Drummer performing on a full drum kit

Drum Lessons in East Village

Study drums at home in East Village with drummers who play NYC's best stages.

Kids & adults. All levels. All styles.

Time & groove Rudiments & chops Reading drum charts Rock, pop & jazz East Village drums for beginners Jazz drums at home
Explore lessons

Kalman Music Lessons — a music school designed for the busy New Yorker.

Kalman Music Lessons is a New York City music school whose teachers come to your apartment in East Village. We teach piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, violin, cello, ukulele, voice and music theory to children and adults, including complete beginners. Lessons happen at your home, at one of our NYC studios, or online. Your first lesson is $15 in our studio or $50 at your home. After that, studio lessons start at $50 and at-home lessons at $60 per 30-minute lesson, both on a 10-lesson package. Call or text (917) 525-3374.

What you'll learn

A complete drummer,
your way.

Every lesson combines technique, groove, and the music you want to play.

Your teacher

Your teacher plays
Carnegie Hall — and your living room.

Kalman Music Lessons teachers are working New York musicians who teach from the bandstand, not from a textbook, and build each lesson around a goal you set. Every membership plan includes every teacher, subject to availability, and members can switch teachers in our online portal at any time. You can see where our teachers trained on their cards below.

50+
Active teachers
13
Instruments
10+
Years teaching
20+
Studios in Manhattan & Brooklyn
Markiian Krysa
Markiian Krysa
Drums
8 years
Drums
Municipal Academy of Music
Peru Eizagirre
Peru Eizagirre
Drums
13 years
Drums
M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Quinton Cain
Quinton Cain
Drums
Experienced
Drums
B.M. Manhattan School of Music
Finn Wiest
Finn Wiest
Drums
Experienced
DrumsPercussionPiano
Marcello Cardillo
Marcello Cardillo
Drums
Experienced
DrumsComposition
B.M. & M.M. Conservatory of Amsterdam, M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Tal Kalman
Tal Kalman
Saxophone
10 Years
SaxophoneFluteClarinetPiano
B.M. University of the Pacific & M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Joey Curreri
Joey Curreri
Trumpet
8 Years
TrumpetPianoMusic TheoryImprovisation
B.M. University of Miami & M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Neal Perrine
Neal Perrine
Bass
9 Years
BassGuitarPianoMusic Theory
James Madison University
Ethan Cohn
Ethan Cohn
Guitar
11 years
GuitarBass
B.M. McGill University, M.M. the New School
Gabriel Schillinger-Hyman
Gabriel Schillinger-Hyman
Jazz Piano
11 Years
Jazz PianoMusic TheoryCompositionImprovisation
B.A. Brown University & M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Miles Mindlin
Miles Mindlin
Guitar
7 years
Guitar
B.M. Royal Academy & M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Sasha Ripley
Sasha Ripley
Saxophone
8 years
SaxophoneFluteClarinetGuitar
B.M. Berklee College of Music, M.M. UCLA
Angelina Kolobukhova
Angelina Kolobukhova
Voice
8 years
VoicePiano
B.M. Adelphi University
Yuval Amihai
Yuval Amihai
Guitar
21 years
GuitarPianoMusic TheoryImprovisation
Jerusalem Academy of Music, Rimon School of Music
Jackson Potter
Jackson Potter
Guitar
12 years
GuitarPiano
B.M. University of Miami, M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Alexandra Ridout
Alexandra Ridout
Trumpet
12 Years
TrumpetFlugelhornHorn in FBugel
B.M. Royal Academy & M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Alden Hellmuth
Alden Hellmuth
Saxophone
15 years
SaxophoneFluteClarinetOboe
B.M. University of Hartford, M.M. UCLA
Dan Montgomery
Dan Montgomery
Bass
16 years
Bass
B.M. University of Miami
Julian Brezon
Julian Brezon
Saxophone
15 years
SaxophoneFluteClarinetPiano
M.M. City College of New York
Noa Chait
Noa Chait
Voice
10 years
VoicePiano
B.M. New School
Raphael Silverman
Raphael Silverman
Guitar
Experienced
Guitar
B.A. Columbia University
Ilhan Saferali
Ilhan Saferali
Piano
Experienced
PianoTrumpet
The New School
Alex Heffron
Alex Heffron
Guitar
Experienced
GuitarPiano
B.M. University of Colorado Boulder
Michael Hilgendorf
Michael Hilgendorf
Guitar
Experienced
GuitarCompositionImprovisation
B.M. Columbia College Chicago, M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Your path

From first beats to
full kits.

Pick your direction. We'll build the technique to match.

Backbeats, fills, and the drumming that powers modern music.

Skills
  • Rock 8th-note groove
  • Basic fills
  • Hand-foot coordination
  • Playing to a click
Repertoire
  • We Will Rock You
  • Smoke on the Water
  • Seven Nation Army
  • Wipe Out
Skills
  • 16th-note grooves
  • Ghost notes
  • Fill construction
  • Dynamic control
Repertoire
  • In the Air Tonight
  • Rosanna
  • Tom Sawyer
  • Moby Dick
Skills
  • Progressive rock
  • Complex fills
  • Band leadership from behind the kit
  • Studio technique
Repertoire
  • Schism (Tool)
  • YYZ (Rush)
  • The Ocean (Zeppelin)
  • Original arrangements

Not sure which route is right for you?

Book a free consultation call
Pricing

Flexible pricing that works for you.

Payments processed through Stripe. Review package expiry and cancellation terms before purchasing. Compare studio memberships and lesson packages below.

Membership
Starting at
$149 / month

The ClassPass-style membership for music.

Private lessons at NYC studios. Pro and Elite include free group classes; Hobby does not. Monthly and annual payment options have different commitments.

Hobby
Two 45-min lessons / month
$99/mo annual
$149/mo monthly
Pro Best value
Four 45-min lessons / month + groups
$199/mo annual
$249/mo monthly
Elite
Four 60-min lessons / month + rental
$249/mo annual
$299/mo monthly

Annual prices are monthly equivalents, paid up front: Hobby $1,188, Pro $2,388, Elite $2,988. Monthly billing starts at $149.

Explore memberships
Packages
Starting at
$50 / lesson

Private 1-on-1 lessons.

Buy four or ten credits at a time. Four-lesson credits expire after 90 days; ten-lesson credits after 120 days.

Studio pricing · per lesson
30 minutes
Great for kids & quick lessons
from $50
$65 single · $50 w/ 10-pack
45 minutes Popular
Most students start here
from $65
$80 single · $65 w/ 10-pack
60 minutes
Deep practice & prep
from $80
$95 single · $80 w/ 10-pack
At-home lessons from $60/30 min on a 10-lesson package. Full price list
See full package pricing

Not sure which fits? Book a first lesson and we'll help you choose.

Prices shown are for NYC studio lessons and are subject to our terms of service.

For families

Two or three kids on different instruments? One teacher, one visit.

A 60-minute lesson is shared between siblings — drums for one, guitar or drums for another — and priced as one lesson. 50+ teachers, most of whom play two or more instruments.

See the household planner →

Top-rated by dozens of
5-star reviews.

Don't take our word for it — look us up on Google and Yelp.

"Marcello is an amazing drum instructor! We look forward to his lesson every week!"
Zoe S. · Drums · Drums
"amazing teacher learned to play some songs on the piano right away highly recommended"
AMPM L. · Drums · Piano
"Alden is a wonderful teacher (sax for our elder and recorder for our younger). Highly recommend! And Tal runs a great ship. Really easy to deal with, price is right and incredible musicians."
Andy K. · Drums · Saxophone
"Great teacher! helped me learning the clarinet in less than a month. I’m already playing my favorite disney songs"
עדן ל. · Drums · Clarinet
"I’ve been Erika’s student now for several months. I love learning guitar from her. She is so knowledgeable and friendly. I look forward to my lesson every week. Highly recommend."
tessa F. · Drums · Guitar
"Quick & friendly service! Saved us with a last minute rental!!! Will be back forsure"
Mark G. · Drums · Music
Common questions

Drums FAQ.

Do I need my own drum kit?

A practice pad is enough for the first few weeks. After that, a basic kit (acoustic or electronic) is needed for real progress. Electronic kits are great for NYC apartments.

What about the neighbors?

Electronic kits (headphones) solve this completely. Practice pads and snare-only practice work for rudiments.

Are online drum lessons effective?

Yes — we use multi-camera setups and high-quality audio to catch every detail of your playing.

How much are drums lessons in East Village?

Your first lesson is $15 in our studio or $50 at your home. After that, in-home drums lessons in East Village start at $60 for 30 minutes on a 10-lesson package ($75 for a single lesson). Studio and online lessons start at $50 on a 10-lesson package ($65 single). Hobby studio membership includes two 45-minute lessons per month for $149 billed monthly, or $99/month equivalent with $1,188 paid annually. Pro and Elite include four lessons per month.

Do your teachers travel to East Village?

Yes. Kalman Music Lessons drums teachers travel directly to your East Village home for every lesson. You can also take lessons at one of our over 20 studios across Manhattan and Brooklyn, or online.

How do I book and reschedule drums lessons in East Village?

Kalman Music Lessons lets you book lessons online whenever you like, at least 48 hours before the lesson. You can cancel or reschedule with 24 hours' notice, and we are usually flexible when something genuinely unforeseen comes up.

Can I start drums as a complete beginner in East Village?

Yes. Kalman Music Lessons welcomes complete beginners of any age, children and adults alike. Lessons are one-on-one and 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, and your teacher builds a plan around your goal, starting with the basics.

Fill out your info and we'll be in touch shortly

Tell us your instrument, location, and any goals or questions. We usually respond within a business day.

Or schedule an appointment with us at your convenience

Pick a time that works for you—our calendar updates in real time and booking takes less than a minute.

Free 10-min consult

Book a quick call with Tal

Pick a time — we'll call you. Takes 30 seconds.

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Our Locations

Home lessons & studio options

📍 Soho - by Prince Street

📍 Bed-Stuy - by the J/M/Z Myrtle Ave

📍 Bushwick - by the Wilson Ave L

📍 Crown Heights - by the Utica Ave A/C

📍 Prospect Heights - by Botanic Garden

📍 Greenpoint - by Greenpoint Ave G

📍 Upper East Side - by the 96th St 6

📍 Upper West Side - by the 1/2/3 96th St

📍 Financial District - by Wall St

Get In Touch

We're here to help

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A closer look at our drums lessons in East Village

Drum lessons here are built to help players refine their technique, timing, and musical expression at every level. Structured instruction balances the discipline of solid fundamentals with the creative freedom to develop your own feel, so precision and dynamic control grow alongside your personality behind the kit. Whether you're finding your way around basic patterns or shaping more complex rhythms, each session is tailored to your goals and the styles you love to play.

The curriculum builds a complete drumming toolkit: stick control, foot coordination, rudiments, and hand independence, all in service of real groove and phrasing. Students work across rock, jazz, funk, blues, and pop, learning to lock into the pocket and play with fluidity rather than just executing exercises. The aim is a foundation strong enough to make the kit feel like a natural extension of how you hear music.

Instructors at Kalman Music Lessons connect skill-building to real playing, so what you practice translates directly to the stage and the studio. You'll drum along with recordings, ensemble parts, and original pieces, turning coordination drills into confident, musical performances. Lessons also fold in sight-reading, timing drills, and ear training, the quiet fundamentals that let you hold down a part in any band or session.

Everything moves at your pace and toward your objectives. Beginners concentrate on core coordination and reading rhythm, while advanced players take on intricate patterns, improvisation, and demanding footwork, with performance prep and stage presence woven in as you grow. Each session is meant to challenge you while staying supportive and genuinely enjoyable, so progress feels steady and playing stays fun.

Why students stay with Kalman Music Lessons for drums lessons in East Village?

Kalman Music Lessons provides a supportive and inspiring environment for drummers of all levels. Lessons focus on skill development, musical expression, and practical application, offering students the tools needed to perform confidently in any setting. With focused, personalized instruction, drummers can experience meaningful growth while nurturing their creativity, making the school a natural fit for passionate, dedicated percussionists.

Learning Drums in East Village

East Village students get drums instruction shaped by the neighborhood they live in. Eclectic, irreverent, and deeply creative — a neighborhood where record shops, ramen counters, and community gardens sit side by side. Our teachers draw on Latin traditions and tailor every lesson to your goals and your space.

The scene here

The East Village wrote the playbook for punk, new wave, and downtown jazz. Though CBGB is gone, the spirit lives on at Nublu, Drom, and the string of bars along Avenue A and B.

Practicing at home

Walk-up apartments here run small, so compact instruments and practice muting options are essential; many students opt for online lessons to skip the commute.

Nearby: Webster Hall / Nublu · L to First Avenue or 6 to Astor Place

East Village Drum Lessons for Kids & Adults

Live in East Village? Learn drum lessons with expert instructors who tailor every lesson to your goals. Book your first session today.

Near Tompkins Square Park, St. Mark's Place, and the 1 Av (L) and 2 Av (F) subway stops in East Village.

Start Learning Today
Local landmark
★★★★★
Amazing experience….. I love ‘Tal ‘ the Head of the Music school. He tought me Drums. So passionate So patient & so Professional. Thank you Highly Recommended
Michael H.drums · June 2026
★★★★★
Love Kalman music. I am learning guitar for the first time and Erika rocks and Tal was great at organizing. I've been picking it up quick. Not only are the instructors talented and great at teaching but they are also super flexible.
Paul E.guitar · July 2026
★★★★★
I've been taking saxophone lessons with Tal Kalman for only a few weeks now, but I can already confidently state that he is the best teacher I have ever had. As a young saxophonist trying to grow and find my voice, taking lessons with Tal has been nothing less than inspirational. He teaches in the East Village in Manhattan, and the environment is always creative, motivated, and very supportive. Tal’s approach is personal, clear, and incredibly effective. He’s not only an amazing saxophonist himself, but he also knows exactly how to break things down and help me level up every single week. I’m already hearing huge improvements in my tone, technique, and improvisation skills. On top of that, Tal is just a great guy to be around—laid-back, encouraging, and with really positive vibes. Every lesson feels like it's fun but packed with content. He really knows how to teach and connect, and that makes all the difference. I'm also considering signing my little brother up for clarinet lessons with Tal as well—he teaches clarinet too, and I know my brother would love him just as much as I do. If you're in Manhattan and looking for great saxophone or clarinet lessons, especially in the East Village, Tal Kalman is 100% the guy you want to learn from. Thank you, Tal, for being such a great teacher and mentor!
miki B.saxophone · East Village · April 2025
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