Drums & Percussion Private Lessons
Welcome to the Drum and Percussion Department. Our percussion students jam on familiar songs and rhythms, including rock and roll, classical, jazz, contemporary music as well as a myriad of percussion styles from around the globe. Students learn drum notation, rhythmic studies, limb independence and stick technique. Students prepare and perform for recitals with a live ensemble, giving them a real-world experience as a drummer.
How To Register
All private lesson registrations must be completed by phone or in-person. To schedule a trial lesson, re-enroll, or get help finding the right instructor, please call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.
Percussion Faculty
The BKCM Percussion Department faculty is a dynamic group of professional performers and educators who focus on a wide variety of percussion, from drum kit to global percussion traditions.
2026-27 Tuition & Financial Aid
16-WEEK SEMESTER*
30-minute lessons: $1,792
45-minute lessons: $2,064
60-minute lessons: $2,372
32-WEEK ANNUAL*
30-minute lessons: $3,584
45-minute lessons: $4,128
60-minute lessons: $4,744
* 16-week single-semester lessons are only open to students 18 and up.
Enrolled private lesson students get a significant discount on group classes and ensembles.
Fees: There is a $55 Registration Fee charged once per family per school year upon registration. Students who choose to enroll using one of our automatic payment plan options must provide a valid credit card for all scheduled installment payments, and pay a $55 Payment Plan Fee, charged once per school year, per family.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To learn more and apply, visit the link below.
Percussion Department Resources
Purchasing an Instrument
We recommend speaking with your drum instructor first if you have not purchased an instrument. They will be the best resource to help you decide which drums to purchase and guide you toward an instrument that suits your playing goals, physique and level. Teachers will also make recommendations regarding drum sticks and other percussion gear and materials to help you on your journey.
Playing in an Ensemble
We encourage our drum students to join one of our many ensembles as there is no substitute for performing with others. Many jazz students join one of our jazz programs or ensembles for adults and students ages 10 and up including the BKCM Jazz Travelers, Jazz Instrumental Lab, Blues Band and Brass & Woodwind Ensembles.
All Private Lesson Offerings:
Private music lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM, available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from our diverse, world-class faculty, we match each student to a teacher whose approach fits their learning style and musical goals. No audition or experience is required to begin private music lessons.
For guidance in finding an instructor or to register for a trial lesson, call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.