Drums form the basis of musical production and arrangements of compositions of various genres. No rock, pop, or jazz band can do without a drummer, who together with the drummer creates the rhythm and give life to the music. It is therefore no wonder that many musicians learn to play this instrument. In this text, we will present the best online drum lessons that amplify learning from the comfort of home and at a time that suits students. We will cover everything you need to know about these websites and drum apps and provide you with information to help you choose the right drum course.
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As you might expect, picking one course to suit all percussion enthusiasts would be misleading. Every student has a different starting point and expectations. That’s why we have been guided by several factors in selecting the best learning drum resources:
Several lessons and courses focus on specific drum skills, such as building playing techniques or playing a particular style of music. Therefore, for each course, we have tried to highlight its benefits and who it is primarily for.
Read also: 7 Tips on How to Stay Motivated to Practice a Musical Instrument
Best overall, from beginners to advanced, from kids to adults
We chose the Drumeo Edge course as the best overall because it meets all the parameters for remote education and practice for musicians with different experiences and preferences.
In addition to 200+ artist courses from legendary drummers such as Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Todd Sucherman, and John Wooton, Drumeo users get access to unique live sessions, step-by-step video lessons for rhythmic and technical exercises, guided workouts, handy practice tools, legendary drummer profiles (Neil Peart), various music genre drumming courses (rock, funk, pop, jazz, gospel, big band, metal, Latin) and personalized lesson plan and support.
The online classes are beneficial for beginner drummers, and intermediate players but advanced drummers will also find here a lot of inspirational learning material. Drumeo is part of Musora – an online learning platform also available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices trusted by more than 95,000 students. In addition to drums, you can learn to play piano, and guitar and sing here.
The Beat – Drumeo’s beginner program offers easy-to-follow video exercises with Jared Falk, song tutorials, rudiments, and many additional articles and gear recommendations. Drumeo also thought of children and prepared an app designed for children. While there’s no specific age restriction, it’s generally suitable for children aged 3 and up.
Compared to traditional classes, the Drumeo is significantly cheaper. At the beginning, we recommend using the 7-day free trial and try out all the features. With a paid membership, you get unlimited access to hundreds of Drumeo’s lessons and practical tools.
Great platform to practice a drum technique
Mike Johnston has undeniably carved a niche for himself as one of the most influential drum educators in the world. His YouTube channel was a game-changer for countless aspiring drummers, offering a wealth of free lessons that demystified the drum set. Now, with Mike’s Lessons, he has taken his teaching to the next level.
The platform is a treasure trove of meticulously crafted courses covering everything from rudiments and technique to grooves, fills, and limb independence. Johnston’s clear and engaging teaching style shines through in every video, making complex drumming concepts accessible to players of all levels. What sets Mike Lessons apart is the emphasis on practical application. You’re not just learning exercises; you’re learning how to apply them in real-world playing situations.
While the free content on Johnston’s YouTube channel is invaluable, the paid membership offers a structured learning path with exclusive materials and additional support. A lot of thought and effort has gone into creating a comprehensive and effective learning experience. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned drummer looking to refine your skills, Mike’s Lessons is a platform worth exploring.
Ultimately, it is more than just an online drum learning platform; it’s a drumming community. The ability to interact with other students and get feedback from Mike himself adds an extra dimension to the learning experience. If you’re serious about improving your drumming, this is a resource you can’t afford to miss.
Learn from the legend!
Learn from one of the best drummers of all time with Dave Weckl’s online drum learning platform. This comprehensive course offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of drumming with a true master.
Weckl’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the lessons that cover everything from foundational technique to advanced musicality. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced drummer aiming to refine your skills, there’s something for everyone. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed.
While the course is beneficial for drummers of all levels, it will be particularly valuable for those who aspire to achieve a high level of technical proficiency and musical expression. Weckl’s deep understanding of the instrument shines through in every lesson, making this platform an invaluable resource for serious drummers.
Read the Dave Weckl Online School review
Best for play-along tracks and live shows
A Drum channel offers one of the best ways to learn how to play drums online. Not only for hundreds of lessons aimed at practicing technique, gaining independence of hands and feet, reading and playing, but also drumless backing tracks for different genres, interviews, and live performances with famous drummers such as Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Drum Channel was founded by Don Lombardi, who has steadily made it one of the best platforms for learning drums with over 2000 lessons for all skill levels divided into numerous step-by-step courses, 400+ shows, and exclusive play-along tracks.
If you want to try out the teaching method and style, we recommend checking out the Drum channel’s YouTube with lots of inspiring videos. If you want to continue practicing regularly, you can subscribe to the Drum Channel Academy, which provides access to a premium lesson library and backing tracks, master classes, and micro courses.
Great for jazz intermediate
There are not so many online jazz drumming courses available. But the one from ArtistWorks belongs to the ones worth checking. Jazz Drums with Peter Erskine is a comprehensive learning place with over 100 high-quality video lessons and additional material like backing tracks and a music theory workshop. Although the course includes lessons for beginners, it is recommended for intermediate and advanced drummers with some experience.
While beginner lessons cover topics like drum sets, warm-up patterns, and coordination exercises, the intermediate program goes deeper into the specifics of jazz phrasing. Drum lessons for advanced contain jazz standards rhythms and advanced technique.
Free sample lessons are a good starting point for those who want to try Peter Erskine’s lessons. ArtistWorks offers a three-month plan or 12-month plan for those who decide to sign up.
Great for jazz beginners
Although Truefire is primarily a website offering comprehensive courses mostly for guitar and bass guitar, it also features a hearty and affordable MasterClass with Danny Gottlieb with 19 lessons focused on essential jazz rhythms and playing techniques. The video lessons are a source of useful information that draws on Danny Gottlieb’s personable teaching approach and vast experience. He is best known for his collaborations with top musicians such as Bobby McFerrin, Sting, Chick Corea, Gil Evans, Gary Burton, John Mclaughlin, Stan Getz, and others.
If you want to play drums alongside a great instructor and learn the jazz drumming basics, you shouldn’t miss this course.
Fun and innovative gamification learning style
Melodics offers a fresh approach to drum learning, combining interactive exercises with real music. While it doesn’t delve deep into traditional drumset with music notation, it excels at building rhythmic skills through engaging virtual drumming experiences.
The app’s strength lies in its vast library of audio samples and its ability to adapt to your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate drummer looking to refine your timing and groove, Melodics provides a fun and effective way to practice. The gamified approach keeps you motivated, while the real-time feedback helps you improve rapidly.
However, those seeking a comprehensive drum education focused on traditional music theory might find Melodics a bit limited. It’s primarily designed for rhythm-oriented learning, making it an ideal tool for electronic drummers, producers, and those who enjoy playing along to their favorite tracks.
Best for easy-to-follow lessons
Learning how to play drums can be sometimes overwhelming. Too many courses and options can confuse beginners. If you’re looking for easy-to-follow lessons with easy-to-understand language, Drum Ambition may be a good choice. Simon DasGupta, the founder of Drum Ambition, has taken 20 years of teaching and put together a series of 70 videos that progress logically from easier tasks to more challenging ones.
Although this platform may seem a bit old-fashioned, the content of the lessons has its quality and will help especially beginners on their drumming journey. You can choose the Starter series or Complete series with unlimited access to all 5 modules.
Great inspiration for drum practice
Sheila E.’s MasterClass is a treasure trove for drummers looking to learn from one of the greatest percussionists of all time. With her infectious energy and deep-rooted passion, she guides students through the world of rhythm with unparalleled expertise.
The course is packed with exclusive videos where Sheila E. shares her techniques, tips, and inspiring stories. From foundational rudiments to complex grooves, she breaks down drumming into manageable steps. While beginners will find the basics valuable, the course truly shines for intermediate to advanced drummers seeking to elevate their skills and find their unique voice.
Best for a free content
The heart of FreeDrumLessons.com lies in its extensive library of video and sheet music lessons. Catered to a variety of skill levels, the video lessons offer clear instruction from experienced drummers. They break down essential techniques like proper grip, posture, and basic rudiments, making it easy to follow along and sticks play the beat in no time.
FreeDrumLessons.com also boasts a helpful search function, allowing you to target specific drumming styles – rock, jazz, or even funk – so you can hone your skills in your favorite genre. While the free content provides a strong foundation, it can’t replace well-structured step-by-step lessons provided by several paid platforms, or in-depth, personalized instruction with a tutor.
Best for learning live with a teacher
School of Rock is a music school dedicated to teaching musical instruments, with branches all over the world. In addition to traditional lessons, it has several online music teachers who offer one-to-one lessons. The online school offers virtual private lessons using the patented School of Rock Method based on-stage performance and interaction, song-based learning, and a revolutionary method app.
Except for drums, you can learn here how to play the guitar, singing, bass guitar, keyboard, and songwriting. The teaching style is focused on children and teens, but the School of Rock also offers an adult learning program.
If you’re looking for personal instruction on how to play drums, you should check School of Rock. With a weekly video chat with your tutor, you can improve your drumming skills step-by-step.
With countless tutorials and exercises readily available, it’s easy to get started without spending a dime. However, while free resources offer a solid foundation, they often lack personalized instruction and comprehensive learning paths. For those seeking dedicated guidance and accelerated progress, paid online lessons might be worth the investment. While they can certainly burn a hole in your wallet, they often provide structured curriculums, expert feedback, and a supportive community, ultimately helping you achieve your drumming goals more efficiently.
Learning drums online offers unprecedented accessibility for new drummers. Countless tutorials, from beginner basics to advanced techniques, are readily available at the click of a button. This digital landscape allows for flexible learning schedules and the opportunity to study under world-class drummers. However, while watching a pair of sticks on a screen can be informative, it cannot replace the tactile experience and personalized feedback of in-person instruction. Developing proper technique, timing, and dynamics often requires hands-on guidance. Additionally, online learning can isolate students, limiting opportunities for musical collaboration and performance experience. Ultimately, the best way to learn drums depends on individual learning styles and goals.
This article has helped you navigate the possibilities that homeschooling music has to offer. Our selection of the best online drum lessons is subjective, but hopefully, it has helped you discover new courses and ways to practice. We wish you much enjoyment in playing the drums and lots of motivation in achieving your musical goals.
