The Complete Guide to Drum Lesson Pricing
How Much Do Drum Lessons Cost in Boulder, Colorado?
Rose Park
updated 4/17/25 • 4 min read
The Average Drum Lesson Cost in Boulder:
Drum lessons in Boulder, Colorado generally cost between $40-$80 per hour, but costs can vary widely depending on the teacher’s education and performing level, the location, lesson length and whether they are in-person or online.
The average price for a one-hour drum lesson in Boulder is $65. Live online drum lessons using Zoom or Skype charge between $20-40 for a half hour lesson. Local private one-on-one lessons range from $35-45 for a half hour lesson, while in-person group lessons can cost $20 for a half hour lesson.
Drum teachers without a music degree will charge as little as $30 an hour, and professionally performing drummers with tour and recording experience might charge well over $150!
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What Determines Drum Lesson Costs in Boulder?
Drum Teacher Level
Drum instructors in Boulder without a music degree usually charge around $30 to $35 per hour, but their instruction might not be as advanced.
If they have a degree in another instrument, like guitar or vocals, and some drumming experience, their rate typically ranges from $35 to $45 per hour. While they understand music theory, they may not have the drumming expertise needed to teach proper technique and rhythm, which could lead beginners to develop bad habits.
For the best learning experience, it’s ideal to find a drum teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in percussion. Lessons with these instructors range from $45 to $65 per hour, while those with a Master’s or Doctorate typically charge between $50 and $70 per hour.
Online vs In person lessons
Online drum lessons are generally the most affordable option since the lessons can be set up with a few digital equipment from home. In-person drum lessons at a teacher’s studio typically cost an average of $10 to $15 more, and there is usually a small additional fee of about $10 for the teacher to visit your home.
In-person prices can vary widely in Boulder though depending on the number of qualified drum teachers in your area. In order to find highly-qualified teachers at reasonable prices, online lessons will be your best bet.
Pre-recorded vs Live Lessons
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible drum lessons, there is the option of pre-recorded lessons. These are typically video or app-based lessons that aim to teach you basic drum skills for a monthly fee.
Unfortunately, pre-recorded drum lessons cannot compare to the quality of live one-on-one lessons, where the teacher can customize the lesson material for you or provide live feedback on your playing in real time. Live teachers can help you improve your drumming practice and performance with professional tips they have gained through their rich experience in drumming.
Any student who is interested in becoming a better drummer is better off looking for live one-on-one lessons, such as the $35 half hour lessons offered through Lesson With You.
Do Beginners Need Professional Drum Teachers at First?
Learning to play the drums correctly from the start makes a big difference! A professional teacher helps beginners build solid technique, avoid bad habits, and progress faster with effective practice strategies. From hand and foot coordination to stick control and grip, a skilled teacher will make sure you’re on the right path.
It’s generally okay to switch teachers later, but if you can start with a highly qualified one, your drumming journey will be much smoother and more rewarding.
What Do Students Learn in Drum Lessons?
Drum Techniques
Drum lessons in Boulder teach students the essentials, like how to hold drumsticks properly, strike the drums with the right weight, and develop good posture. Your instructor will help you refine timing, rhythm, and coordination between their hands and feet—important skills for anyone looking to play in a band or ensemble.
Music Theory
Reading music isn’t just for piano or violin players—it’s important for drummers too! A drum instructor teaches students how to understand rhythmic notation, read different note values, and apply music theory to their playing. This knowledge allows drummers to explore different styles, from rock to jazz, and play more accurately.
Rudiments and Ear training
Drumming isn’t just about hitting the drums—it’s about control and precision. Students start by learning rudiments, the core drumming patterns used in every style of music.
Students also develop listening skills to recognize rhythms, improve timing, and train their ear for different drum tones, which is essential for both solo and group performances.
How to Find the Most Affordable Drum Lessons in Boulder
We surveyed over 100 drum teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and three other major sites, Tunelark.com , Lessons.com and Thumbtack.com, 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 and indeed the value is better than any other site we have found. Drum instructors at Lesson With You has at least a Bachelor’s in drum from top schools, but the lessons are only $65 per hour, making the live online drum lessons an incredible value. Besides, 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 didn’t major in drums or percussion, and those who did often charge at least $68 per hour for lessons.
Lessons.com offers an average rate of $65 per hour among teachers who list their prices. However, many drum teachers either lack a formal music degree or didn’t specialize in drums. Additionally, most providers don’t show their pricing until a student reaches out, which can make comparisons difficult.
Thumbtack has an average price of $60 per hour among the teachers we surveyed. But like other websites, many of the drum teachers listed either did not have a music degree or did not major in drum.
These three lesson websites all have a large number of drum teachers, so there are certainly some good deals. However, finding teachers whose education and prices match those at Lesson With You can be difficult and time-consuming.
Begin a Free Lesson at Lesson With You!
Lesson With You offers live 1-on-1 drum lessons with professional instructors who hold advanced degrees in drum from top music schools. All instructors are fully background checked. Try expanding your drum repertoire and start your musical journey with us!
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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.
