Drum Lessons in Colorado
What drum lessons cost across Colorado, and how to find the right teacher.
Drum lesson prices across Colorado
A one-hour drum lesson in Colorado typically costs $64 to $102, and a half hour $34 to $56. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Denver area runs highest, up to $107 an hour.
Every town has two guides: a drum lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.
| Town | 30 minutes | One hour | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver area | |||
| Denver | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Aurora | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakewood | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Thornton | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Arvada | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Westminster | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Centennial | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Highlands Ranch | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Castle Rock | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Broomfield | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Commerce City | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Parker | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Littleton | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Brighton | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Northglenn | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Englewood | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Dakota Ridge | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Ken Caryl | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Wheat Ridge | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Columbine | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Four Square Mile | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Golden | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Sherrelwood | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Welby | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Greenwood Village | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Lone Tree | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Federal Heights | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Castle Pines | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| The Pinery | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Berkley | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Cherry Creek | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Colorado Springs area | |||
| Colorado Springs | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Security-Widefield | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Fountain | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Cimarron Hills | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Carson | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Black Forest | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Monument | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Collins area | |||
| Fort Collins | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Loveland | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Berthoud | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Wellington | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Boulder area | |||
| Boulder | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Longmont | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Lafayette | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Louisville | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Superior | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Greeley area | |||
| Greeley | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Windsor | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Erie | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Evans | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Johnstown | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Firestone | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Frederick | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Grand Junction area | |||
| Grand Junction | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Clifton | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Fruita | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Pueblo area | |||
| Pueblo | $31–$44 | $58–$81 | LessonsCosts |
| Pueblo West | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Colorado towns | |||
| Cañon City | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Durango | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Edwards | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Morgan | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Montrose | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Rifle | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Steamboat Springs | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Sterling | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
No Colorado town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Colorado.
Meet a Drum Teacher in Colorado Before Weekly Lessons
The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, try live online drum instruction, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child in Colorado.
- Try a free 45-minute drum lesson from home
- Check whether a pad, electronic kit, or acoustic setup is enough
- Get real-time feedback on timing, grip, and coordination
- Continue weekly only if the teacher feels like the right fit
Find Your Next Drum Instructor in Colorado
Browse drum teachers, compare fit and availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Colorado.
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How drum learning works in Colorado
How does drum fit school music in Colorado?
Drums enter Colorado school music mainly through band percussion, not a separate drum class. Denver County School District 1 makes band available in grades 4–6, while beginning band starts in sixth grade at Blevins Middle School in Poudre School District R-1 and at Bill Reed Middle School in Thompson School District R-2J. Boulder Valley School District RE-2 begins band in fifth grade. Because school band timing differs, private lessons can build basic stick control and reading before a student joins, then support the parts assigned in ensemble.
When school music starts in Colorado districts
Who runs what for Colorado drummers?
Colorado families will encounter several organizations with distinct roles. The Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) runs concert-band festivals and the percussion-inclusive All-State Band audition route, while the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) organizes school Solo & Ensemble Festivals. The Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) supports educators and state student programs. For a privately studied student, the Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA) offers events including Rising Stars and noncompetitive Achievement Day. Knowing which group runs an opportunity helps you choose a route that matches school participation and the student's goals.
Who runs what in Colorado
Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA)
- Runs
- Runs school Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
- For
- Students entering through their school director.
Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA)
- Runs
- Runs concert-band festivals and All-State Band auditions.
- For
- Eligible Colorado high school band students.
Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA)
- Runs
- Supports educators and Colorado student All-State programs.
- For
- Students pursuing school ensemble opportunities.
Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA)
- Runs
- Offers Rising Stars and Achievement Day student events.
- For
- Private-study students; local eligibility can vary.
Auditions and events in Colorado
How does a drummer reach Colorado's top student honors?
Colorado's top statewide school honor for a drummer is the Colorado High School All-State Band, which accepts percussion auditions. Students in grades 10–12 may qualify for Concert Band at eligible smaller CHSAA-member high schools; Symphonic Band is open to grades 11–12 at any CHSAA-member high school. The current 2026–27 video audition is due by 7:00 p.m. November 20, 2026, and the band director must register and upload it. Results are typically posted in late December, and selected players rehearse and perform April 1–3, 2027. Students who want a school festival route can enter CHSAA Solo & Ensemble through their school director, without a prior state qualifying round.
The drum route in Colorado, step by step
- Video auditionBy 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2026, the school band director uploads the registered student's percussion audition video.
- ResultsResults are typically posted during the last week of December.
The Colorado drum year
Colorado All-State Jazz BandEntry fee: $30 per auditionStart the piece Jul to Oct
Colorado All-State Middle School Jazz BandEntry fee: $30 per audition; $50 participation fee for selected studentsStart the piece Aug to Nov
Colorado All-State BandEntry fee: $25 per auditionStart the piece Oct to Jan
CSMTA Rising Stars FestivalColorado State Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan
Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
For Colorado All-State Band, percussionists submit one video covering snare drum, timpani, and mallets; leaving out any one area makes the audition incomplete. The general audition material includes part of two etudes and major, minor, and chromatic scales, and the band director handles the upload after registration and fee payment. For CHSAA Solo & Ensemble, bring an original score with numbered measures; an accompanist can perform with a soloist but is not judged. Give a new audition piece three to six months of weekly lesson work so there is time to build control across the different percussion instruments.
What else is there to enter?
Beyond All-State, Colorado students can enter the CHSAA Solo & Ensemble Festival through a school director, a useful route for a prepared solo or small group without a statewide qualifying round. CSMTA's Rising Stars Festival welcomes non-collegiate students ages 6–19 and has both competitive and noncompetitive categories, so a student can perform without choosing competition. CSMTA Achievement Day is noncompetitive, with participation shaped by local associations. These options suit students who want a clear performance goal at different levels of pressure.
Drum events in Colorado, 2026–27
Colorado All-State Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- April 1–3, 2027
- Entry
- $25 per audition
- Who
- Grades 10–12; students must be in their school music program during the event
Colorado All-State Jazz Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- January 30, 2027
- Entry
- $30 per audition
- Who
- Grades 9–12; must belong to a high-school jazz ensemble or an approved band class
Colorado All-State Middle School Jazz Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- February 21–22, 2027
- Entry
- $30 per audition; $50 participation fee for selected students
- Who
- Middle school students
CSMTA Rising Stars Festival
Colorado State Music Teachers Association
- When
- Usually April; 2027 date not posted
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Ages 6–19; non-collegiate
CSMTA Achievement Day
Colorado State Music Teachers Association local associations
- When
- Various dates during the year, set by local associations
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Student participants; age or grade eligibility varies by local association
Homeschool and private school students
Homeschool students seeking Colorado All-State Band or CHSAA Solo & Ensemble participation must meet the general eligibility rules and actively take part in a curricular high school instrumental ensemble; a private or extracurricular youth group does not meet that requirement. In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Home School Music offers concert band, jazz band, and other music programs for homeschooled students ages 8 through high school, providing a school-like ensemble route alongside private drum study.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on drum
A child can begin drum lessons once they can follow a steady beat and manage short, focused practice; there is no single required starting age. Colorado band may begin as early as fourth grade in Denver County School District 1 or fifth grade in Boulder Valley School District RE-2, while other programs start later. Lessons before school band let a child learn basic sticking and rhythm without competing with a full ensemble's demands. Once band begins, weekly work can reinforce the student's percussion parts and help them feel prepared to contribute.
A teen in Colorado
A teen can start with the music already in front of them, whether that is a school band part, drum set rhythms, or a personal goal. Colorado's All-State Band route is open to eligible high school students, with the current video audition due November 20, 2026, and the ensemble weekend in April. Lessons can fit around school rehearsals by working on the specific material the student needs, while a teen not seeking an audition can still build reliable technique and play with others.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults in Colorado have welcoming ensemble options, and starting later does not rule out playing with others. In Colorado Springs, the New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs lets adults visit a rehearsal, while the Pikes Peak Gold Band and Swingmasters Jazz Band accept experienced instrumentalists age 18 or older. Northern Colorado New Horizons in Loveland welcomes beginners as well as experienced players. A teacher can meet you at your current level, whether you are returning to drums or learning rhythm and coordination for the first time.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good drum teacher do?
A good drum teacher helps a student turn rhythm into controlled movement, then adapts the work to the student's instrument and goal. In Colorado, a student aiming for All-State needs guidance across snare, timpani, and mallets, while a younger beginner may need a steadier pace and an adult may want to rebuild confidence after time away. Fit matters because a teacher who understands how you or your child learns makes weekly practice more likely to stick. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in percussion, and you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one.
How do live online drum lessons work?
A live Zoom drum lesson gives the teacher real-time sound and video of your hands, sticks, posture, and setup, so they can correct timing and technique as you play. Set the camera where the teacher can see your playing surface and hands, and use a device that captures the drum sound clearly. There is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than being limited to the closest option. A student in Denver and a student in Greenwood Village get the same choice of teacher and the same weekly one-on-one lesson, with one dedicated teacher learning how the student works.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
ColinBachelor’s in DrumsEricBachelor’s in DrumsDrum in Colorado
Where to hear drum
Colorado offers several ways to hear percussion in context, from orchestral concerts in Denver and Greeley to the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado’s statewide season. In Grand Junction, students can attend Love Recital Hall concerts for free. These settings let you or your child hear how percussion supports a full ensemble, while jazz and community performances show its role in more flexible group music.
Where to play with others
Drummers who want to play with others have options beyond school band and All-State. Boulder Friends of Jazz holds monthly jams where musicians sign in, take turns playing, and should know the Dixieland canon, giving a drummer a participatory route outside a formal audition. In Thornton, Thornton Community Band offers concert, jazz, and chamber-winds ensembles and seeks percussionists, including drum set players. Both suit players ready to contribute in a group setting.
Drum around Colorado, area by area
Denver area
For young players in Denver, Denver Young Artists Orchestra has percussion openings for the 2026–27 season and may accept individual auditions on a rolling basis. Families can also hear free, all-ages summer concerts at Levitt Pavilion Denver in Ruby Hill Park. The orchestra offers a structured youth ensemble experience, while the summer series gives a family a relaxed way to hear live music together.
- School year
- Aug 24 to Jun 4, 37 lesson weeks (Denver County School District 1)
- Town guides
- Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial, Highlands Ranch
Colorado Springs area
Colorado Springs Philharmonic offers free admission to selected 2026–27 concerts for ages 7–17 when accompanied by an adult with a full-price ticket, with up to two children per adult ticket. Old Colorado City’s Tuesday summer concerts in Bancroft Park are also free, from 6 to 8 p.m. These give families two different settings for hearing live music in Colorado Springs.
- School year
- Aug 12 to May 25, 37 lesson weeks (Colorado Springs School District 11)
- Town guides
- Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Monument
Fort Collins area
Fort Collins families can choose between student and child access to the Symphony’s Signature Concerts and a student season ticket in Loveland that covers six regular Orchestra concerts. The two options suit different listening habits, from a single evening out to returning for concerts across the season. For a young drummer, hearing percussion in an orchestral setting can help connect school parts with the sound of a full ensemble.
- Town guides
- Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Wellington
Boulder area
In Boulder, CU Boulder College of Music student degree recitals and Faculty Tuesdays are free ways to hear live music. The recitals feature student performers, while Faculty Tuesdays offer a weekly performance setting. A young drummer can listen for how percussion supports different kinds of music, then bring that attention to school band or personal practice.
- School year
- Aug 12 to May 20, 37 lesson weeks (Boulder Valley School District RE-2)
- Town guides
- Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior
Greeley area
In Greeley, Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers young musicians a concert-cycle group, and the Greeley Chamber Orchestra admits youth age 18 and under free. The Family FunPlex summer concert series also presents free Thursday concerts for all ages. Together, these offer a mix of youth ensemble participation and accessible listening.
- School year
- Aug 10 to May 20, 37 lesson weeks (Greeley-Evans School District 6)
Grand Junction area
Grand Junction Centennial Band welcomes percussionists who have several years of playing experience, giving a drummer a group to work toward. Students can also hear the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra with student tickets. For a developing player, hearing an orchestra live can connect school percussion parts with the sound of a larger ensemble.
- School year
- Aug 11 to May 25, 38 lesson weeks (Mesa County Valley School District 51)
- Town guides
- Grand Junction, Clifton, Fruita
Pueblo area
Pueblo Municipal Band offers a free holiday concert in Pueblo on December 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. Families can hear percussion in a community-band setting, which complements a young drummer’s school ensemble experience. The concert is a seasonal opportunity to listen together in town.
- School year
- Aug 18 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (Pueblo School District 60)
- Town guides
- Pueblo, Pueblo West
Montrose area
Montrose offers student access to Valley Symphony Association single-concert performances. The Montrose Summer Music Series also presents free concerts from June through September at the Montrose Amphitheater. These give families two ways to hear live music in town, including outdoor performances during the summer.
- School year
- Aug 17 to May 20, 36 lesson weeks (Montrose County School District RE-1J)
- Town guides
- Montrose
A little drum history in Colorado
In Arapaho tradition, the drum is sacred and understood as a living being, with music connected to religion, culture, and history. At the annual Southern Ute Bear Dance in Ignacio, singers perform songs they have practiced or dreamed about during winter. These traditions give Colorado students a reason to approach the drum with cultural respect as well as musical curiosity. For a learner, understanding that drums can carry community and spiritual meaning broadens what it means to listen and play.
Start Drum Lessons With a Free Trial
- Try a free 45-minute drum lesson from home
- Check whether a pad, electronic kit, or acoustic setup is enough
- Get real-time feedback on timing, grip, and coordination
- Continue weekly only if the teacher feels like the right fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher whose experience and teaching style suit your goal, age, and way of learning. Lesson With You offers live weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons, and you can choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation.
Yes, a teacher can hear your playing and see your hands and setup in real time, then give immediate feedback. Lessons take place live over Zoom, so there is no commute and you can work with a teacher who fits.
Drums are generally part of school band percussion, and band entry varies by district. Denver County School District 1 offers band in grades 4–6, Boulder Valley School District RE-2 starts in fifth grade, and some programs begin in sixth grade.
The statewide route is the Colorado High School All-State Band percussion audition, with eligibility tied to grade and school participation. Students submit a director-uploaded video covering snare, timpani, and mallets; the current deadline is November 20, 2026.
Homeschool students must meet the applicable school eligibility rules for CHSAA Solo & Ensemble and All-State Band. For All-State participation, that includes active participation in a curricular high school instrumental ensemble; private or extracurricular youth ensembles do not satisfy it.
A child can start when they can follow a steady beat and focus for a short lesson; there is no single required age. Private lessons can prepare a student for Colorado school band, which begins at different grades across districts.
No, adults can begin or return to drums at any age. A teacher can start from your current experience, and Colorado has adult community band options such as New Horizons groups in Colorado Springs and Loveland.
Drum lessons in Colorado typically cost about $76 an hour, or $34 to $56 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.