Saturday, March 25th
2023 Drum Lesson Program Reviews
Mike's Lessons
- $269.90/Year, $149.95/6 Months, or $29.99/Month
- 1-week free trial
- Single teacher
- Synchronous learning
- Livestreamed lessons = real-time interaction
- Progress tracking & homework
- Cultural Focus
Run by teacher Mike Johnson, Mikes Lessons mixes the modes of video modules, Livestream lessons, and Virtual Shed Sessions. These drum lessons create an online synchronous learning environment where students and their instructor can connect in real time. One of the standout features of Mikes Lessons is the focus on culture. Mikes Lessons provides background on the musical styles you'll learn, focusing on origins and culture in drumming.
Live lessons
One of the standout features of Mikes Lessons is the focus on face time. Instead of being completely asynchronous, like many competitors, Mikes Lessons highlight the importance of being in a space together, live, where you can learn from the instructor, other students, and ask questions as you go. Mike also facilitates Virtual Shed Sessions where he will offer play sessions in a live virtual setting. This allows students to "trade fills, trade 4's," and complete call and response exercises to develop improv skills.
Camp Rock
Outside of the website, Mikes Lessons organizes "drum camps" where Intermediate and Advanced level students can sign up for a 5-day crash course in person. These cost almost $1,400 before travel and lodging, but offer a unique space to get that real-life drumming experience that most online courses leave out.
Tracking your costs
While still cheaper than many private drum lesson options, Mikes Lessons is a little more expensive than the other drum education options on our list. There are three payment options, annually, bi-annually, and monthly, to help you offset the cost. However, Mikes Lessons offers fewer downloadable options and no play-along tracks as part of the package, making the value for the increased price a question when compared to some of the other lessons. And, if you want to get involved in the extras, you're looking at yearly commitments in the thousands. However, Mikes Lessons does offer a week-long free trial, so if you want to get your feet wet and see if this education program is worth it, you have the option to give it a no-cost try.
Tools for success
On top of Livestream and asynchronous video modules, Mikes Lessons utilizes GrooveScribe, a free transcription tool to help you build your own drumlines, transcribe your practice sessions, and put together songs you'd like to play in the future. It's a unique interactive feature that ties in with the homework methodology of Mikes Lessons. On top of GrooveScribe, Mikes Lessons also helps you by providing downloadable progress tracking sheets and homework to upload for feedback. It makes you feel like you're taking a traditional class with a guided path and clear goals.
Great option - but not ideal for every schedule
For students looking for that teacher-student connection in music lessons, Mikes Lessons is a great option. The 1 week free trial will allow you time to get to know Mike's style and the lesson format before you commit to a monthly or annual payment. However, for many learners who rely on asynchronous content to fit drumming into their busy schedule, they may find that Mikes' live lessons and pricey camps don't fit in with their distance-learning needs.
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Where Can You Find the Best Online Drum Lessons?
If you always feel like tapping your toe along to a beat, you've already got the itch for drumming. Music is a big part of all of our lives, and it makes sense if you want to dedicate a little time to learning a new skill for something you love. If you feel the rhythm, you've got to play.
Traditionally music lessons have always been at a private home, music shop, or music school - definitely not the best options for someone with an already busy lifestyle. However, with the boom of online learning you no longer have to worry about drive time, adding in lessons to your weekly requirements, and $100+ a session for a private teacher. With online drum lessons you only need the internet, a passion for drums, and a desire to learn at your own pace.
Drum Lesson Program FAQ
Continued from above...
While some drum lessons offer older CD and DVD learning models, many new education opportunities have updated their methods to online streaming, online video access, and downloadable materials. The new distance-learning model opens up the opportunity to multiple learning styles. Different programs offer reading-based lessons, play-alongs, and even live master classes. In the digital age, learning has never been easier.
So, how do you choose the best drum lessons for you? There are a lot of factors to consider, so keep in mind what you're looking for above all else. If you're not sure where to start, consider some key areas that might affect your comfort, learning style, and wallet:
- Cost. Are you receiving the type of instruction you need at a price that fits your budget? Do they offer lessons at the level you're interested in (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)?
- Product format. Do you have a computer that plays CDs? Do you need a lesson format that focuses on downloadable content? Do you want to be able to access your lesson materials anytime, anywhere?
- Teaching style. Do you prefer a single teacher with one-on-one teaching time? Do you like to learn from a variety of perspectives? Are celebrity masterclasses a must?
- Community. Do you prefer occasional live Q&As, or do you want regular communication with your teacher as you move through the lessons?
To help you find the instruction that's right for you, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular online drum lessons. We hope these reviews make it easy to decide on the best drum lessons to jumpstart or continue your passion for drums!
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