(Program starts in September 2013) Groove Academy – School of Music’s Full-Time Drum Course is 6 months of intense study. It covers many aspects of drumming and drum history. The course includes theoretical and practical studies along with live performances and article submissions to some of the top drumming/percussion magazines in the world. The course runs twice a year, September—February and March—August. Classes are Monday to Friday from 9:30am—3:00pm.

Upon completion, a certificate is given with a mark 75% or higher. Full course details, audition material and tuition info can be mailed or emailed out. Audition and interview is required, (in person or via Skype).

To discuss our Full-Time Drum Course in detail, or if you have any other questions, please contact us, we would love to assist you further.

Music instructor
Music instructor

Learn more about our Full Time Drum Course:

Level 1

Developing a solid foundation. This includes:

  • Knowing the parts to a drum set
  • Proper set up of snare drum/drum set (includes tuning and muffling)
  • Drumstick selection
  • Proper grip technique
  • Call & response
  • Drum notation and theory
  • Rudiments
  • Developing coordination between hands
  • Developing a steady pulse – working with a metronome
  • Introduction into dynamics
  • Soundscape of the snare drum
  • A look a snare drum soloists

Level 2

  • Introduction of the Bass Drum
  • Adjusting/setting up your bass drum pedal (beater placement, spring tension, and maintenance)
  • Heals up/heels down technique
  • Hand/Feet coordination and development
  • A look at the history of the Drumline, and marching in New Orleans
  • Level 2 Rudiments

Level 3

  • Introduction of the Hi-Hat
  • What’s a Low-Boy?
  • How to adjust and set up the Hi-Hat
  • Hi-Hat Selection/Types
  • Basic grooves using the Hi-Hat, Snare Drum, and Bass Drum
  • Stronger emphasis on working with a metronome
  • Playing “In the pocket”?
  • Who is Baby Dodds?
  • Introduction into play-along songs
  • Student picks “project” song
  • How to write basic Drum Charts
  • Basic Drum Fills
  • The Ride Cymbal
  • 4-way independence
  • Level 3 Rudiments
  • Our predecessors

Level 4

  • Introduction into syncopation
  • Drum Fills
  • Using rudiments in drum fills
  • 2 Project songs or song compilations
  • Types of Drum Solos
  • A look at “The World’s Greatest”
  • 1/16 note grooves. One handed and two handed.
  • Open Hi-Hat Grooves
  • Styles of music associated with syncopated grooves
  • Level 4 Rudiments

Level 5

  • Drum fills using hand and feet combinations
  • Drum soloing
  • Using Brushes and other “tools” of the trade
  • Study of drum set brush players
  • Working with a drum machine or sequence. ( Software & Hardware)
  • All styles of drum set playing (Students are given a short song for each style) Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
  • 2 Project songs or song compilations
  • Advanced studies in bass drum technique and exercises
  • 1/32 Notes
  • Level 5 Rudiments
  • Students select 2 drummers to study/analyze from same or contrasting styles. (Depends on students study objectives)
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Level 6

  • Intro into odd time signatures
  • Odd time signature song selection
  • Advanced fills – (Student writes out fills. Online submission)
  • Drum solo composition – (Performed Live)
  • Playing with a percussionist
  • Analyzing 4 drum set players known for odd time playing
  • Odd time signatures found in all styles of playing (examples given and analyzed)

Level 7

  • Student selects project song with sequenced drum tracks
  • How to play to sequenced music
  • Creating your own sequenced grooves
  • Electronic drums and how to emulate drum sounds heard on project song
  • Study of drummers known for their sound in this area
  • Incorporating acoustic and electronic drums
  • Live performance using electronic drums or both electric and acoustic

Level 8

Although the study of Cuban/Brazilian rhythms are strongly recommended, these styles can be substituted with… i.e. Different/contrasting styles within Rock, Heavy Metal, Jazz…

  • Study 3 drummers/percussionists in the following styles
  • Cuban/Brazilian Grooves applied to the Drum kit
  • Palito patterns
  • Keeping time on various voices of the instrument
  • Samba
  • Mozambique
  • Bambe
  • Gha ghanco
  • Songo
  • Cha Cha Cha
  • Mambo

Level 9

  • Study of 3 drummers in detail
  • African Rhythms applied to the drum kit
  • Demonstrating advanced styles of groove playing
  • Compilation song or groove solo utilizing different styles in including African rhythms
  • Solo comp. utilizing different feels and styles
  • Performing live with a band

Level 10

  • Study 4 drummers in detail
  • Advanced 4 way independence
  • Intense study of drum fills and soloing
  • Advanced rudimental studies applicable to drum set
  • Student gives live clinic
  • Live Performances
  • Submission of own articles and exercises to PAS, Modern Drummer and “Drums” organizations.

Ready to enroll in the full-time drum course?

To discuss our courses in detail, or if you have any other questions, please contact us, we would love to assist you further.