CLEAR WEEKLY DIRECTION.
REAL PROGRESS BEHIND THE KIT.
Private weekly drum lessons in St. Catharines for beginners, developing drummers, and church drummers.
CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN.
A great fit for kids, teens, beginners, and students who benefit from a focused weekly lesson.
A great fit for adults, church drummers, experienced players, and students who want more time for deeper coaching.
The longer format gives us more room for technique, musical application, songs, timing, reading, independence, questions, and focused work on specific weaknesses.
FAMILIES: The 60-minute rate is also available to families with two students taking back-to-back 30-minute lessons, which works out to $90 per student per month.
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
You don't need to decide before your first lesson.
Come in for the Free Trial, and we’ll figure out what format makes the most sense based on your age, experience, goals, and how you learn.
STRUCTURED CURRICULUM. PERSONAL COACHING.
Most students follow a structured curriculum that develops the core skills of drumming in a clear, progressive order:
Timing • Coordination • Technique • Independence • Reading • Grooves • Fills • Dynamics • Musicality • And More…
Lessons also adapt to your goals, strengths, weaknesses, and musical interests. Bring in songs, grooves, videos, or questions you want to explore.
The curriculum gives us direction. Personal coaching makes it yours.
THE LESSON IS ONLY PART OF IT
For most students, the goal is 15 minutes of focused practice, 4 to 5 days per week, adjusted when appropriate for age, experience, and goals.
You don't need to practice for hours. You do need to practice consistently.
We have fun here, but we're also here to get better.
FOLLOWING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR
Regular weekly lessons run from September 7 through June 17, with students keeping the same reserved lesson time each week.
The teaching year follows the school calendar, which means:
Regular teaching hours are Monday through Thursday, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., subject to availability.
SUMMER LESSONS ARE OPTIONAL!
July and August are considered the studio's summer off-season. Students are not expected or required to continue lessons during the summer.
I do continue to offer a limited number of lessons for students who want them, but with reduced hours and more flexible scheduling to accommodate my professional playing and gig schedule.
Regular weekly scheduling resumes in September.
PAYMENT AND PROCESSING
Monthly tuition is:
Monthly tuition is due before the 1st of each month and reserves your recurring weekly lesson time for the month ahead.
*E-transfer is currently the preferred payment method*
I'm also working toward offering automatic credit card payments and automated invoices for students and families who prefer them.
Payment and invoicing details will be provided when you register for ongoing lessons.
***Monthly tuition is due before the 1st of each month. Your recurring lesson time is confirmed once tuition is received. Unpaid lesson times may be made available to another student.
MISSED LESSONS & MAKEUPS
Your weekly lesson time is reserved specifically for you, so student absences are not refunded or deducted from tuition.
Students may receive up to two makeup opportunities during the September to June teaching year, one during each half of the year, subject to scheduling availability.
IMPORTANT: If I need to cancel, I'll make every reasonable effort to reschedule. If that isn't possible, you'll receive a lesson credit.
STARTING & ENDING LESSONS
There is no full-school-year commitment required. Lessons are billed one month at a time.
As much as I hate to see any student leave, I understand that schedules, finances, interests, and circumstances can change. If you need to pause or discontinue lessons, please give me as much notice as possible so I can make your recurring lesson time available to another student.
Once monthly tuition has been paid, that month's tuition is non-refundable. If lessons are discontinued partway through a month, there is no refund or credit for the remaining lessons that month.
Your recurring lesson time remains available through the end of the month you've already paid for, and no further tuition will be due.
INSTRUMENT, GEAR AND MORE
You don't need a drum kit before your first lesson. Beginners are welcome to try my drums before investing in their own equipment.
If you decide to continue, I expect students to have access to a practice pad and drum kit within a reasonable period of time.
I generally recommend an acoustic kit when space and noise allow, although a good electronic kit can also be a practical option.
Regular time behind the instrument is essential for developing coordination, timing, grooves, fills, dynamics, and musicality.
Not sure what to buy?
Ask me first! I'm happy to help you find the right kit, practice pad, and sticks for your space, budget, and goals.
PARENTS ARE WELCOME!
Parents and guardians are always welcome and encouraged to sit in on their child's lessons whenever possible.
As a father of five, I understand the trust involved when a parent places their child in another adult's care and instruction, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Sitting in is never required, but it can also help you understand what your child is learning and how to support their practice at home.
FAQ
I teach kids, teens, adult beginners, church drummers, and more experienced players who want to keep improving.
Whether you've never held a pair of drumsticks or you've been playing for years and feel stuck, we'll start where you are and figure out what you need to work on next.
Most kids are ready to begin around 7 or 8 years old, although every child is different.
Being able to comfortably reach the pedals, follow instructions, and stay engaged for a 30-minute lesson are good signs that they're ready.
If you're unsure, that's exactly what the free trial lesson is for.
Absolutely. Many adults have wanted to play drums for years but never had the opportunity to start. You don't need previous musical experience, and you're not too old to learn.
That's completely fine. Rhythm, timing, coordination, and musical awareness are all skills that can be developed. We'll start with the fundamentals and build from there.
My goal is to remove the guesswork from learning drums. Rather than bouncing between random exercises and tutorials, you'll get clear weekly direction, personal feedback, and structured progression based on your ability and goals. I also leave room for curiosity. Bring in songs, grooves, fills, videos, or questions you're excited about.
Know what to practice. Understand why it matters. Know what comes next.
Not immediately.
Beginners can use my drum kit during lessons while deciding whether drumming is something they want to pursue.
If you decide to continue, I expect you to have access to a suitable drum kit and practice pad within a reasonable period of time. Regular access to the instrument is an important part of making progress.
You don't need expensive equipment. I'm happy to help you choose a kit, practice pad, and sticks that make sense for your budget, space, noise requirements, and goals.
For most students, the target is approximately 15 minutes of focused practice, 5 to 6 days per week.
That can vary with age, experience, and goals.
You don't need marathon practice sessions. Consistent, focused practice throughout the week matters far more.
COME TRY THE DRUMS!
You don't need to choose a lesson length, buy a drum kit, understand music notation, or commit to months of lessons before walking through the door.
Your first 30-minute private lesson is free.
We'll talk about what you want to accomplish, get behind the kit, and play.
Then you can decide whether SteveDrumLessons is right for you or your child.