Drum Lessons for Kids & Teens

Drum Lessons with Real Groove

Starting at age 7, drum lessons at So i Heard Music are high-energy, personalized, and built around real music. Students learn technique, rhythm, coordination, and reading skills using electronic and acoustic kits.

We keep things practical—your child will be playing along to songs from day one, developing skills that actually translate to a band setting.

Private Lessons + Group Experience

All drum students ages 8+ join a band. Weekly private lessons focus on skill-building, while weekly band classes offer the thrill of real group play. Students learn how to lock in with bassists, follow cues, and lead with rhythm.

Playing with others builds confidence, musicality, and momentum.

More Than Just Lessons

Monthly Open Mics: A chance to get on stage and feel the groove.
Recording Studio Access: Track beats and hear your progress.
Interactive Learning: Learn through backing tracks and play-along tools.

Ready to Rock?

Schedule a trial and kickstart your child’s musical journey.

Meet Our Drum Teachers

Nick
Peters
Teacher
EducationMontclair State University
SpecialtyMarching Percussion, Concert Percussion, Piano, Drums, Music Theory
InfluencesRed Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Guiliana, Florence + the Machine, CHON, Steve Reich
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Nick!
With over 10 years of teaching experience, Nick is a passionate music educator specializing in piano, percussion, and music theory. Since 2014, he has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, teaching in both group and one-on-one settings. Nick holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Montclair State University, where he was recognized with the Outstanding Undergraduate Composer Award. His expertise spans piano (Western Classical, Pop, Rock), drum set (Pop, Rock, Progressive Rock), and concert percussion, as well as marching percussion. Nick takes a patient, methodical, and student-centered approach to teaching. He believes in building strong fundamentals and encourages critical thinking through the use of open-ended questions, allowing students to reach conclusions on their own terms. Through both his teaching and music arranging, he has elevated numerous high school band and percussion programs across New Jersey, leading many of them to great success, including winning multiple national championships. Whether guiding beginners or advanced musicians, he tailors his lessons to meet each student’s unique needs, ensuring they grow confidently and enjoyably.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I believe in giving my students the resources and building blocks to learn and understand concepts on their own. This can help them to grow organically and not feel as if they are simply being spoon-fed information. I also love posing questions to my students to encourage critical thinking. I am a huge proponent of the fundamentals: a good foundation in technique and music theory can support the student as they grow into the type of musician that they would eventually like to be!
My Advice For Students
Discover what you like about music, and strive to learn more about it. Exploring new concepts and developing your taste can become a huge part of the fun! We have an incredible amount of music both past and present available at our fingertips. Even if you spent your entire life playing, you would never run out of things to learn. It may seem intimidating, but everyone needs to begin somewhere!
My Favorite Local Places
NJPAC in Newark, NJ Rockwood Music Hall in NYC The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC
My Music
I'm a composer who loves percussion, electronic music, and minimalism. This is a recording from my Senior Composition Recital of a jazz piece titled "Frazil". It was written about ice crystals that form under moving bodies of water called "frazil ice."
Rob
Fragnito
Teacher
EducationThe Collective School of Music
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Drums, Voice
InfluencesThe Beatles, Radiohead, Beethoven, Miles Davis, John Bonham
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Rob!
I am a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Drums, Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Music Production. I have been playing drums since I was 12 and piano since I was 8. I have performed in many different bands as a drummer, keyboardist and songwriter/singer. I have a lot of experience performing on stage and working in recording studios. I graduated from Music College in a degree in performance and music theory. I have been teaching for many years and love to share my passion and knowledge with my students. I have studied many different genres. From jazz and rock to classical and funk. I personally like to combine all styles and create music that is interesting and innovative. Also, having a good beat and catchy melody is most important! I think it's important to be influenced by many different styles and sounds. I look to instill this in my students and encourage them to think outside the box and explore different types of music that they normally wouldn't listen to.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
Whether you're a beginner or experienced I like to start slow and get a sense of the instrument. We do this through fun warmups! For me it's all about music so I also try to get a sense of what kind of music the student enjoys. Listening to songs and understanding what the musicians are doing is a great way to becoming better at your chosen instrument.
My Advice For Students
Remember music is all about having fun. Relax, it's okay to make mistakes. Actually making mistakes is the only way to get better.
My Favorite Local Places
Rockwood Music Hall Newark Museum Smalls Jazz Club QXT's Night Club The MET
My Music
I currently play in a band called Moon Rabbit Retreat. If this doesn't showcase my skill set,I don't know what will. In the band I play drums, keyboards and sing. It's easier than it sounds!
Tim
Schwerdt
Music Therapist, Teacher
EducationBerklee College of Music
SpecialtyMusic Therapy, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production
InfluencesLed Zeppelin, Muse, Gojira, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Wonder
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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Hi, I'm Tim!
I grew up playing and exploring as many instruments as possible to get a feel for the language and nature of music. As an informed multi-instrumentalist, I pursued an education in the Recording Arts in order to understand how to be a producer and engineer. My explorations taught me that a huge passion of mine is relating to others on a more personal level. As such, I furthered my education to become a Music Therapist. My life mission is to help others achieve their goals through music.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I like to ask students to share with me the type of music that most interests them. Preferences guide the learning journey every day and can especially inspire us to continue persevere through difficult challenges.
My Advice For Students
Listen to music every day. Find out exactly what appeals to you and what doesn't so you can talk to a teacher or mentor about how to best help you along your musical journey.
My Favorite Sources of Inspiration
I find inspiration from being in nature and with people. I love meeting new people and helping them along their musical journey anyway I can. I go to concerts about three times a month to discover new artists, and support musicians I already listen to. Movie and Video games are also hugely important sources of music. I find myself exploring YouTube for content from all around the world to share with others.

Drum Lessons

Learn More About Lessons at So i Heard Music

Age Range

Skill Range

Accessibility

Locations Offered

Drum Lessons with Real Groove

Private Lessons + Group Experience

More Than Just Lessons

Ready to Rock?

Drum Lessons Unlike Any Other

Packed with Technology

Student Centered Approach

Technique & Theory Based

Meet Our Drum Teachers

Hi, I'm Nick!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

My Music

Hi, I'm Rob!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

My Music

Hi, I'm Tim!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Sources of Inspiration

Learn More