The 8 Best Drum Lessons in Toronto [2022]

The best drum lessons in Toronto can get you to pro status in no time!

There’s nothing like playing the drums. Rock along to your favourite songs or improve your musical knowledge. Everyone knows the drums are the secret glue to any song! 

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning how to play the drums, you’re in luck because Toronto is home to many drum teachers. Whether you want to get on stage or jam out with friends, these Toronto drum schools can help you reach your full drumming potential!

We selected these Toronto drum teachers based on student reviews, reputation, teaching method, and ability to accommodate all learning styles. These schools are welcome to all students so beginners and pros alike have a lot to learn!

Toronto’s a city that loves its music. Learn another instrument at the best piano lessons and enjoy other people playing at the best live music venues in Toronto!

Summary

What's the Average Cost of Drum Lessons in Toronto?

The average cost of drum lessons in Toronto is $40 – $60 per hour session. 

This price will vary depending on the length and frequency of lessons, as well as the location and experience of the instructor. Taking drum lessons from a well-known instructor at a music school will cost more than taking lessons from a recent graduate teaching out of their home.

Some instructors may offer a discount for multiple students or for booking a block of lessons in advance. 

The Best Drum Lessons in Toronto

Now that you know how much drum lessons cost in Toronto, it’s time to find the perfect instructor for you! Here are our top picks for the best drum lessons in Toronto:

1. School of Rock

School of Rock provides simple yet effective drum lessons for beginners that bypass entry-level pad training. School of Rock offers a world-renowned music program that has been teaching drum lessons to kids and adults for decades. 

The program is designed to give students the skills they need in order to play basic rhythms, melodies and beats on drums. Through private lessons, group rehearsals, and live performances, students will learn introductory rudiments to drum fills and solos. This ensures that they are able to start playing the drums in a safe and organized manner from the very beginning. 

The program uses performance-based instruction, which allows students to develop musical proficiency through hands-on learning experiences. In addition, the School of Rock Method emphasizes student creativity and self-expression, resulting in true success for each individual.

 All of their programs (even the beginner drum programs for kids like Rookies and Rock 101) include a performance aspect. Their highly-skilled instructors teach students everything from basic techniques to advanced rhythms, so they can develop their musical skills no matter what level they are at! 

They also have given more drummers a start in the business than any other music program in the world, so if it’s something you’ve been looking for – don’t hesitate!

Business Information:

Website: schoolofrock.com
Telephone: +16472187625
Address: 150 Bullock Dr, Markham, ON L3P 1W2

Customer Review Highlight:

“ My son Tyler enjoys playing and learning drums at School of Rock! The instructors are great and very helpful and friendly. He looks forward to lessons and rehearsals every week. “

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2. Toronto Arts Academy

Toronto Arts Academy is dedicated to helping its students reach their music goals. The school offers a range of classes and programs, including drum lessons for kids, teens and adults. From the front desk to your chosen teacher at Toronto Arts Academy – everyone cares about you and your music journey! 

They will provide guidance, support and resources so that you can achieve your musical dreams. At Toronto Arts Academy, you will explore fundamental elements of drumming via technique, timing, reading and groove. They also use different songs so that you can explore tempo, style and fills. 

This class is perfect for those who want to learn how to play the drums the right way – correctly and with proper rhythm. Toronto Arts Academy offers Drum Lesson Toronto classes that are designed to help you grow on the drum kit at your own pace with the best Drum Teachers in Toronto. 

Many of their teachers come from diverse world-music backgrounds, with broad experience exploring drumming to enhance your playing and enjoyment of music. You will feel very comfortable and welcome at their academy, as they will help you learn drums techniques step-by-step.

So whether you’re new to drums or an experienced drummer looking for more advanced training, this academy is sure to provide what you need and make playing enjoyable!

Business Information:

Website: torontoartsacademy.com
Telephone: +16477482787
Address: 538 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1B4

Customer Review Highlight:

“ Highly recommend!!! Both my kids love their lessons at Toronto Arts Academy. The teachers are amazing--very patient and great at keeping them motivated. The office staff is awesome, very friendly and super helpful when it comes to coordinating lessons for this busy mom. “

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3. Bloor West Music Studios

Bloor West Music Studios offers drum lessons for all ages. Whether you’re a beginning musician looking to improve your skills or an experienced player seeking new challenges, Bloor West Music Studios is sure to have the class for you! 

At their music studio, they offer both private music lessons and an inspirational band and ensemble program. They provide musical goals for all students, conduct their own exams and also prepare students to participate in Royal Conservatory exams. 

Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the best possible education. 

At Bloor West Music Studios, they believe that community can have a profound impact on their students’ lives. They offer numerous music programs and events to allow their students to connect with others in the community. 

Bloor West Music Studios offers yearly recitals for all levels as well as monthly student gigs at their local cafe. This way, the students can regularly showcase their talent and skill set in an environment where they are accepted and appreciated!

Business Information:

Website: bloorwestmusicstudios.com
Telephone: +14166043176
Address: 2228a Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1N6

Customer Review Highlight:

“ The studio was a great place for our son to begin his musical journey. The experience here helped him to build a great foundation and it will carry him through his post-secondary life and eventual career in music performance and business. “

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4. Elite Music Academy

Elite Music Academy provides students with an opportunity to learn from some of Canada’s top musicians in a fun and interactive environment. If you’re looking to develop your musicianship and learn how to perform professionally on stage, then Elite Music Academy is the perfect place for you. 

Elite Music Academy is a premier drum school in Toronto that offers outstanding lessons. They’ll teach you how to play Rock, Jazz, Metal, Afro or Latin thoroughly and enthusiastically, plus give you the support of an entire music community with plenty of opportunities for performance. 

Their drum lessons are available online, in-studio & at home which makes it convenient for people of all ages and musical abilities to get started learning the drums. Their instructors are renowned experts in their field, and they will help you develop your skills until you become a professional musician. 

In addition, they offer classes for all levels of experience – from beginner level up to advanced courses, so whether you’re just starting out or have some experience under your belt, they can tailor a course specifically for you! So why not give them a try?

Business Information:

Website: elitemusic.ca
Telephone: +14164065355
Address: 822 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L6

Customer Review Highlight:

“ Elite Music school creates a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment for their students. Although I am a mature student, I never feel out of place. I have a wonderful, talented and very friendly teacher who has a great sense of humor. I would recommend Elite Academy to student of all ages and all levels. “

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5. Kaos Music Centre

Kaos Music Centre is a trusted source for music lovers in Etobicoke. The store has been open since September 1989 and has helped thousands of customers purchase their dream instrument(s). 

In addition, the school offers music lessons to hundreds of thousands of people over the years. This ensures that no matter what your musical interests are, you will be able to find everything you need at Kaos Music Centre. 

They have drum lessons for kids and adults. They offer both group and individual sessions, as well as video lessons, which allow learners to learn at their own pace and in a comfortable environment. 

The teachers are experts in teaching the drums, and they will help you develop your skills properly so that you can enjoy playing the instrument either as a hobby or for professional purposes.

So whether you’re looking to learn how to play drums in a fun and safe environment or take your drumming skills to the next level, Kaos Music Centre has something for you!

Business Information:

Website: kaosmusiccentre.com
Telephone: +14162332232
Address: 3016 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1C4

Customer Review Highlight:

“ Always a pleasure to visit Kaos. The team there are knowledgeable, super helpful, and they are musicians as well. Always my first stop for my music needs! “

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6. Neighbor Note

Neighbor Note is a family music school that focuses on providing students with the opportunity to tap into their hidden artistic potential. Their goal is to help each student develop their musical skills and learn about the importance of collaboration. 

They offer classes for both children and adults, and their staff consists of some of the best minds in music. Whether you play small or large percussion instruments or a full-size drum kit, you’re going to make some noise and relieve stress with them! 

Neighbor Note offers specialized drum lessons in a variety of music styles. These include Jazz, Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, and Ska. They offer a variety of classes and programs that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of students. 

At Neighbor Note, they teach their students the values of discipline, study, and constructive criticism—traits that will help them thrive in all areas of their life. As their students progress through their program, they will also learn how to apply these valuable skills in a variety of situations and settings.

So if this is something you`ve been dreaming of doing – get in touch with them now!

Business Information:

Website: neighbournote.ca
Telephone: +14165337791
Address: 407 Annette St, Toronto, ON M6P 1R7

Customer Review Highlight:

“ My son is 6 years old taking drums/piano lessons at Neighbour Note. My son is a very active boy who loves to see his teacher John every week. John is a great teacher, patient and professional. I only paid for drum lessons, but John is so kind to teach my son piano lessons at no charge. If you looking for music lessons, I highly recommend Neighbour Note. “

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7. Hanway Music School In Markham

Hanway Music is a music school that offers solo and accompaniment drum lessons for all types of musical genre. The school’s instructors are experienced professionals who will teach you the basics of playing drums in a variety of styles, including R&B, Rock, Pop, or Jazz. Hanway Music offers an interactive and affordable way to learn the drums.

At Hanway, they strive to provide the best quality of music lessons combined with after-lesson support. The school provides drumsticks, a drum pad, and a lesson book. These tools make learning the drums fun and easy. 

They believe that every student has the potential to shine. That’s why they host a collective student recital each year, which gives their students an opportunity to perform on stage and gain insights into other peers’ performance styles. This allows them to develop their skills as performers and also build valuable relationships with one another. 

In addition, this event provides their students with an invaluable first-hand experience of performing in front of an audience. Their teaching staff is experienced and engaging, ensuring that each student has a fun and challenging learning experience. 

Regardless of your level or interests in music, they at Hanway are confident that they can offer you everything you need to improve your skills!

Business Information:

Website: hwmusic.ca
Telephone: +16476078901
Address: 400 Esna Park Dr #18, Markham, ON L3R 3K2

Customer Review Highlight:

“ Been with Hanway Music since before the pandemic begins and would like to offer an honest review. My two boys have been learning piano, drum and guitar this past year and I would like to say the teachers have been very professional in attending all the virtual lessons. We recently came back to in person learning and my kids were thrilled to see their teacher! “

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8. The lane School of Music

The Lane School of Music offers nurturing, engaging music lessons to help children develop their inner musicians. Parents can trust the specialists at this school to guide their children toward success. 

The institution provides a variety of classes for all levels of musicianship, from beginner level up to advanced studies. With one-on-one private lessons in drums, they ensure that each student progresses at their own pace. 

Their group classes are also designed to give students the opportunity to learn musical and ensemble skills together as a group. This provides an environment where students can share ideas and collaborate with others, which is essential for developing teamwork skills.

If you’re interested in learning to play the piano or any other musical instrument, The Lane School of Music has a variety of lesson structures that will allow you or your child to flourish and make beautiful music in no time. 

They also provide you with great drum teachers who keep your interest piqued while also pushing you to learn and practice piano at a higher level each week which ensures that you are able to develop your musical skills in an environment that is both fun and challenging!

Business Information:

Website: laneschoolofmusic.com
Telephone: +16473171254
Address: 2077a Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 4X5

Customer Review Highlight:

“ Rebecca and her team are passionate professionals we'd highly recommend. If you live in the east end (and are too far away to come to us haha) this is an excellent school to consider. Quality education from great people. Don't hesitate to give them a call! “

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FAQs About Playing the Drums

It takes about 3 months to get a handle on the basics like basic drum beats and gripping drumsticks properly, and 6 months to play along with the music. If you want to be in a band, it will likely take 2 to 3 years to reach that playing skill.
You should practice the drums for at least 30 minutes a day as a beginner. If you’re a more advanced player, practice for an hour.
Yes, you can teach yourself the drums. As long as you’re disciplined and dedicated, you can be a great teacher. However, by going to a professional drum teacher, you can learn proper technique, and theory, and focus on your drum playing.
No, you’re never too old to learn the drums! Generally, it’s best to start playing at 6 or 7, but 60 and 70 are not too late.

Final Thoughts

The drums are an amazing instrument just waiting for you to learn. Impress all your friends with unreal drum beats. Like all instruments, learning the drums promotes dedication, hard work, and the mastery of a skill. Toronto has many drum teachers who can help you reach your drum goals, whatever they are!

So if you want to learn the drums, you have to check out the best drum lessons in Toronto!

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