Drumming Schools

[kzdruma]

I would love to go to a real good drumming school but dont really care about theory or anything else. Are there are music colleges that I cant just study drumming! Every place I look into requires me to take other classes! I play Bass Clarinet in Band class but wouldn't really care if I never touched one of those ever agian! :)

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Why don't you want to study theory? If you find it 'boring' like me then I'm sure after a few weeks of classes that will either change, or you'll realise you're not suited for the school environment. Theory is an important aspect of music that too many of us (me included) neglect.

[kzdruma]

I dont know! Im not so great at reading music and cant imagine not being as good as anyone else. I don't think it would be such a great idea!

[mediocrefunkybeat]

I dont know! Im not so great at reading music and cant imagine not being as good as anyone else. I don't think it would be such a great idea!

If you assume that you're looking for a serious job in the industry, then some reading skills are absolutely a must. Those skills require some theoretical knowledge, like it or loathe it, that's the nature of the industry and there's not much you can do about it.

Just some cynical British realism.

[KzSgDrummer]

Speaking from perhaps the opposite end of the spectrum, I'm a drummer who started out playing classical percussion, where shortly into my studies it was discovered that I have perfect pitch. My teachers then focused me on marimba and timpani, rather than battery perc. like snare drum or cymbals, ect. However, my interest in Led Zeppelin and other classic rock groups got me interested in the drum set and I now go to Berklee specifically for the traps. Here, you have required classes in writing music parts (for any instrument), ear training (I placed out of it muahaha), and theory, along with typical liberal arts courses like world civ, english, art history....

Theory can be a b****, but combined with my naturally gifted ear, I can tell what direction the song is going in based on the chords or choice of notes in a way that is intuitive-feeling (like what most of us rely on to figure things out) yet also cerebral-technical, and as such I almost always know where I am in the song, regardless of whether I have a sheet of music in front of me. Certain chords/progressions I respond to in very specific ways emotionally, although what might come out each time will be different depending on the foundation I'm laying down, but theory has been crucial in figuring out what the chord is and then understanding the basic, primal sense of tension or relaxation they bring and how to respond accordingly in the framework of rhythm (I find melody on drums can come only after you establish the rhythmic subdivisions). I suppose as a result, I find myself swinging away from technicality and blazing chops towards emotions and simplicity (not to say my way is better of course, but this is my path).

So what's this all got to do with you? Well, to say that theory, although it takes work to get a big picture on it all, will only help you grow as a musician along with as a drummer, and you'll be more inclined to learn other instruments too. Then you can start to think of things more like a producer than specifically a supplier of rhythm.

By the way, nice first two letters to yer name-

[theduke86]

Doing all these things like theory and ear training and learning to read will make you a million times a better drummer. Since I started playing piano, learning standards, learning how to compose tunes and get my ear together, I think I've become a much more sensitive and receptive accompanist. I used to have people tell me two years ago "Wow, really good big band drummer, but he doesn't listen". Now I hear things that are much different. Learning all these musician things is very, very, very beneficial to you as a drummer/musician. There shouldn't have to be that artificial distinction.

[RudimentalDrummer]

I dont know! Im not so great at reading music and cant imagine not being as good as anyone else. I don't think it would be such a great idea!

Nobody is good in reading initially when they started but...It's actually not difficult after much practice and it's fun too.

[Stu_Strib]

Do you mean "other classes" like history and math and stuff, or "other classes" meaning conducting, composition, theory etc.

If you mean other music classes, there is no harm there. I think most major US colleges require even drummers take the same conducting and theory classes as the other instrument players.

[nhzoso]

I think I know what you mean bro, I found a local school here in NH that just teaches the instrument you are interested in. My first lesson is this friday but I have talked to the instructor and he seems very good at his job and more importantly seems to like to teach. Has a Masters in music from UNH. This is a non profit school but I pay $160 for 6 1/2 hour lessons, I know it seems expensive but this is a trial basis and I will know if its worth it to go on or not. Have the option of finishing the semester for another $200 after the 1st 6 weeks. I will post the website and maybe you can find something similar and local to you.

Good luck!

http://www.pmaconline.org/

[incubotic]

i start music theory today...i'm very excited, i hear it's a challenging class, but that makes me even more anxious because i am certain i will learn a lot and come out a better musician overall...i think if you're going to be a musician, music theory is a must, logically speaking.
I haven't decided if i'm going to an Art or music school, since i'm still at a community college. I really want to go to a music school, but i don't see me making much money in musical performance, but then again film scoring sounds cool, but i want to cover more aspects of music like mixing, recording, producing, other instruments, etc, before i get into that. so i guess i'll just be patient and learn before i make that decision. i'm going to Berklee over the summer for that perscussion festival so maybe that will help me decide.

[KzSgDrummer]

This is a non profit school but I pay $160 for 6 1/2 hour lessons, I know it seems expensive but this is a trial basis and I will know if its worth it to go on or not.

Just to warn you, half hour lessons SUCK. This is the amount of time you get for private lessons at Berklee (once a week) and pretty much as soon as you start fleshing out something the professor is already saying he's gotta get going to his next class or get home to the kids. It's one of the things I hate most about the school, since before my lessons have been anywhere from an hour to three. But good luck in your studies, as a half hour is certainly better than no time at all.

[nhzoso]

Just to warn you, half hour lessons SUCK. This is the amount of time you get for private lessons at Berklee (once a week) and pretty much as soon as you start fleshing out something the professor is already saying he's gotta get going to his next class or get home to the kids. It's one of the things I hate most about the school, since before my lessons have been anywhere from an hour to three. But good luck in your studies, as a half hour is certainly better than no time at all.

I agree, I think that has been my problem with the 3 lessons I have had so far, 2 have been 1/2 hr and the 3rd was an hr but he pretty much talked about most stuff I already did in the 1st 2 lessons. Has been frustrating so far. Honestly I think I have learned more from my Alfreds snare book then I have on any lesson so this will pretty much be my last shot at 1/2 hr lessons. Maybe my last shot at lessons period..

[paradiddle]

http://aim-music.com/DrumProgram.html

[nhzoso]

http://aim-music.com/DrumProgram.html


Sounds nice but thats a little more than I want to spend.....3k a quarter....whew

[T.L.]

One thing to remember about lessons is that you can walk away from a half hour lesson thinking you learned nothing, but years later you'll think back to something that your instructor told you -- or showed you -- and FINALLY you get it. If your teacher is a good player you can't help but learn something whenter you realize it right away or not.

[kzdruma]

I have found a great on line page that has great articles!
http://www.drumsdatabase.com/

[funked_up]

In London, there are 2 schools that I know of (and am planning to attend), that do not require you take any other classes. Actually, they don't offer any. And, for the one year diploma, you don't need any previous education, like certain grades or what have you. Basically, I think this is what you are looking for. They are called Drum-Tech, and Drum Institute. Right next door to eachother actually! How's that for competition?! If you want to know more about Drum-Tech, you should ask Gary Husband on here. He's the man to ask!

[jonescrusher]

If you're in the UK, Brighton Institute of Modern Music is the place to attend; the drum course is led by Adam Bushell and Russell Gilbrook. Awesome teachers, will really hammer your technique into shape. Forget dirty expensive London, come live by the sea!

[kzdruma]

If you're in the UK, Brighton Institute of Modern Music is the place to attend; the drum course is led by Adam Bushell and Russell Gilbrook. Awesome teachers, will really hammer your technique into shape. Forget dirty expensive London, come live by the sea!
I have heard of this school. Do you know how much?

[mediocrefunkybeat]

If you're in the UK, Brighton Institute of Modern Music is the place to attend; the drum course is led by Adam Bushell and Russell Gilbrook. Awesome teachers, will really hammer your technique into shape. Forget dirty expensive London, come live by the sea!

Dude! I'm seriously considering that course, I have a friend (Dan) who did the guitar course and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Any words of wisdom?

[myownsake1988]

The collective in New York seems to be a good school. Check it out.

Thecoll.com

[jazzin']

In Australia's Drumscene magazine they had an article recently featuring all the major drum/percussion (music courses that had a strong drum area) institutions, uni's, college's, whatever and covered the pro's and con's of each. It was a great little piece and really highlighted some information that otherwise would've been a pain to find and search for.
Anyway, while not directly relevent to your search it just got me thinking when I saw this thread that it would be so easy to overlook some of these things when you're coming up through high school and move onto various other areas without realising the possibilities available.

Just do a solid search of all areas pertaining to what you want to achieve, but, remember that if you want to do music as a career you will need to be good at theory/reading etc etc.
Give it some thought anyways.

[Latin Groover]

Jazzin i read MD not drumscene but can you tell me what issue this was in? I might be able to backorder it or something, very applicable to me.

[jazzin']

Jazzin i read MD not drumscene but can you tell me what issue this was in? I might be able to backorder it or something, very applicable to me.

Oh hey man, sorry haven't seen this in a while. It was one of the more recent ones. I have a feeling it had Tommy Lee on the cover. I think the ones it covered in Melbourne were VCA, Monash, Box Hill, NMIT .... err ... I think that was more or less it. So if you can't find it just look up the sites.
When are finishing again? I can't remember if it was this year or next?

[badlydubbedsean]

If you assume that you're looking for a serious job in the industry, then some reading skills are absolutely a must. Those skills require some theoretical knowledge, like it or loathe it, that's the nature of the industry and there's not much you can do about it.

Just some cynical British realism.

love it...

i know of someone who is going to a drum school, not a great friend, probably hasn't researched it well, big house, mum wants famous little boy.

all i can say is drumming school is for very dedicated people... it is a specialist school, after all. its a good idea to go to a drumming school if you want very good criticism and want to be a trained and professional at a determined cost.

[Latin Groover]

Oh hey man, sorry haven't seen this in a while. It was one of the more recent ones. I have a feeling it had Tommy Lee on the cover. I think the ones it covered in Melbourne were VCA, Monash, Box Hill, NMIT .... err ... I think that was more or less it. So if you can't find it just look up the sites.
When are finishing again? I can't remember if it was this year or next?

I finish next year. The only problem with looking at the sites is they don;t say the 'cons' about them.(obviously) Did you see it in the magazine library at VCA?

[jazzin']

Yes thats true. This is a pretty good comparison of each. VCA is the best of course ;) hehe
Check 'em out at Drumtek, they always have the back issues on shelf there.
Are you giving serious consideration to going to music school? If you are give me a pm and I'll help you out as much as I can in what and how to prepare for the auditions and what to expect.

[dfsoto]

I would like to start taking classes in the Hartford, CT area. I guess I need some tips on finding a good teacher. I am really consideting a place next to my house called Music Score, the teacher's name is Don Minutillo and the price is 26/half hour. Any information that you can provide me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[a1DrummerT]

I would love to go to a real good drumming school but dont really care about theory or anything else. Are there are music colleges that I cant just study drumming! Every place I look into requires me to take other classes! I play Bass Clarinet in Band class but wouldn't really care if I never touched one of those ever agian! :)

if you care about your music, theory and 'anything else' is just as important.
most schools dont even focus on drumset. Alot are mostly timpani, marimba, and snare.
A great percussion school for drumset is UNT (University of North Texas).
You might just have to widen your variety if you want to go to music school. If you care enough about music to go to school for it then you should be open to doing new things.
You never know what you'll learn from them.

[a1DrummerT]

Speaking from perhaps the opposite end of the spectrum, I'm a drummer who started out playing classical percussion, where shortly into my studies it was discovered that I have perfect pitch. My teachers then focused me on marimba and timpani, rather than battery perc. like snare drum or cymbals, ect. However, my interest in Led Zeppelin and other classic rock groups got me interested in the drum set and I now go to Berklee specifically for the traps. Here, you have required classes in writing music parts (for any instrument), ear training (I placed out of it muahaha), and theory, along with typical liberal arts courses like world civ, english, art history....

Theory can be a b****, but combined with my naturally gifted ear, I can tell what direction the song is going in based on the chords or choice of notes in a way that is intuitive-feeling (like what most of us rely on to figure things out) yet also cerebral-technical, and as such I almost always know where I am in the song, regardless of whether I have a sheet of music in front of me. Certain chords/progressions I respond to in very specific ways emotionally, although what might come out each time will be different depending on the foundation I'm laying down, but theory has been crucial in figuring out what the chord is and then understanding the basic, primal sense of tension or relaxation they bring and how to respond accordingly in the framework of rhythm (I find melody on drums can come only after you establish the rhythmic subdivisions). I suppose as a result, I find myself swinging away from technicality and blazing chops towards emotions and simplicity (not to say my way is better of course, but this is my path).

So what's this all got to do with you? Well, to say that theory, although it takes work to get a big picture on it all, will only help you grow as a musician along with as a drummer, and you'll be more inclined to learn other instruments too. Then you can start to think of things more like a producer than specifically a supplier of rhythm.

By the way, nice first two letters to yer name-

im like you...and just to keep it short. about the emotional feelings in song parts. it all has to do with theory. the chord progressions, steps/half-steps, ect all make you feel what was intended...theory is necessary in my opinion...although i know alot of theory im new to tonal perc.