Where the Music Begins
Start your drumming journey with private drum lessons designed for all ages and levels. From your first beat to advanced techniques, our skilled instructors will help you build confidence, creativity, and control behind the kit.
Why Choose Long & McQuade for Drums Lessons?
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Experienced Instructors
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Modern Studios with Quality Drums
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A wide range of schedule times to choose from—evenings, weekends, or daytime
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Trusted Across Canada for Music Education Excellence
Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
Drums Lessons for Kids
As young as ages 5-12
What to Expect for Beginners Learning Drums
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Age-appropriate drum kit lessons using games, movement, and rhythm activities
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Positive reinforcement to build confidence and coordination
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Focus on timing, listening skills, basic drum notation, and motor control
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Learn just for fun or start preparing for formal music exams
Learning Outcomes
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Recognize drum sounds and read beginner drum notation
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Develop a steady sense of rhythm and timing
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Improve focus, patience, and coordination through regular practice
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Build confidence and stage presence with optional performance opportunities
Ages 13-18
Drums Lessons for Teens
What Teens Can Expect:
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Personalized music choices—rock, jazz, pop, funk, or contemporary styles
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Options for RCM exam prep or school audition support
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Guidance for school music programs, talent shows, or recording projects
Benefits for Teens:
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Develop creative independence and musical identity
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Build confidence, focus, and discipline through regular practice
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Use music as a positive outlet to manage stress and boost well-being
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Gain a lifelong skill that supports both personal and academic growth
Drums Lessons for Adults & Seniors
All Ages 19+
A Flexible, Enjoyable Approach to Learning
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A wide range of schedule times to choose from—evenings, weekends, or daytime
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Learn the music you enjoy—rock, jazz, pop, funk, or even film soundtracks
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No exams required (unless you’d like to set a goal!)
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Lessons focused on personal enjoyment, growth, or relaxation
Benefits for Adult Students:
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Relieve stress and support mental wellness through music
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Improve coordination, memory, focus, and creativity
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Build a rewarding hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
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No pressure—just progress, confidence, and the joy of drumming
Learn Drums: What Will You Study?
Beginner &
Intermediate
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Proper stick grip and stroke technique
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Basic coordination between hands and feet
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Keeping steady time with a metronome
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Reading drum notation and rhythms
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Core grooves in rock, pop, and funk
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Building simple fills to connect song sections
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Developing rudiments like rolls, flams, and paradiddles
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Dynamics, accents, and tone control
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Playing along with songs and in a band setting
Advanced & Performers
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Expanding speed, endurance, and precision
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Advanced bass drum and hi-hat independence
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Ghost notes, syncopation, and linear drumming
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Styles such as jazz, shuffle, bossa nova, samba, calypso, and Afro-Cuban
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Polyrhythms, ostinatos, and metric modulation
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Soloing and trading phrases with other musicians
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Drum tuning and tone production for live and studio playing
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Audition and gig preparation, from practice to performance
Drumming is a skill that develops over a lifetime. The topics above show what many students start with, but your path can go in countless directions. Whether your goal is to play casually, perform on stage, or build a professional career, lessons give you the foundation and guidance to keep growing as a drummer at every stage.
“I’ve Always Wanted to Learn, But I Don’t Have a Drum Kit”
This is one of the most common concerns we hear—and the good news is: you don’t need to own a drum kit to start drumming.
At Long & McQuade, we make it easy for beginners to begin without the pressure of buying equipment right away. Our free in-store practice rooms come fully equipped with acoustic and electronic drum kits, giving you a quiet, comfortable space to practice between your weekly drum lessons.
Understanding the Different Types of Drum Kits
If you’re thinking about getting your own instrument, here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of drum sets that you can begin considering.
Acoustic Drum Kits
Electric Drum Kits
Hybrid Drum Kits
Traditional drum sets with real drums and cymbals, known for their authentic sound and feel. Acoustic kits require more space and regular tuning/maintenance but offer the most natural playing experience and dynamic range.
Popular with students of all levels, electronic kits mimic the feel of acoustic drums while allowing you to adjust volume, use headphones, and access built-in sounds and practice tools. They’re perfect for quieter practice and small spaces.
Combining acoustic drums with electronic triggers, hybrid kits offer versatility for recording, live performance, and practice—giving you the best of both worlds.
Key Differences and Qualities
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Deliver rich, authentic sound with dynamic sensitivity
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Provide a true, expressive drumming experience favored by professionals
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Perfect for live performances and building solid technique
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Offer adjustable volume and quiet practice with headphones
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Include a variety of sounds and built-in practice tools
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Compact and versatile—ideal for home use and multiple music styles
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Blend the natural feel of acoustic drums with electronic flexibility
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Allow seamless switching between traditional and digital sounds
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Great for recording, live shows, and creative setups
Which Drum Set is Best for Me?
Acoustic kits are great for intermediate to advanced drummers who want full, dynamic sound and professional-level playability.
Electronic kits suit beginners and players with space or noise restrictions, offering flexibility and built-in learning tools.
Hybrid kits fit drummers seeking to combine the best features of acoustic and electronic kits, often for performance or studio work.
Getting Started With Drum Books
If you’re looking to start learning drums, or if you’ve just picked up a drum kit and want to explore a little on your own before starting lessons, these books are a great place to begin. They provide a solid foundation for learning and will help you get started on your drumming journey
Recommendations for Beginner Students
The Drumset Musician
​(2nd Edition Updated & Expanded) - Mattingly/Morgenstein - Book/Audio Online
Hal Leonard Drumset Method
Hal Leonard Drumset Method: Book 1 - Wylie/Bissonette - Book/Media Online
Hal Leonard Drumset Method
HComplete Edition, Books 1 & 2 - Wylie/Bissonette - Book/Media Online
Simple Songs
The Easiest Easy Drum Songbook Ever - Drum Set - Book
Recommendations for Advanced Students
Alfred Publishing
The Art of Bop Drumming - Riley/Thress - Drum Set - Book/Audio Online
Groove
Studios
Groove Evolution: A Guide for Advanced Drum Students - Creed - Drum Set - Book
Meredith Music Publications
Advanced Duets for Snare Drum - Whaley - Snare Drum Duet - Book/Audio Online
Alfred Publishing
Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer - Chapin - Drum Set - Book/2 CDs
👉 If you’re considering starting lessons, it’s usually best to hold off on buying books until after your first class. Your teacher will help determine the best learning path for your goals and interests, ensuring you get the right materials from the start.
"How do I Pick the Right Drum Teacher?"
Choosing the right drum teacher is one of the most important steps in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade Richmond Hill, we know the best instructor is not only skilled but also a great fit for your personality, goals, and learning style.
Whether you’re a parent seeking a patient, encouraging teacher for your child, a teen interested in rock, jazz, or improvisation, or an adult learner looking for a supportive, no-pressure space—we’ll help you find the perfect match for your drum lessons.
"How Can I be Successful in My Drum Lessons?"
It’s not talent. It’s consistency.
Whether you’re 5 or 45, the drummers who progress the most are those who practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
"Should I take any Exams or Tests?"
It really depends on your goals, and how you learn best.
Exams and tests are always optional for music students.For students who want to set structured goals and earn recognition for their progress, music exams can be a great option. In Canada, there are a few main exam boards that percussion and drum students may participate in:
Most Popular Exam Options in Canada
RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
​The RCM is one of the most recognized music education systems in Canada. Their percussion and drum set exams focus on technique, repertoire, sight-reading, ear training, and musicianship. Students work through progressive levels, earning certificates that are widely respected across the country.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
ABRSM is a UK-based program also offered in Canada. Like the RCM, it provides structured grade levels and exams in percussion and drum kit. It places strong emphasis on musicality, listening skills, and well-rounded musicianship.
Trinity College London
Trinity is another UK-based exam board that offers drum kit exams worldwide, including Canada. Trinity is especially popular with drummers who want to focus on contemporary styles. Their exams include technical work, repertoire, and improvisation options, giving students more flexibility in how they demonstrate their skills.
Why Take Exams?
🎓 Exams can help students stay motivated, track progress, and gain a sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that can be used for school credit or future opportunities in music.
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​👉 Not every student needs to pursue exams — some prefer to play for fun or focus on performing. But for those who enjoy having milestones to work toward, exams are an excellent way to celebrate progress and build confidence.
