The 10 Best Online Drum Lessons (2024)

If you’re on the lookout for some great drum lessons then this is the list for you. Many of these offer collections of lessons, courses, live lessons, jam tracks, and song transcriptions from renowned drummers. The lessons cater to different playing styles, skill levels, and include features such as personalized lessons, practice planners, and community forums.

Some of these courses are based on their own platforms, while we’ve also linked to some great Youtube channels. The lessons cover a range of topics, including fundamentals, techniques, grooves, solos, and more. The tone of many of these lessons are friendly and inclusive, with a focus on making the learning experience enjoyable and interactive. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drummer, there should be something for you here.

There are many great online drum lessons that you can use to start learning drums, and all you need are a pair of sticks, a practice pad or a pillow, and a platform to stream the lessons to start your drumming journey.

1. Drumeo

I consider Drumeo to be the best place to learn drums online. They have a collection of thousands of lessons and hundreds of courses from some of the greatest drummers on the planet, many song transcriptions, jam tracks as well as weekly live lessons, and more.

Their Youtube channel is one of the best drumming resources around, but if you want to really focus on your development as a drummer then I’d highly recommend taking advantage of their 30-day free trial for users using our link here. They offer lessons for different playing styles, different skill levels, and more.

No matter what, Drumeo is definitely one that you should check out.

2. Stephen’s Drum Shed

Screenshot of www.stephensdrumshed.com

Stephen’s Drum Shed by the famous Youtube drum star Stephen Taylor is another great platform with a systematical learning system and personalized free online lessons. He has free Youtube video lessons as well as the subscription-based “Drum Better Daily” program on his website.

While the Youtube channel provides inspiring educational content, unique insights on practice routines, fun exercises, and more, you can enroll in the “Drum Better Daily” program on the website for hundreds of video lessons, weekly reviews, and even personalized lesson plans. 

The lessons have a friendly and inclusive approach, and there is a community forum for more support. Overall, Stephen’s Drum Shed is a rich and educative source for drummers of all skill levels and styles.

3. Mike’s Lessons

Screenshot of www.mikeslessons.com

Another Youtube drum teacher, Mike Johnston, offers great drumming content, from rudimental warmups to popular drum groove lessons and demonstrations on his channel. His website provides more than 50 courses focusing on rudiments and techniques, hand and foot speed exercises, grooves, and limb independence. 

The best thing about Mike’s channel and website lessons is that he finds great ways to explain concepts with different camera angles, notation, and different speed options for each lesson. Additionally, he uses friendly language, which makes the lessons more personal.

The website features a practice planner, homework assignments, and live sessions such as jams and Q&A for extra support and progression. The platform is ideal for experienced players to progress further with their techniques as well as beginner drummers to learn the fundamentals.

4. The Dave Weckl Online School

Screenshot of daveweckl.teachable.com

When you want to learn an instrument, learning from the best is the ideal way. That’s why the drumming legend Dave Weckl has an online school that is a great source for drummers to progress with their technique and take their playing to the next level. 

The lessons are delivered via Teachable, and there is a private Facebook page and forum for support and interaction with Dave Weckl and his team. The lessons have a wide range of focus, including foot and hand technique, soloing, recording, timing, and feel, which are highly handy for experienced players.

You will reach different performances, play along, and get guest lessons from different famous drummers like Mike Stern, along with regular lessons from Dave. The lessons may be too advanced for total beginners but are great for advanced and intermediate drummers.

5. Sheila E. Masterclass

Screenshot of www.masterclass.com

Sheila E. is a prolific drummer who worked with many famous names like Marvin Gaye and Ringo Starr. She created a masterclass for drummers, teaching newbie drummers the fundamentals of drumming and percussion.

The topics emphasize fills and drum solos and techniques. There are 20 lectures, each about 10 minutes in the masterclass.

They are more suited for beginners to build the fundamentals, but Sheila also discusses advanced drumming techniques. You also get a workbook to follow with video lessons, which give extra information, exercises, tips, diagrams, and key points of each lesson.

6. Drum Channel

Screenshot of www.drumchannel.com

Delivered by many famous drummers such as Chad Smith, Bruce Becker, Sheila E, Mick Fleetwood, and more, Drum Channel offers a rich drum lessons library covering everything from basics to advanced drumming techniques. 

While the paid subscription gets you 12 artist courses and many video lessons along with play-along tracks, jam tracks, and transcriptions, you can also watch the extra free content like lessons, interviews, live performances, and educational content on the Youtube channel. 

7. OnlineDrummer

Onlinedrummer.com is one of the best free resources for learning to play the drums. It features over 500 video lessons and sheet music for every level. The website offers great material for each part of your playing, from drum fills and rudiments to song parts and different beats in various time signatures.

You can reach different lessons with a video and PDF file for each one for free. Plus, the website also sells music sheets for many songs, as well as e-books. You can also find video lessons, tips, and extra content on the Youtube channel.

8. ABBDrums

Screenshot of www.abbdrums.com

Created by Austin Burcham, ABBDrums is a unique source, offering analysis of iconic fills and licks, breakdowns of the works of iconic drummers like Carter Beauford, Vinnie Colaiuta, Danny Carey, and more, along with recording and mixing techniques tips, and extra lessons.

The “Study the Greats” series on Austin’s Youtube channel is the shining star where you get to study the works of these great drummers for free.

On his website, you can subscribe to 7 different courses, including the “Drum Mixing Masterclass,” “Guided Hand Workouts,” “Building The Weak Hand,” “Drum Tuning Workshop,” and more.

9. Artist Works

Screenshot of artistworks.com

Artist Works is a unique resource offering video lessons recorded by famous musicians for different instruments. The drum course by Peter Erskine, who played with many iconic artists like Chick Corea and Jaco Pastorius, is quite impressive as it focuses on jazz drumming techniques for experienced drummers.

Depending on your subscription type, you get the chance to upload some of your videos for Peter’s feedback. The video exchange is a great feature for correcting mistakes. The course has a linear, easy-to-follow music program, making things simpler. Besides the lessons, you get to watch the personal experiences of different artists, some tips, and extra videos.

10. Drum Lessons on Skillshare

Screenshot of www.skillshare.com

Skillshare is an online community with a vast library of quality learning videos, including some very decent drum courses that you can get started with very easily. Standout courses include Larry Crowe’s beginner and intermediate drum lessons.

In addition to drum lessons, Skillshare also offers a range of classes on music production, beat making and percussion.

Conclusion

Online drum lessons are great for starting your drumming journey to build the fundamental techniques or progressing with your playing to take it to the next level. They allow you to go at your own pace, study whenever you want from the comfort of your home, and reach different materials whenever you need them.

Depending on your level, budget, and playing style, you can go with any of these resources to have your drumming lessons from wherever you are.

Berk Oztuna

Berk Oztuna

Berk Öztuna is a handpan player, percussionist, and guitarist. He has been playing multiple instruments over the last 10 years. He started his music career as a guitarist, playing with several bands before putting his main focus into playing the handpan.

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