Drum Lessons
Individual, Private Drum Lessons in Glen Echo, MD; Kensington, MD; and Online
The Washington Conservatory of Music provides individual, drum lessons for all skill levels.
The youngest recommended age for starting drum set lessons is age 10. We welcome adult students at all stages of learning, from beginners to advanced.
Lessons at WCM aren’t just about learning the drums; they open doors to exciting performance opportunities, competitions, bands, and even elite summer programs. At the Washington Conservatory, your child isn’t just learning an instrument—they’re building a foundation for a lifelong love of music.
Have questions?
Our staff is here to help you find the perfect class or private lesson!
World-Class Faculty
At Washington Conservatory of Music, we’re proud to have world-class faculty trained at some of the most prestigious institutions, including The Juilliard School, Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and New England Conservatory. Our faculty have performed on stages in Washington, D.C. and around the globe, won international awards, and collaborated with renowned artists.
Every session is personalized to each student’s level or experience—whether they’re just beginning or building a lifelong love of music. Our faculty are known for their warm, patient, and empathetic teaching style that helps each student progress confidently at their own pace. Meet our Guitar teachers.
Scheduling & Availability
At Washington Conservatory of Music, we offer private drum lessons in 30-, 45-, 60-, or 90-minute sessions throughout an 18-week semester.
You can register at any time during the year, and we’ll work with you to find the best lessons times that work for your schedule. Our instructors are available after school, in the evenings, and on weekends.
Tuition
Our tuition is designed to reflect the quality and depth of instruction you can expect:
- 30-minute lessons: $1170
- 45-minute lessons: $1710
- 60-minute lessons: $2160
- 90-minute lessons: Inquire within
Pro-rated options available if you join after the semester has started. We also offer a split semester payment plan. Learn more about tuition.
Student Opportunities
We provide a number of wonderful opportunities to students in addition to regular one-on-one lessons. Students may take advantage of these opportunities to further develop their musical skills, reinforce their sense of achievement, and engage with the larger school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should a student be to start lessons?
Recommended age: 7+. Guitar instruction can begin when a child has developed the fine motor skills to hold the instrument properly, press the strings to produce a consistent tone, and remain focused for a half-hour one-on-one lesson. Starting lessons before a child is developmentally ready may lead to unnecessary frustration and disengagement. Early guitar lessons help young musicians learn to connect the physical act of playing with written musical notation, making the guitar a fun and engaging introduction to the world of music.
Are online or remote lessons available?
Yes, our online music lessons and online music classes are led by the same faculty of professional musicians and music teachers as in-person music lessons and music classes. You’ll receive the same expert, personalized teaching that you would receive in the studio and classroom. The online music lessons are available using the Zoom video conferencing platform and are easy to set up on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Our staff is available to guide you through the process if you have any questions.
Does a student need to have a drum set to take lessons?
Each lesson room at The Washington Conservatory includes a drum set for instruction.
Are auditions required to enroll?
No, auditions are not required. As a community music school, Washington Conservatory of Music provides exceptional music instruction to students of all skill levels.
What happens if a student misses a lesson?
- One missed lesson per semester may be made up only if students report the absence to the WCM office 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. This privilege applies only to students who have enrolled during the first seven weeks of the semester.
- All teacher absences due to professional obligations, teacher illness, or emergencies will be made up by arrangement between teacher and student.
- If WCM closes due to inclement weather, all missed lessons and classes will be rescheduled.
- WCM’s academic calendar includes scheduled makeup days for each teaching day of the week. Makeup lessons may also be given on a day other than the student’s regular lesson day, if the teacher is available.
- Once agreed upon, makeup lesson times cannot be rescheduled. A missed makeup lesson cannot be made up.
- With the agreement of the student and teacher, makeup lessons may be conducted remotely via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.
- Summer lessons missed because of student absences will not be made up.
Is financial aid available?
WCM offers a limited number of scholarships for students up to age 18 of limited financial means who demonstrate commitment to musical study. To be considered, students must submit an application with a copy of their most recent federal tax return or equivalent. Timely receipt of completed application does not guarantee a scholarship.
Can students withdraw or receive refunds?
Students who enroll in individual lessons during the academic year are entitled to a three-week assessment period, during which they can request a prorated tuition refund, minus the non-refundable registration fee. Students are eligible for a prorated refund only if they notify their teacher and the WCM office no later than one day after their third scheduled lesson. Refunds will not be issued if requested more than one day after the third lesson. New students enrolling in summer lessons will not receive a refund if they withdraw.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students of all ages have regular opportunities to participate in student recitals, juried recitals, honors recitals, and studio classes. Due to COVID-19, recitals are currently being held over Zoom to ensure the health and safety of students, their families, and our music teachers. Please see Student Opportunities for more information.
Custom Ensembles
Interested in playing a specific style of music in a small ensemble? We will gladly form chamber music, jazz, rock, vocal, and instrumental ensembles by request. Contact us for more information