Drum Lessons in Pennsylvania

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 19 min read

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

Drum lesson prices across Pennsylvania

A one-hour drum lesson in Pennsylvania typically costs $59 to $92, and a half hour $32 to $50. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Philadelphia area runs highest, up to $111 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
Philadelphia area
Philadelphia	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Levittown	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Norristown	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Chester	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Drexel Hill	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
King of Prussia	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Pottstown	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
West Chester	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Phoenixville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Lansdale	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Willow Grove	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Ardmore	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Montgomeryville	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Coatesville	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Yeadon	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Lansdowne	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Darby	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Broomall	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Roslyn	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Pittsburgh area
Pittsburgh	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Bethel Park	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Monroeville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Plum	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Allison Park	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
New Castle	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Baldwin	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Murrysville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
West Mifflin	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
McKeesport	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Greensburg	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Wilkinsburg	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Carnot-Moon	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Washington	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Butler	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Jefferson Hills	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
New Kensington	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Lower Burrell	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Munhall	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Allentown area
Allentown	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Bethlehem	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Easton	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Fullerton	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Emmaus	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Northampton	$34–$56	$64–$103	Lessons Costs
Harrisburg area
Harrisburg	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Carlisle	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Colonial Park	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Hershey	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Progress	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Scranton area
Scranton	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Wilkes-Barre	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Hazleton	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Dunmore	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Kingston	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Mountain Top	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Nanticoke	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Lancaster area
Lancaster	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Ephrata	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Elizabethtown	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Reading area
Reading	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Wyomissing	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
York area
York	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Hanover	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Weigelstown	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Shiloh	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Chambersburg area
Chambersburg	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Waynesboro	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Hermitage area
Hermitage	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Sharon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Other Pennsylvania towns
Altoona	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Bloomsburg	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Erie	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Indiana	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Johnstown	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Lebanon	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Meadville	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Pottsville	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
St. Marys	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
State College	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Williamsport	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs

Meet a Drum Teacher in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

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 Pennsylvania

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

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Eric

How drum learning works in Pennsylvania

How does drum fit school music in Pennsylvania?

Drums appear within band programs in several Pennsylvania districts, but the entry point differs by school system. The School District of Philadelphia offers band lessons in fourth grade at Vare-Washington Elementary and provides district-owned instruments there; Bethel Park and Upper Darby also begin band in fourth grade, while Reading School District includes sixth graders in middle school band. Pennsylvania sets arts standards at the ends of grades 3, 5, 8, and 12, but local governing boards set graduation requirements. A private lesson can build percussion skills before a student enters band and support them alongside school rehearsals.

When school music starts in Pennsylvania districts

The School District of PhiladelphiaBand4th grade

Reading School DistrictMiddle school band6th grade

School District of the City of YorkBand4th grade

Bethel Park School DistrictBand4th grade

Upper Darby School DistrictBand4th grade

Easton Area School DistrictBand4th grade

Williamsport Area School DistrictBand4th grade

Plum Borough School DistrictBand4th grade

Who runs what for Pennsylvania drummers?

Pennsylvania's main school route for drummers runs through the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), which connects district auditions and performance assessments to regional and state honors. The Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) serves a different purpose: its Keystone Concerto Festival is entered through a teacher, and its state competition begins the Music Teachers National Association performance route. These organizations do not offer the same path, so your goal matters: PMEA is the school ensemble route, while PMTA and percussion competitions offer other ways to perform and be assessed.

Who runs what in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)

Runs: Runs district auditions, performance assessments, and All-State ensembles.
For: School students sponsored by a PMEA-member director.

Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA)

Runs: Runs the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival and Keystone competitions.
For: Students entered through participating teachers.

Percussive Arts Society

Runs: Runs individual and ensemble percussion competitions.
For: High school and college percussionists.

Auditions and events in Pennsylvania

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

For a Pennsylvania drummer, the school route to the top honor is PMEA All-State Jazz. Students in grades 10–12 need a sponsoring director who is a current Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) member, then submit a recorded audition; the 2027 window closes at noon on January 5. PMEA District 7 percussionists in grades 10–12 can also audition through the district process for Region and All-State festivals. A percussion solo assessment offers a separate performance opportunity through a sponsoring director. These routes reward different strengths, so your first decision is whether to pursue jazz ensemble honors or individual solo feedback.

The drum route in Pennsylvania, step by step

School director sponsorshipGrades 10–12 need a current PMEA-member director to sponsor an All-State Jazz audition.
Recorded All-State Jazz auditionThe 2027 audition window runs from November 2026 through noon on January 5, 2027.

The Pennsylvania drum year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

PMEA District 7 Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz, and Modern Band FestivalsPMEA District 7Start the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan to Apr

PMEA Region V Band FestivalPennsylvania Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Aug to Nov

Start the piece Aug to NovFeb 18–20

PMEA Solo & Small Ensemble Music Performance AssessmentPennsylvania Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar to May

PMEA All-State EnsemblesPennsylvania Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 14–17

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For PMEA District 7 percussion auditions, students choose an audition track and prepare a snare drum excerpt, a marimba excerpt, and a timpani etude; auxiliary percussion is not required. On the snare track, mallet exercises use the older or Cirone edition of the Goldenberg book, not the new edition. Auditions are blind, and students do not speak to judges or in the audition room, so the preparation must be secure without verbal prompts. A PMEA All-State Jazz audition is recorded and uses its drum audition material. In weekly lessons, a challenging event piece commonly takes three to six months to prepare well.

What else is there to enter?

A percussion soloist who wants performance feedback without following the full school honor route can enter a PMEA Music Performance Assessment through a sponsoring member director. PMTA's Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival is another student performance opportunity; it takes place in November, and accompanied works require a live accompanist. The Percussive Arts Society's individual and ensemble competition suits students interested in snare, timpani, or marching percussion, while Pittsburgh's Drum Fest brings live performances and community drum circles for players who want a less formal shared experience.

Drum events in Pennsylvania, 2026–27

PMEA All-State Ensembles

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

When: April 14–17, 2027; audition windows run November 2026–February 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Primarily grades 10–12; selection and eligibility depend on ensemble

PMEA Solo & Small Ensemble Music Performance Assessment

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

When: Usually March–May 2027; event dates vary by district
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: K–12 students, sponsored by a participating music teacher

PMEA District 7 Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz, and Modern Band Festivals

PMEA District 7

When: January–April 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: School music students; eligibility and grades vary by festival

PMEA Region V Band Festival

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

When: February 18–20, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students who advance from district auditions

Homeschool and private school students

Private, parochial, charter, cyber, and cyber-charter students in PMEA District 7 can qualify for festivals, but they must participate in their own school's ensemble or a community-based equivalent and have sponsorship from the appropriate PMEA-member director. That means a homeschool student needs an ensemble setting and an eligible director's sponsorship rather than relying on private lessons alone. PMEA's percussion solo assessment is another route for a student whose main goal is to perform individually.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on drum

A child can begin drums once they can sit comfortably at a practice pad or kit and follow a short routine; many are ready in the early elementary years. That timing gives them a chance to develop pulse and coordination before band begins in fourth grade in districts such as Bethel Park and Upper Darby, though Reading's middle school band includes sixth graders. A private teacher can build the basic hand technique and counting that school rehearsals assume, then help your child manage both individual practice and ensemble parts.

A teen in Pennsylvania

A teen who wants Pennsylvania's highest school honor in drums should plan around PMEA's All-State Jazz route, which accepts eligible students in grades 10 through 12 and requires a sponsoring director who belongs to PMEA. The audition window runs from November through early January, so the school calendar and director relationship need attention before winter. Weekly lessons help a teen keep jazz time and ensemble playing developing alongside school commitments, with the teacher able to shape practice around the student's current level and goals.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can begin drums or return to playing without a school program, and a teacher can meet you at your current level. In Reading, Ringgold New Horizons Band welcomes senior citizens who want to learn or return to an instrument, with Ringgold Band members coaching them. Philadelphia Community Orchestra welcomes musicians and sound makers of all kinds without auditions, so an adult drummer can work toward playing with a mixed group. Weekly lessons give you a steady place to build pulse, coordination, and confidence before joining others.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good drum teacher do?

A strong drum teacher balances technique with the kind of playing you or your child wants to do, because a jazz audition, school percussion part, and personal interest in kit playing call for different practice. The teacher should hear timing clearly, notice how the hands move, and set a pace that fits the student's age and attention. Training matters, but so does a connection that makes weekly work feel possible. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in percussion, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online drum lessons work?

Live online drum lessons let a teacher hear your timing and watch your hands in real time, then give feedback while you play rather than after the fact. A practice pad, sticks, and a stable camera view are enough to work on rudiments and control; a kit lets the teacher hear more of your setup and coordination. There is no commute, and the weekly rhythm is easier to keep when the lesson happens at home. A student in Philadelphia or Franklin Park has the same choice of teacher and the same one-on-one weekly lesson over Zoom.

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 Pennsylvania

Where to hear drum

Across Pennsylvania, students can hear live ensemble percussion in several settings. In Allentown, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra offers free admission to students 21 and under during its 2026–27 season. In State College, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra concerts at Penn State Recital Hall offer student tickets, and a free family concert is scheduled for March 20, 2027. The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra also presents a free summer concert series, giving families a way to hear orchestral percussion without making a formal concert outing.

Where to play with others

Young drummers have structured ensemble options beyond school band, especially in western Pennsylvania. In Erie, Erie Junior Philharmonic holds auditions for its ensembles, and Gem City Concert Band welcomes experienced percussionists without a formal audition or membership dues. In Johnstown, Johnstown High School’s Jazz Ensemble includes drums and percussion, with rehearsals before school. These settings suit different stages: a student can build ensemble experience through a youth orchestra, then look toward jazz or a community band as skills and interests develop.

Drum around Pennsylvania, area by area

Philadelphia area

For older students drawn to jazz, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra accepts drum-set players ages 15 to 22 by audition. K–12 and university students can also reserve $9 tickets to Curtis Symphony Orchestra concerts during the 2026–27 season. The orchestra route is selective, while the discounted concerts give a student an accessible way to hear a large ensemble and follow how percussion supports the music.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 9, 40 lesson weeks (The School District of Philadelphia)
Town guides: Philadelphia, Wilmington, Camden, Levittown, Sicklerville, Norristown, Chester, Drexel Hill

Pittsburgh area

In Pittsburgh, the Youth Jazz Ensemble of Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra offers a way for ages 12 to 18 to play jazz without an audition. Students can use PSO Go to get up to two $15 tickets to eligible Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts. A free public concert in Wexford is scheduled for July 2, 2027, adding a summer listening option for families in the area.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 8, 40 lesson weeks (Pittsburgh Public Schools)
Town guides: Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, Monroeville, Plum, Allison Park, New Castle, Baldwin, Murrysville

Allentown area

Families in Allentown can attend the 2027 Allentown Symphony Orchestra family concert, which is open to the public and offers free tickets for everyone under 21 through the box office. The city's summer concert series usually brings weekly open-air performances to West Park from May through September, giving families another way to hear live music during warmer months.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 10, 40 lesson weeks (Allentown School District)
Town guides: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Fullerton, Phillipsburg, Emmaus, Northampton

Harrisburg area

Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra serves students in grades 4 through 12, offering a structured ensemble option as a young drummer develops. High school and college students with valid identification can buy last-minute Harrisburg Symphony Masterworks tickets for $10, and the orchestra also offers a free summer concert series. In Carlisle, Carlisle Town Band welcomes musicians without auditions or fees, providing an informal community setting for experienced players.

School year: Aug 26 to Jun 4, 40 lesson weeks (Harrisburg City School District)
Town guides: Harrisburg, Carlisle, Colonial Park, Hershey, Progress

Scranton area

In Wilkes-Barre, Sunsets on SOMA offers free concerts from 5 to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from May through September. Scranton families can hear University of Scranton Performance Music student musicians at a public general recital with free admission. Both are listening opportunities rather than drum-specific groups, but they let a student hear live ensemble music in the region.

Town guides: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Dunmore, Kingston, Mountain Top, Nanticoke

Reading area

Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra percussionists can audition for the season, with auditions held in late August. Students can attend a Reading Symphony Orchestra Classics Series concert for free when a parent or guardian buys a full-price ticket. Together, the ensemble route and concert access give young drummers a chance to experience orchestral playing from both the stage and the audience.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 3, 39 lesson weeks (Reading School District)
Town guides: Reading, Wyomissing

York area

York Youth Symphony offers a structured playing goal for students, with tuition assistance available. Springettsbury Township’s Sounds of Summer presents free concerts on Sunday and Wednesday evenings from June through August. A drummer can use those performances to hear percussion across different live music settings, while the youth symphony offers an opportunity to develop ensemble skills.

Town guides: York, Hanover, Weigelstown, Shiloh

A little drum history in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a focused percussion tradition in Kutztown, where the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research hosts the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society Percussion Festival. The 2026 competition of the Percussive Arts Society includes individual categories such as marching snare, concert snare, and timpani, as well as small ensembles. For a student, that range shows how drum study can branch from concert percussion into marching and group performance, giving practice a clear purpose beyond school band.

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 Pennsylvania?

Choose a teacher who listens closely to your goals and gives feedback on timing, hand control, and the style you want to play. Lesson With You offers live weekly Zoom lessons with a dedicated teacher who holds at least a bachelor's degree in percussion, and you can choose one or ask us to recommend one.

Do live video drum lessons really work?

Yes, live video lessons work well for timing, coordination, and technique because the teacher can hear and watch you play in real time. A practice pad and sticks are enough for foundational work, and a kit helps the teacher hear your fuller setup.

When do Pennsylvania schools start teaching drums?

Pennsylvania schools generally teach drums as part of band, and the starting grade depends on the district. Several districts begin in fourth grade, while Reading School District middle school band includes sixth graders.

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

The clearest drum-specific school honor route is PMEA All-State Jazz, open to students in grades 10 through 12 with a current PMEA-member director as sponsor. Students submit a recorded audition, and the 2027 window closes at noon on January 5.

Can homeschool students enter Pennsylvania music contests?

Yes, homeschool students in PMEA District 7 can qualify for festivals if they participate in a school ensemble or a community-based equivalent and have sponsorship from the appropriate PMEA-member director. Private lessons alone do not meet that ensemble requirement.

What age should a child start drum lessons?

A child can start once they can sit comfortably at a practice pad or kit and follow a short practice routine, often in the early elementary years. Starting before band begins in many Pennsylvania districts gives time to build pulse, coordination, and stick control.

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

No, adults can begin or return to drums at any age, and lessons can start with the basics or pick up skills you already have. Reading's Ringgold New Horizons Band welcomes senior citizens returning to an instrument or learning one, and Carlisle Town Band welcomes musicians across generations.

How much are drum lessons in Pennsylvania?

Drum lessons in Pennsylvania typically cost about $69 an hour, or $32 to $50 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 Pennsylvania

Meet a Drum Teacher in Pennsylvania Before Weekly Lessons

Find Your Next Drum Instructor in Pennsylvania

Colin Rosso

Eric Weidman

How drum learning works in Pennsylvania

How does drum fit school music in Pennsylvania?

Who runs what for Pennsylvania drummers?

Auditions and events in Pennsylvania

How does a drummer reach Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania

Where to hear drum

Where to play with others

Drum around Pennsylvania, area by area

Philadelphia area

Pittsburgh area

Allentown area

Harrisburg area

Scranton area

Reading area

York area

A little drum history in Pennsylvania

Start Drum Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions