From first stick grip to full kit and studio work.
Drums lessons
Drumset and percussion lessons taught by working drummers. Time, feel and independence built in a studio with real kits, real teachers, and no shortcuts.
Free
First trial lesson
1-on-1
Private format
30 / 45 / 60
Minute options
Since 1965
Teaching families
5 stars on Google
Trusted by hundreds of families
Teaching since 1965
60+ years in the neighbourhood
RCM exam prep
Certified professional teachers
Voted #1 by NOW Magazine
Best music school in the GTA for private lessons
Our approach
Three ways students study drums here.
Every student's program is built around them. These are the three tracks most students fall into.
- 01
Beginner
Grip, timing and coordination. First grooves, first fills, and how to keep steady time.
- 02
Intermediate
Genre fluency across rock, funk, jazz and pop. Chart reading and playing with a click.
- 03
Advanced
Studio-session skills, odd time, brushes, and building a personal voice on the kit.
What's included
Every drums student gets.
A private lesson is more than the 30 minutes on the schedule. Here is what comes with your weekly slot.
- Weekly one-on-one lesson at 214 Laird Drive
- A program designed around your goals and repertoire
- Practice roadmap and follow-up between lessons
- Recital and performance opportunities each year
- Exam preparation if you want the RCM path
- A studio full of teachers you can lean on
Faculty
Meet your drums teachers.
Working musicians with decades of stage and studio experience, teaching one-on-one.
Jay Burak
Drum Teacher & General Manager
A Humber Jazz graduate mentored by Paul Robson, Jay has been part of the school since 1994. Steady, patient, and endlessly practical.
Robin Boers
Drum Teacher & Department Head
Best known for his work with the Ugly Ducklings, Robin has been drumming since the sixties and teaching at the school since 1980.
Tim Stokes-Rees
Drum & Guitar Teacher
A working drummer and guitarist of 30+ years, Tim moves fluently between pop, classic rock, jazz trio and modern cover bands.
Student stories
What drums families tell us.
A few notes from drums students and parents from around the neighbourhood.
“Was in TO for 5 weeks over the summer. Originally was looking to do group lessons, but ended up with private lessons at a very reasonable rate. Other than having a great instructor (thanks Robin!), I was introduced to Cubase 5, which has now become a regular part of my drum practice repertoire (now that I am back in Budapest), which has helped improve my music reading skills immensely. Drum-learning wise, the best call I've ever made!”
Laszlo Reichel
“Amazing lessons, relaxed but focused atmosphere, great place to meet other musicians and students.”
Matija Krunic
“Great staff, friendly environment! Matthew rocks!”
Layal S.
FAQ
Good questions we hear often.
Have another? Reach out. We'll happily answer before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDo we need a kit at home?
A practice pad is enough to start. Many students add an electronic kit within the first few months.
Rental?
Yes. A free one-month drumset rental (value $50) with an 8-lesson commitment.
How loud is the studio?
Our drum rooms are treated and isolated. Lessons are comfortable at real playing volume.
How it starts
From first message to first lesson.
- 1
Get in touch
Tell us about the student, age, prior experience and goals.
- 2
Free trial lesson
Meet a drums teacher and try a full lesson at no cost.
- 3
Weekly lessons
Lock in a regular slot that fits your school or work week.
Next lesson
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Nearby neighbourhoods
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First lesson is on us
Book a free drums trial lesson.
Meet a drums teacher, try a full lesson, and see if the studio is a good fit. No fees, no obligation.
Get in touch
Book a free drums trial lesson.
Tell us the student's age and any experience, and we'll match them to the right drums teacher.
- Google reviewsRated 5.0
- Established1965 · Leaside
- CurriculumRCM exam prep
- PressVoted #1 by NOW Magazine