The path

Four levels, from first sticks to a band

Every student starts at the pad and moves up when the playing is ready, not on a clock.

01
Rudiments
Any age, from six
Skills
- Hold the sticks and sit at the pad
- Play single strokes, double strokes and a paradiddle slowly and evenly
- Count aloud while you play
- Read a short line of drum notation
Moving up
Your teacher moves you on when the strokes sound even. Every student moves at their own pace.
02
Grooves
Any age, after the pad
Skills
- Play the hi-hat, snare and bass drum together
- Keep time with a metronome
- Learn beats from rock, blues, pop and shuffle styles
- Start and stop on a count of four
Moving up
Your teacher moves you on when a beat stays steady through a whole song. Every student moves at their own pace.
03
Fills
Any age, after a groove
Skills
- Move around the toms in time
- Move into a new part of a song with a fill
- End a fill on the beat
- Choose where a fill belongs
Moving up
Your teacher moves you on when your fills land where they should. Every student moves at their own pace.
04
Playing with others
Ages 12 and up
Skills
- Follow a bass player and a guitarist
- Play quietly under a singer
- Start after a count-in and finish together
- Play a short set at a showcase
Moving up
There is no step after this one. Students keep playing in ensemble hours for as long as they like.

Where to startTry a class

Sample levels.

Levels describe what you are working on. They are not grades.

Not sure where you would start?

Try a class and a teacher will place you. Most beginners start at the pad.

Try a class Call the school