Drum Lessons in Georgia

What drum lessons cost across Georgia, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

Drum lesson prices across Georgia
Meet teachers
How drum learning works in Georgia
Auditions and events in Georgia
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Drum in Georgia
Area by area
A little drum history in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions

Drum lesson prices across Georgia

A one-hour drum lesson in Georgia typically costs $60 to $96, and a half hour $33 to $52. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Atlanta area runs highest, up to $103 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.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Atlanta area
Atlanta	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
South Fulton	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Sandy Springs	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Roswell	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Johns Creek	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Mableton	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Alpharetta	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Marietta	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Stonecrest	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Brookhaven	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Smyrna	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Dunwoody	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Newnan	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Peachtree Corners	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Milton	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Peachtree City	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
East Point	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Douglasville	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Woodstock	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Tucker	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Canton	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Stockbridge	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Kennesaw	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Duluth	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Redan	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Lawrenceville	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
McDonough	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Chamblee	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Union City	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Carrollton	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Sugar Hill	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Decatur	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Cartersville	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Griffin	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Acworth	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Suwanee	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Snellville	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Candler-McAfee	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Fayetteville	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Forest Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Winder	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Holly Springs	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Villa Rica	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Conyers	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
North Decatur	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Powder Springs	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Norcross	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
North Druid Hills	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Buford	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Lithia Springs	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Fairburn	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Monroe	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Loganville	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Lilburn	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Riverdale	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Dallas	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
College Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Covington	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Clarkston	$34–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Vinings	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Belvedere Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Mountain Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lovejoy	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Doraville	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Scottdale	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Locust Grove	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Augusta area
Augusta	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Evans	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Martinez	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Grovetown	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Savannah area
Savannah	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Pooler	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Richmond Hill	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Wilmington Island	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Port Wentworth	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Rincon	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Georgetown	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Garden City	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Gainesville area
Gainesville	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Flowery Branch	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Warner Robins area
Warner Robins	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Perry	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Brunswick area
Brunswick	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
St. Simons	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Kingsland area
Kingsland	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
St. Marys	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Braselton area
Braselton	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Jefferson	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Other Georgia towns
Albany	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Americus	$32–$48	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Athens	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Bainbridge	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Calhoun	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Columbus	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Dalton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Douglas	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Dublin	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Fort Oglethorpe	$31–$43	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Hinesville	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
LaGrange	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Macon	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Milledgeville	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Moultrie	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Rome	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Statesboro	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Thomasville	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Tifton	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Valdosta	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Vidalia	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Waycross	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs

Meet a Drum Teacher in Georgia 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 Georgia.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Drum Instructor in Georgia

Browse drum teachers, compare fit and availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Georgia.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

2 drums instructors available in the next 5 days

Colin Rosso

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in DrumsGreat with All AgesStudent Favorite

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Georgia via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$50~~ / 45 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Colin

Eric Weidman

Bachelor’s in DrumsGreat with BeginnersWarm & EncouragingPopular

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 20 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Georgia via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$50~~ / 45 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Eric

How drum learning works in Georgia

How does drum fit school music in Georgia?

Georgia school band is the main in-school route for young drummers, and many districts begin it in sixth grade. Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Valdosta City Schools, Camden County Schools, and several others describe sixth-grade entry; Decatur County Schools serves students from fifth through twelfth grade. A school percussionist joins band rather than a drum-only class, so private study helps you or your child build technique before the first ensemble year and keep growing alongside it.

When school music starts in Georgia districts

Fulton County SchoolsBeginning band6th grade

Cobb County School DistrictBand instruction6th grade

Gwinnett County Public SchoolsBeginning band at northbrook middle school6th grade

Valdosta City SchoolsBand6th grade

Marietta City School DistrictBand at marietta sixth grade academy6th grade

Fayette County Public SchoolsBeginning band at j.c. booth middle school6th grade

Douglas County School SystemBeginner band fast start at yeager middle school6th grade

Camden County SchoolsCamden middle school band program6th grade

Who runs what for Georgia drummers?

Georgia's student pathway centers on school band and the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), which runs district Solo & Ensemble Evaluations and the All-State Band auditions. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) promotes music through Region and State competitions at member high schools, while the Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA) supports teaching and performance across independent and collegiate teachers. These roles are distinct: GMEA is the direct route to percussion honors, while school membership and local teacher connections shape access to other events.

Who runs what in Georgia

Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA)

Runs: Runs All-State Band and district Solo & Ensemble Evaluations.
For: School-age band students, including eligible homeschoolers.

Georgia High School Association (GHSA)

Runs: Promotes Region and State music competitions.
For: Students at member public and private high schools.

Auditions and events in Georgia

How does a drummer reach Georgia's top student honors?

Georgia's clearest top student honor for a drummer is the GMEA All-State Band percussion audition. A student first enters through the district audition, then advances to a final audition; GMEA says initial auditions take place in December, and the 2027 All-State Band meets March 4–6 at The Classic Center in Athens. The band instructor registers the student, except when the school has no program in that division, when a directly responsible GMEA-member private teacher can register them. Homeschooled students are directed to speak with their private teacher. Middle and high school divisions provide distinct routes, so a student can build toward the level that fits their grade.

The drum route in Georgia, step by step

District auditionInitial GMEA All-State Band auditions take place in December; the district round is first.
Final auditionStudents advancing from the district round perform the final audition.
All-State BandSelected students meet March 4–6, 2027, at The Classic Center in Athens.

The Georgia drum year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

All-State Jazz EnsembleGeorgia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 28–30

All-State BandGeorgia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar 4–6

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Georgia's GMEA All-State Band audition asks percussionists to prepare a mallet scale, bracketed snare and timpani excerpts, tuning, and sight-reading at the district stage. The final audition uses the full etudes and sight-reading, and GMEA provides separate middle- and high-school percussion etudes. Those requirements reward more than memorized notes: a student needs controlled sticking, clear rhythm, and the ability to recover while reading unfamiliar music. In weekly lessons, a teacher can break the etudes into sections and build them over three to six months, leaving time to strengthen fundamentals as the audition approaches.

What else is there to enter?

GMEA Solo & Ensemble Evaluations give elementary, middle, and high school percussionists a smaller performance goal outside the All-State route; district events fall in fall or spring, depending on the district. They suit students who want an adjudicated solo or ensemble experience without pursuing the state band honor. GMEA says about 17,000 students perform at these evaluations, so the format is an established part of school music life, not just a step for aspiring All-State players.

Drum events in Georgia, 2026–27

All-State Band

Georgia Music Educators Association

When: March 4–6, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Middle and high school students; divisions include middle school, grades 9–10, and grades 11–12

All-State Jazz Ensemble

Georgia Music Educators Association

When: January 28–30, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students

GMEA Solo & Ensemble Evaluation

Georgia Music Educators Association

When: Usually fall or winter; district dates vary
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Elementary, middle, and high school students; check with the district for eligible categories

Homeschool and private school students

Georgia home-study students seeking extracurricular activities at a resident school must give the principal and superintendent written notice at least 30 days before the semester begins and meet the activity's eligibility rules. That can open a school-band route, while private weekly lessons build the reading, coordination, and control needed to take part. A home-study student interested in GMEA All-State Band should speak with a private teacher about how to enter.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on drum

A child can begin drums once they can follow a steady pulse, listen closely, and coordinate both hands; school band in many Georgia districts starts in sixth grade. Private lessons before then give your child time to learn stick control, basic rhythms, and how to practice on a drum pad without waiting for a band opening. Once school band begins, weekly one-on-one lessons can reinforce what the ensemble asks and address technique at the pace that suits your child.

A teen in Georgia

For a Georgia teen, school band is usually the starting point, with All-State Band auditions beginning at the district level in December and the event in March. The band instructor normally registers students, so a conversation with that director helps establish the route before audition preparation gathers pace. Weekly lessons fit alongside rehearsals by setting a steady focus on the student's percussion parts and skills; a teen whose school lacks that division can work through a directly responsible GMEA-member private teacher.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults are welcome to begin or return to drums, even if school band was never part of your life. Georgia's community concert bands generally feature wind, brass, and percussion instruments, but specific openings matter: the Gwinnett Community Band in Norcross recruits adult percussionists, and the Golden Isles Community Band in Brunswick welcomes players able to handle intermediate-to-advanced concert band music. A teacher meets you where you are, then helps you build the reading and control those groups expect or simply enjoy playing with others.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good drum teacher do?

A strong drum teacher listens for an even pulse, relaxed stick control, and clean transitions between snare, mallets, and timpani, which matters for Georgia's All-State audition demands. The right fit also depends on the student's goal and temperament: a younger beginner needs patient, clear steps, while a teen preparing for band honors needs specific feedback and a plan that fits rehearsals. Lesson With You lets you choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one, so you can match experience and teaching style to the player rather than settle for a poor fit.

How do live online drum lessons work?

A live Zoom drum lesson gives your teacher real-time feedback on your hands, posture, timing, and sound, with the camera set to show your playing surface and sticks clearly. A practice pad and sticks are enough to work on control and rudiments; a full kit helps when the student is ready to shape coordination across drums and cymbals. In Atlanta or Braselton, you get the same one-on-one weekly lesson and the same choice of teacher, without a commute, and can work with a percussion specialist who fits your goals rather than only the closest option.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in percussionEvery Lesson With You drum teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in percussion.

ColinBachelor’s in Drums

EricBachelor’s in Drums

Meet the teachers below

The same teacher every weekLive, one-on-one lessons with one teacher who knows your goals.

Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Drum in Georgia

Where to hear drum

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System students can attend Savannah Music Festival general admission shows free with an adult family member, and Christ Church Savannah offers free tickets to its 2026–27 concert series. In Macon, Bragg Jam’s Second Sunday brings free family concerts to Coleman Hill during spring and fall. Athens Symphony concerts also have complimentary admission, though tickets are required, so you or your child can hear live music in different parts of Georgia.

Where to play with others

Georgia offers several routes to play drums with others, from school band to youth percussion groups and community ensembles. In Atlanta, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra serves rising eighth- through twelfth-grade instrumentalists, and MYSO Atlanta accepts percussion audition submissions for its ensembles. Macon's STREETLINE Percussion offers a youth program, while North Georgia Pipes & Drums welcomes drummers with percussion experience who want to learn the Scottish idiom. Adults can look to the Gwinnett Community Band's percussion section in Norcross, a different setting from a youth ensemble's audition-based training.

Drum around Georgia, area by area

Atlanta area

In Marietta, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra has a percussion opening, giving young players an audition-based orchestral option. Atlanta students in grades 4–8 can attend Students at the Symphony, with student admission and free chaperone tickets. These experiences connect percussion parts practiced alone with the rhythm and color of a full ensemble.

Town guides: Atlanta, South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Mableton, Alpharetta, Marietta

Augusta area

Augusta’s Youth Orchestra of Greater Augusta gives young players an ensemble route, while children 13 and under can attend the Candlelight Music Series free. The Augusta Symphony’s Discovery Concert welcomes elementary, middle, and high school students with advance tickets. Hearing a symphony helps a percussion student connect practiced parts with the way rhythm and color support a full orchestra.

School year: Aug 5 to May 26, 40 lesson weeks (Richmond County School System)
Town guides: Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Aiken, North Augusta, Grovetown

Savannah area

Savannah offers free concerts through Christ Church Savannah’s 2026–27 series, with an optional donation when reserving. The Savannah Jazz Festival also includes free dates alongside ticketed performances spanning jazz, blues, Latin music, and Ranky Tanky. For a drummer, those distinct settings offer a chance to hear varied live music in the city.

School year: Aug 3 to May 21, 38 lesson weeks (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System)
Town guides: Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Port Wentworth, Rincon, Georgetown, Garden City

Columbus area

Columbus Youth Jazz accepts students in grades 7–12 by audition for big bands or small combos, and drums are among the instrumental options. This gives a young drummer a chance to move from individual practice into a group where listening and keeping time with other players matter.

School year: Aug 3 to May 21, 38 lesson weeks (Muscogee County School District)
Town guides: Columbus, Phenix City

Gainesville area

Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras in Marietta has percussion openings, giving Gainesville-area students an audition-based ensemble option. A student interested in that route can consider the ensemble’s percussion audition, while recognizing that the group is based in Marietta. For many young drummers, school band and individual practice remain the most direct ways to develop ensemble experience close to home.

School year: Aug 4 to May 21, 38 lesson weeks (Gainesville City School System)
Town guides: Gainesville, Flowery Branch

Macon area

Macon has both a youth percussion route and a way to hear symphonic playing: STREETLINE Percussion offers a youth program, and students with valid ID can attend Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra concerts free. The contrast gives a young drummer a chance to compare focused percussion playing with the role of drums in a larger ensemble.

School year: Aug 3 to May 21, 37 lesson weeks (Bibb County School District)
Town guides: Macon

Athens area

AthFest brings three days of free outdoor live music to Athens, including performances for children through KidsFest. For a young drummer, hearing different live performers can make the rhythms and styles practiced at home feel more connected to music being played in the community.

School year: Aug 5 to May 19, 38 lesson weeks (Clarke County School District)
Town guides: Athens

A little drum history in Georgia

Georgia's drum story is represented in contemporary performance as well as student percussion work. Atlanta-born drummer and percussionist Omar “Marruchi” Phillips began drumming at age five and has toured with Outkast, Usher, and Big Boi. For a student, that local example sits alongside the discipline of school and ensemble percussion: timing, listening, and control matter across very different kinds of music.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good drum teacher in Georgia?

Choose a teacher who can explain technique clearly and give feedback on timing, stick control, and the music you want to play. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with a dedicated teacher, and you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.

Do live video drum lessons really work?

Yes, a teacher can hear timing and sound while watching your hands and posture in real time over Zoom. A practice pad is enough for foundational work, and the online format means no commute and access to a percussion teacher who fits you.

When do Georgia schools start teaching drums?

Many Georgia districts begin band in sixth grade, where drummers take part as percussionists in the ensemble. Examples include Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, and Valdosta City Schools.

How does a drummer reach Georgia's top student honors?

The main route is the GMEA All-State Band percussion audition, starting with a district audition and then a final audition for students who advance. Initial auditions take place in December, with the 2027 event in Athens from March 4–6.

Can homeschool students enter Georgia music contests?

Yes, a homeschool student can pursue GMEA All-State Band and should speak with a private teacher about registration. GMEA normally requires a band instructor to register students, with a GMEA-member private teacher able to register when the school has no program in that division.

What age should a child start drum lessons?

A child can start when they can follow a steady pulse, listen, and coordinate both hands; there is no single required age. Beginning before many Georgia schools start sixth-grade band gives a child time to develop basic rhythm and stick control.

Is it too late to learn drums as an adult in Georgia?

No, adults can start or return to drums at any age, and a teacher can meet you at your current skill level. The Gwinnett Community Band in Norcross recruits adult percussionists, offering one possible goal for players who want an ensemble.

How much are drum lessons in Georgia?

Drum lessons in Georgia typically cost about $72 an hour, or $33 to $52 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Drum lesson prices across Georgia

Meet a Drum Teacher in Georgia Before Weekly Lessons

Find Your Next Drum Instructor in Georgia

Colin Rosso

Eric Weidman

How drum learning works in Georgia

How does drum fit school music in Georgia?

Who runs what for Georgia drummers?

Auditions and events in Georgia

How does a drummer reach Georgia's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on drum

A teen in Georgia

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good drum teacher do?

How do live online drum lessons work?

Drum in Georgia

Where to hear drum

Where to play with others

Drum around Georgia, area by area

Atlanta area

Augusta area

Savannah area

Columbus area

Gainesville area

Macon area

Athens area

A little drum history in Georgia

Start Drum Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions