Drum Lessons in New Jersey

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 17 min read

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

Drum lesson prices across New Jersey

A one-hour drum lesson in New Jersey typically costs $78 to $125, and a half hour $42 to $68. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Newark area runs highest, up to $135 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
Newark area
Newark	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Jersey City	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Paterson	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Elizabeth	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Clifton	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Bayonne	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
East Orange	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Passaic	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Union City	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hoboken	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
New Brunswick	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Perth Amboy	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
West New York	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hackensack	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Sayreville	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Linden	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Kearny	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Fort Lee	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Fair Lawn	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Garfield	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Long Branch	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Westfield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Rahway	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Englewood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Bergenfield	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Paramus	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Ridgewood	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Lodi	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Cliffside Park	$44–$72	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
Carteret	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
South Plainfield	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
North Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Somerset	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Summit	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Roselle	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Hillsborough	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Secaucus	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Elmwood Park	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Parsippany	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Morristown	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Harrison	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Palisades Park	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Hawthorne	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Iselin	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tinton Falls	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Point Pleasant	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ocean Acres	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Rutherford	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Colonia	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Dover	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Preakness	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Dumont	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Avenel	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
New Milford	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
North Arlington	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Madison	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
South River	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Princeton Meadows	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tenafly	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Asbury Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Metuchen	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Highland Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fairview	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Short Hills	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
West Freehold	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Ramsey	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Edgewater	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Middlesex	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Hopatcong	$40–$66	$76–$120	Lessons Costs
Bradley Gardens	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Roselle Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
New Providence	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Eatontown	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Florham Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Somerville	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Holiday City-Berkeley	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Red Bank	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fords	$42–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Oakland	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Upper Montclair	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Bound Brook	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Glen Rock	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Hasbrouck Heights	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
River Edge	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Robertsville	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Wallington	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Guttenberg	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Ringwood	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Martinsville	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Westwood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Wanaque	$40–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Beachwood	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Franklin Lakes	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
East Franklin	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Pompton Lakes	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Lake Hiawatha	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Little Ferry	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Pompton Plains	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Totowa	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Lincoln Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Oak Ridge	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Manville	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
The Hills	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Budd Lake	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Trenton area
Trenton	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Princeton	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Mercerville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Hamilton Square	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
White Horse	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Camden area
Camden	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Sicklerville	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Glassboro	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lindenwold	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Springdale	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Williamstown	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
Moorestown-Lenola	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Cherry Hill Mall	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Echelon	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Bellmawr	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Greentree	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Gloucester City	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Marlton	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Pine Hill	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Vineland area
Vineland	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Millville	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Atlantic City area
Atlantic City	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Pleasantville	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Hammonton	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Ocean City	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
McKee City	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Somers Point	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Other New Jersey towns
Phillipsburg	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs

Meet a Drum Teacher in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.

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 New Jersey

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

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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Eric

How drum learning works in New Jersey

How does drum fit school music in New Jersey?

New Jersey schools include percussion in band, but the grade when students can join varies by district. Princeton Public Schools begins elementary band in third grade, while Fair Lawn Public Schools invites students into band in fourth grade; First Avenue School in Newark has band for grades 5 through 8. Drums fit the percussion section, rather than a separate school drum class, so private lessons give you or your child focused time on technique and reading before and alongside ensemble playing.

When school music starts in New Jersey districts

Princeton Public SchoolsBand3

Cherry Hill Township School DistrictBand4

Fair Lawn Public SchoolsBand4

Newark Board of EducationBand at first avenue school5

Woodbridge Township School DistrictBand at iselin middle school6

Hoboken Public School DistrictNovice band6

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School DistrictBand at central middle school6

Rahway Public SchoolsBand7

Who runs what for New Jersey drummers?

New Jersey’s student route is organized through school music programs and regional honors groups, with the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) running the All-State Band. Students first need an affiliated regional honors band or orchestra before applying to All-State, so the school director’s role matters. The New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) offers separate competitions and recitals for students studying with a member teacher, while regional associations serve local school ensembles. These are distinct paths: one recognizes ensemble playing, the other solo and small-group study.

Who runs what in New Jersey

New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA)

Runs: Runs regional honors and All-State Band auditions.
For: Eligible high school band students

New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA)

Runs: Offers young musicians competitions and student performance events.
For: Students meeting event study rules

North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA)

Runs: Serves as an NJMEA regional school music association.
For: North Jersey school music students

South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association (SJBODA)

Runs: Serves South Jersey student band and orchestra programs.
For: Students in school band and orchestra programs

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a drummer reach New Jersey's top student honors?

For high school percussionists, the honors route begins with a regional audition, then advances to the state level for those who qualify. Region I applications are due in November, with its North Jersey Area Band audition in December; accepted regional members can then audition for the New Jersey Music Educators Association All-State Band in January, followed by performances in February. The 2027 All-State concert is set for February 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. A separate option for a student who wants a solo or ensemble performance is the New Jersey Music Teachers Association Young Musicians Competition, which groups entrants by age.

The New Jersey drum year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

2027 All-State Band AuditionsNew Jersey Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 23–24

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

New Jersey percussion auditions ask for more than a steady beat. Region I battery auditions include snare and traps work, with rudiments, a snare solo, sight-reading, and a keyboard percussion etude; the All-State requirements also cover timpani and keyboard percussion. South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association auditions include both snare and traps for battery students, and allow 30 seconds to study the sight-reading passage. A teacher can divide this material into weekly goals; an event piece often needs three to six months of preparation, especially when reading and coordination are still developing.

What else is there to enter?

NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competition gives percussion students another solo or ensemble goal beyond the honors band route, and it is open across age groups. Students generally need six months with their current teacher before entering, and percussion memorization is optional. The competition suits a player who wants a judged performance without relying on school band selection. Lessons can also prepare a student for playing music for family or community audiences, so competition does not have to be the only reason to develop a polished piece.

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool students can take part in NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competition, with age groups based on a student’s age in early October. The school-based All-State Band route requires participation in an affiliated regional honors ensemble, so a homeschool drummer’s clearest contest option is an individual or ensemble performance event.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on drum

Drums suit a child who can focus on a short pattern and enjoy keeping a steady beat, and private lessons let that interest take shape before a school ensemble is available. A one-on-one teacher can build stick control, listening, and rhythm reading at the child’s pace, then help connect those skills to a band part when school playing begins. Starting privately also gives a young percussionist a place to ask questions and gain confidence before sharing a part with a full group.

A teen in New Jersey

A teen can begin drums privately even if band participation has not been part of their earlier school years, though the state honors route starts through an affiliated regional honors ensemble. Regional high school auditions come first, followed by the NJMEA All-State Band audition in January for eligible students. That sequence gives you a clear goal, but it also means a new player should build technique before the audition season. Weekly lessons can fit around school rehearsals and coursework, with the teacher setting a manageable practice focus between sessions.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can play percussion with the Moorestown Community Band in Moorestown, which lists percussion openings, or with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Collingswood, which invites musicians across instruments. Those are ensemble routes, so a steady beat and the ability to follow a conductor help you take part. It is not too late to start or return; a teacher can begin with your current coordination and reading level, then build toward playing alongside others. Live weekly lessons keep that progress personal without requiring a commute.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good drum teacher do?

A good drum teacher listens for timing and control, then builds the reading and coordination needed for New Jersey’s percussion auditions. For a younger student, that may mean short patterns and confident pulse; a teen preparing for honors needs clear weekly targets across snare, traps, timpani, and keyboard percussion. Adults deserve the same careful starting point, whether returning to an ensemble or beginning from scratch. Our teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in percussion, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one whose approach fits your goals and personality.

How do live online drum lessons work?

In a live Zoom drum lesson, your teacher watches your hands, posture, and stick path while listening for pulse, tone, and how evenly you play. A stable camera view of your kit and a clear audio setup help the teacher give real-time feedback on the parts that matter for percussion. You or your child in Trenton or Fairview gets the same choice of teacher and weekly one-on-one lesson. Because there is no commute, it is easier to keep a regular rhythm of lessons and practice, while the teacher gets to know how you learn.

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 New Jersey

Where to hear drum

Beyond the summer concert series, students can hear live jazz in Newark at NJPAC’s monthly jazz jams, where musicians and singers of all levels improvise with a professional band. Jersey City Jazz Festival programming centers on the last weekend in May and offers a Student Pass for ages 12 to 21. In New Brunswick, State Theatre New Jersey’s Symphony Scholars program gives participating instrumental music students and a family member free tickets to its classical series, helping a young drummer hear how percussion fits into a larger ensemble.

Where to play with others

Young drummers can play with the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s jazz and percussion ensembles in New Providence, which serve students entering grades 3 through 12. For broader concert-band playing, the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Collingswood invites interested musicians, while Maplewood Community Band in Maplewood recommends high school-level concert band experience. These settings differ in age and readiness, so a student can move from a focused youth ensemble toward a community group as skills and confidence grow.

Drum around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

Princeton is the place in this area to explore a youth ensemble: the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra accepts instrumentalists in grades 4 through 12 by audition video. Its parts are for orchestral instruments, so a drummer should check that percussion is included before pursuing this route. In Trenton, the Summer Concert Series gives families a free way to hear live performances, while Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts offer free chamber music in Princeton.

Town guides: Trenton, Princeton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square, White Horse

Vineland area

Vineland’s Giampietro Park Concert Series presents free concerts at 7 p.m. at the Enrico Serra Band Shell, giving a drummer a local chance to hear live ensemble playing. For a wider concert experience, families in Vineland and Millville can look to New Jersey Symphony performances in Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, Morristown, and Red Bank; students with valid identification can reserve eligible student tickets.

Town guides: Vineland, Millville

Atlantic City area

Atlantic City’s Boardwalk summer concert series brings free performances to Kennedy Plaza, with shows beginning at 7 p.m. Ventnor adds free Saturday concerts at Newport Avenue Beach and Wednesday concerts at Ski Beach, so families in this area have outdoor performance options in both towns. A drummer can listen for how a steady groove supports a live ensemble.

Town guides: Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Ocean City, McKee City, Somers Point

A little drum history in New Jersey

New Jersey’s drum history reaches back to the Revolutionary era, when each regiment company provided a fifer and drummer to signal daily activities and battlefield movements. In modern music, Peter Erskine was born in Somers Point and began playing at four, a reminder that a percussion path can start young and grow into a lifelong craft. The New Jersey Youth Symphony also has three percussion ensembles, reflecting a place for percussionists beyond the band section. For a student, that history connects practical rhythm skills with both civic tradition and contemporary ensemble 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 New Jersey?

Choose a teacher who can match your level and goals, whether you are building basic coordination or preparing percussion audition material. Lesson With You offers live weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in percussion, and you can choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video drum lessons really work?

Yes, a live teacher can watch your hands and posture and hear your timing in real time. A clear view of your kit lets the teacher give immediate feedback, while weekly lessons avoid the commute and keep practice connected to a teacher who knows your progress.

When do New Jersey schools start teaching drums?

Drums are usually part of school band percussion rather than a separate drum class, and band entry varies by district. Princeton Public Schools begins elementary band in third grade, while Fair Lawn Public Schools invites fourth graders and First Avenue School in Newark has band for grades 5 through 8.

How does a drummer reach New Jersey's top student honors?

A high school drummer first auditions for an affiliated regional honors band, then eligible regional members can audition for the NJMEA All-State Band. Regional auditions are in December and All-State auditions follow in January, with accepted students performing in February.

Can homeschool students enter New Jersey music contests?

Yes, homeschool students can enter NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competition if they meet its study requirement with their current teacher. All-State Band is a school-based route and requires membership in an affiliated regional honors band or orchestra.

What age should a child start drum lessons?

A child can begin when they can follow a steady beat and focus on short practice tasks; there is no single required starting age. Starting before school band gives them time to learn basic rhythm and coordination before playing percussion in an ensemble.

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

No, adults can start or return at any age, and New Jersey has community ensembles with percussion places, including Moorestown Community Band in Moorestown. A teacher can build from your current experience and help you work toward playing with others.

How much are drum lessons in New Jersey?

Drum lessons in New Jersey typically cost about $93 an hour, or $42 to $68 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 New Jersey

Meet a Drum Teacher in New Jersey Before Weekly Lessons

Find Your Next Drum Instructor in New Jersey

Colin Rosso

Eric Weidman

How drum learning works in New Jersey

How does drum fit school music in New Jersey?

Who runs what for New Jersey drummers?

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a drummer reach New Jersey'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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey

Where to hear drum

Where to play with others

Drum around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

Vineland area

Atlantic City area

A little drum history in New Jersey

Start Drum Lessons With a Free Trial

More for New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions