Drummer performing on a full drum kit

Drums Lessons in NYC

Private drum lessons from working session and touring drummers. Rock, jazz, funk, latin — the groove is yours.

Kids & adults. All levels. All styles.

Time & groove Rudiments & chops Reading drum charts Rock, pop & jazz School band & ensemble Recording & live performance
Explore lessons
What you'll learn

A complete drummer,
your way.

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

Your teacher

Musicians who
perform for a living.

All of our teachers hold advanced degrees in music and bring years of performance experience to every lesson. No textbook teachers.

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Active teachers
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Instruments
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Years teaching
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Locations
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
Markiian Krysa
Markiian Krysa
Drums
8 years
Drums
Municipal Academy 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
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
Markiian Krysa
Markiian Krysa
Drums
8 years
Drums
Municipal Academy 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
Peru Eizagirre
Peru Eizagirre
Drums
13 years
Drums
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
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
Michael Hilgendorf
Michael Hilgendorf
Guitar
Experienced
GuitarCompositionImprovisation
B.M. Columbia College Chicago, M.M. Manhattan School of Music
Peru Eizagirre
Peru Eizagirre
Drums
13 years
Drums
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
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
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

Fair pricing, real value.

All payments securely processed through Stripe. Cancel anytime. No registration fees. Hover (or tap) a card to see full pricing.

Membership
Starting at
$99 / month

The ClassPass-style membership for music.

Recurring studio lessons in NYC + unlimited access to group classes and workshops. Lower per-lesson cost than packages.

Hobby
Bi-weekly 45-min
$99/mo annual
$149/mo monthly
Pro Best value
Weekly 45-min + groups
$199/mo annual
$249/mo monthly
Elite
Weekly 60-min + rental
$249/mo annual
$299/mo monthly
Explore memberships
Packages
Starting at
$50 / lesson

Private 1-on-1 lessons.

Buy 4 or 10 credits at a time. Use at your pace. Same teacher every time. Credits roll forward.

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 $75/30 min · Westchester from $95/30 min. Full price list
See full package pricing

Not sure which fits? Book a $15 trial and we'll help you choose.

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

Our students
speak for themselves.

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

"I went from zero to playing my favorite songs in 6 months. My teacher meets me exactly where I am."
Sarah J. · Drums · Manhattan
"At-home lessons were a game-changer. My daughter literally counts down the days until Wednesday."
Michael T. · Drums · Westchester
"The personalized approach is incredible. I can play things I never imagined I could."
Jessica K. · Drums · Brooklyn
"Evening lessons fit my schedule and I finally have the creative outlet I've always wanted."
Linda P. · Drums · Queens
"Six months in and my skills have transformed. The quality of instruction is outstanding."
Emily K. · Drums · Brooklyn
"My teacher turned what felt intimidating into something exciting. I leave every lesson inspired."
David R. · Drums · Brooklyn
"I went from zero to playing my favorite songs in 6 months. My teacher meets me exactly where I am."
Sarah J. · Drums · Manhattan
"At-home lessons were a game-changer. My daughter literally counts down the days until Wednesday."
Michael T. · Drums · Westchester
"The personalized approach is incredible. I can play things I never imagined I could."
Jessica K. · Drums · Brooklyn
"Evening lessons fit my schedule and I finally have the creative outlet I've always wanted."
Linda P. · Drums · Queens
"Six months in and my skills have transformed. The quality of instruction is outstanding."
Emily K. · Drums · Brooklyn
"My teacher turned what felt intimidating into something exciting. I leave every lesson inspired."
David R. · Drums · Brooklyn
Common questions

Your Drums questions, answered.

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.

Is my child too young to start?

Age 6-7 is a common starting point. Younger students can start with basic rhythm and a snare before a full kit.

Do you teach at our home?

Yes — we bring portable equipment if needed. We can also teach on your kit or at our studio.

How long until I sound like a real drummer?

Solid backbeats in 4-8 weeks. Real groove and feel comes with consistent practice over 6+ months.

Are online drum lessons effective?

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

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.

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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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About our drum lessons

Kalman Music offers Drums Lessons New York City designed to help drummers refine their technique, rhythm, and musical expression. These lessons provide structured instruction that balances technical skill with creative freedom, allowing students to develop precision, timing, and dynamic control. Whether beginning with basic drum patterns or advancing to complex rhythms, each session is tailored to suit individual goals and musical preferences.

The curriculum covers essential drumming techniques, including stick control, foot coordination, rudiments, and hand independence. Emphasis is placed on groove, timing, and phrasing, enabling students to play confidently in a variety of musical styles such as rock, jazz, funk, blues, and pop. Kalman Music ensures that drummers develop a strong foundation in rhythm while enhancing their ability to perform with fluidity and expression.

Top Drums Classes NYC at Kalman Music combine skill-building exercises with practical application. Students are encouraged to perform along with recordings, ensemble pieces, and original compositions, translating technical knowledge into musical performance. This approach nurtures both confidence and versatility, equipping drummers to play effectively in solo, band, and studio settings.

Lessons are adaptable to each student’s pace and objectives. Beginners focus on core techniques, rhythm reading, and basic coordination, while advanced students tackle intricate patterns, improvisation, and advanced footwork. Every session is structured to challenge students while maintaining an engaging and supportive environment.

Kalman Music emphasizes the development of musical intuition alongside technical mastery. Students work on dynamics, tempo control, phrasing, and expressive playing, helping them become well-rounded drummers capable of delivering compelling performances. Exercises also incorporate sight-reading, timing drills, and ear training, which are essential for playing confidently in both live and recorded settings.

Group and private sessions are available to meet different learning preferences. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction, ensuring focused feedback and personalized attention. Group sessions provide opportunities for ensemble playing, collaboration, and real-time musical interaction. Both formats emphasize hands-on practice, constructive feedback, and skill application, fostering a musical environment where students grow steadily.

Performance preparation is a key element of Kalman Music’s lessons. Students receive guidance in live playing techniques, stage presence, and recording skills. Regular performance practice strengthens confidence, adaptability, and timing, preparing drummers to excel in various musical contexts. Exposure to different playing situations also enhances creativity, problem-solving, and musicianship.

Kalman Music’s Drums Lessons New York City and Top Drums Classes NYC are designed to cultivate technical skill, rhythmic accuracy, and expressive performance. Instruction is structured to support steady progress while encouraging students to embrace their unique musical voice. Each lesson balances discipline with creative exploration, ensuring that drummers not only improve technique but also enjoy the process of playing.

Why families trust Kalman Music for drums lessons?

Kalman Music 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 Top Drums Classes NYC, drummers can experience meaningful growth while nurturing their creativity, making Kalman Music the ideal choice for passionate and dedicated percussionists.

Books & Materials Our Students Love for Drums

Browse our teachers' hand-picked method books, technique builders, and repertoire collections for drums students at every level.

See Our Recommendations →