cameron describes himself as laid back and fun. He attended Mayo High School here in Rochester and then Winona State University. Cameron has been an active member in the Rochester music scene…
We offer a variety of plans to fit your schedule & budget
What you can expect
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat styles of drumming do you teach?
Our drum instructors teach all styles, from rock and metal to pop, jazz, funk, country, blues, and classical.
How qualified are your drum instructors?
Our drum faculty are graduates of prestigious institutions all over the country. Many have toured the US and Europe, and bring over 15 years of professional performance and teaching experience to your lessons.
What will I learn from drum lessons at the Rochester Academy of Music?
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.
Do I need to purchase a drum kit to learn the drums?
Definitely not. Our professional, soundproof drum lesson rooms are equipped with a drum kit and practice pads for our students. Just bring your drum sticks and a notebook. Beginning students can practice at home with a drum pad and sticks.
Reviews
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Rochester for the win!
It is a great Music School, My son and I enjoyed all classes 🙂