Drum Lessons

Dreaming of becoming a drummer? Maybe you’re inspired by Neil Peart, Ringo Starr, or that drum riff in Genesis’ “In the Air Tonight.” In drum lessons, you will learn to play using the songs you love! We believe lessons should be engaging and fun. Whether you’re just getting started, or have been playing drum set for years, we can help you achieve your musical goals!

The Drum Set

A drum set is the epitome of rock and roll. However, drums have been around for a very long time, and most people are aware that this instrument has been used by numerous cultures for thousands of years.

Prior to the development of drum sets, the individual pieces that comprise the modern kit were originally played separately by different musicians.  In the mid-1800s, the first drum pedal was invented enabling one drummer to play all the percussion pieces. Not long after that, cymbals and other sound effect percussion pieces were added. Musicians started to combine multiple drums into a set and play the percussion pieces using hand-held drumsticks.

The invention of drum sets also led to the development of jazz music. From then on, drums have been an integral part of playing quality music in all parts of the world. A basic drum set usually consists of four to six drums: bass drum, snare drum, and two to four tom-toms. The kit also includes a ride cymbal, a hi-hat cymbal pair, and a couple of crash cymbals.

Our Percussion Teachers

Steve Cornacchia

Teaching and performing drums has been Steve’s passion, and profession, for the past twelve years. He’s been fortunate to study with a variety of world class instructors over his life, learning all he can about playing and teaching rock, blues, jazz, funk, fusion, and everything in between.

Steve loves passing down his skills in good technique and theory as it applies to drum set. He takes a creative, highly personal approach with each student, focusing on building great habits and technique, learning to develop groove and time keeping with music, and developing his student’s confidence behind the drum set in live performance. Beyond music, Steve hopes the learning habits he passes on to his students helps them in all areas of their lives. Most importantly, developing musically is about expressing yourself and having fun!

Recently, Steve was the main drummer for Idlewild South, an Allman Brothers tribute band that tours all over the southeast. He also plays and tours regularly in the Charlotte area and beyond with a wide variety of bands. He’s recorded in the studio with several bands, such as Courtney Lynn & Quinn, Wag, and Kelsey Ryan.

Trevor Wallace

Music is Trevor’s passion, and has been since he was a child. Since then, he’s picked up many instruments, with his favorites being drums and guitar. For almost a decade, Trevor has also been producing music professionally at his studio, RED Records, where he’s met a lot of amazing people and picked up some invaluable teachings on theory, composing, writing, and more that he enjoys passing on to his students. Trevor has been drumming and playing guitar professionally for over 15 years. He has also played in multiple bands, touring the east coast, and has been teaching for almost a decade now. Trevor is a laid-back person and loves everything about the craft of making music!

Trevor’s teaching approach is personalized and varies based on what his students are most interested in, but mainly follows a curriculum of music theory, reading music, building proper habits, songwriting, picking & fingerpicking, chords, rudiments, composing, chord progressions, scales, etc. He teaches all styles and genres. On guitar he particularly enjoys indie, rock, and fingerstyle. On drums, he loves playing and teaching all styles of rock, pop, metal, gospel, indie, rap, country, and blues.

Drum Lessons

Our drum students learn a variety of musical styles including rock, jazz, funk, pop, and more. You’ll also learn the components of the drum kit, how to read rhythms and recognize rhythmic patterns. Through customized exercises, you will also improve your speed and control.

drum student at charlotte academy of music

What's Included

  • A Multitude of Performance opportunities
  • Band Audition Preparation
  • Student Rewards to celebrate accomplishments
  • CAM tote bag and Getting Started Packet
  • Front Desk staff to assist you 5 days a week
  • Inspiring, supportive environment

Taking part in the multitude of opportunities at CAM is important to each student’s success. In addition to weekly lessons, many of our students participate in our many concerts and special events.

To learn more about Drums lessons, contact us for a studio tour.
Or, if you’re ready to begin your musical journey, enroll today!

 

Enroll

CAM is such an amazing place. I have taken voice lessons, piano lessons, and been in four of their musical theater productions. The Academy has taught me how to have confidence, have stage presence, and helped me improve my musical skills. During the years I’ve been there, I have made many friends and met some great teachers. There is a real sense of community when we are all working together to make the world a better place through music. I love being able to surround myself with people who have the same interests and passions as me.

~ Morgan