How Much Do Drum Lessons Cost?
Drum lesson costs explained and what you’ll learn as you go
Rose Park
updated 10/8/25 • 4 min read
The Average Drum Lesson Cost:
Drum lessons typically cost between $40 and $80 per hour, though prices can vary depending on the teacher’s background, location, lesson length, and whether lessons are online or in person.
On average, a one-hour drum lesson costs about $75. Online drum lessons with live teachers through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet usually range from $30 to $40 for a half-hour session. Local private in-person lessons are slightly higher, around $40 to $50 for a half hour, while group lessons tend to be the most affordable at about $20 for the same length.
Rates can start as low as $35 per hour for teachers without formal music training, while experienced drummers with touring or recording backgrounds often charge $150 or more for their lessons.
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What Determines Drum Lesson Costs?
Drum Teacher Level
Drum teachers without a music degree usually charge around $40 per hour, but their lessons may not go very deep into technique or rhythm.
Some teachers have a degree in another instrument, such as guitar or voice, and also teach drums. They often charge $45 to $50 per hour. These teachers usually understand music well but may not have the drumming background to teach proper stick control or coordination. That can make it harder for beginners to build good habits early on.
For the best learning experience, try to find a drum teacher with at least a bachelor’s degree in percussion. These instructors typically charge $55 to $70 per hour and can help you build strong skills and solid timing from the start. Teachers with a master’s degree or higher in percussion, along with a decade or more of teaching experience, often charge $60 to $80 per hour and can help take your playing to the next level.
Online vs In person lessons
Online drum lessons are usually the most affordable option because there are no studio or travel costs involved, and lessons can be done from home. All you need is a basic drum kit, a laptop or computer, and a stable internet connection. In person lessons at a teacher’s studio typically cost about $10 to $15 more per hour, and having the teacher come to your home may add another small fee of around $10.
In person lesson rates can vary depending on how many experienced drum teachers are available in your area, but you can generally expect to pay about 20 to 30 percent more compared to online lessons.
The main benefit of in-person lessons is the direct interaction, which allows for more detailed sound feedback. Still, many beginners do great with online lessons, which are often the most convenient and affordable option.
Location
Location also affects how much drum lessons cost. In larger cities where living costs are higher, lesson rates tend to be more expensive than in suburban or smaller areas.
For example, in person drum lessons in states like California or New York can cost 30 to 40 percent more than lessons in places like Indiana or Ohio. The difference for online lessons between states is smaller, usually around 15 percent, since location plays less of a role when learning remotely.
Pre-recorded vs Live Lessons
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to learn drums, pre-recorded lessons and app based courses can be an option. They usually teach basic rhythms and coordination for a small monthly fee.
However, pre recorded lessons can’t match the value of learning live with a real teacher who can give personal feedback and help you fix timing or technique in the moment. Working with an experienced teacher helps you build better habits, stay motivated, and make steady progress over time.
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How to Find the Most Affordable Drum Lessons
We surveyed over 100 drum teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and three other major sites, Tunelark , Wyzant and Thumbtack, using a random zip code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who have a degree in drum and teach online lessons.
Lesson With You has a set price of $65 per hour. Drum instructors at Lesson With You has a Bachelor’s or higher in drum from top schools, but the lessons are only $65 per hour, making the online drum lessons an incredible value. Besides, the first lesson is free and there’s no contract required.
Tunelark offers qualified drum teachers at an average rate of $68 per hour. Some instructors hold degrees in drums, but not all specialize exclusively in it. Many teachers on the platform did not major in drums or percussion, and those who did often charge at least $68 per hour for lessons.
Wyzant has the highest average rate, at $79 per hour, among teachers who list their prices. About one third of teachers majored in drums, but they typically charge more than $80 per hour. Teachers without a formal music degree or who majored in a different instrument did not significantly lower the cost of drum lessons.
Thumbtack has an average price of $70 per hour among the teachers we surveyed. However, like the other websites, many of the drum teachers listed either did not have a music degree or did not major in drums.
All three lesson platforms have a large number of drum teachers, so there are certainly some good options available. Still, finding instructors whose education and rates match those at Lesson With You can be challenging and time consuming.
Is It Worth Taking Drum Lessons as a Beginner?
If you’re just starting out, working with a professional drum teacher makes learning easier and more fun. A good teacher helps you build the right habits from the start—showing how to hold the sticks, coordinate your hands and feet, and keep a steady rhythm. For kids, developing timing early can be tough, so having a professional teacher really helps.
Learning on your own is possible, but it’s easy to pick up habits that slow you down later. With a drum instructor, you’ll progress faster, play more confidently, and stay motivated from the first beat.
What You'll Learn in Drum Lessons
Drum Techniques
Drum lessons focus on the essential skills every drummer needs — how to hold the sticks, strike with control, and maintain good posture and balance. You’ll work on timing, rhythm, and coordination between your hands and feet, building a solid foundation for any style of music.
If you already know a bit of drumming, lessons can help you polish your technique, fix small habits that hold you back, and develop more consistent timing. Even players with some experience often see big improvements once they start learning from an instructor.
You’ll also learn to read rhythmic notation, understand basic music theory, and apply it to different genres like rock, jazz, or pop. Over time, you’ll strengthen your listening skills and play more confidently both on your own.
Educational Benefits of Drum Lessons
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Eric Weidman
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Colin Rosso
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- Teaches: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country
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- Speaks: English
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.