Drum Teachers NYC

Study one-on-one with professional drummers who are active in New York's live music scene. Jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian — all levels welcome at our Midtown Manhattan studio.

Browse Our Teachers ↓    Have a question?

Whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or looking to sharpen your jazz vocabulary, our drum teachers in NYC will meet you exactly where you are. The New York Jazz Workshop offers private drum lessons with a roster of working professional drummers and dedicated educators.

Our approach is rooted in jazz — the music that gave birth to modern rhythm — but our teachers are versatile performers fluent in rock, funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary styles. Developing your jazz foundation will make you a stronger, more musical drummer in any genre.

Drum lessons can take place at our dedicated studio in Midtown Manhattan, at your teacher’s studio in neighborhoods across the city, or online from anywhere in the world. You can also explore our full faculty here.

Why Study Drums at the New York Jazz Workshop?

Professional NYC Musicians

Every teacher is an active performer on the NYC music scene. You learn technique and musicality from someone who plays it every night.

All Styles, All Levels

Complete beginners to advanced players — jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian and more. Our teachers build a foundation that travels across every genre.

Flexible Location & Free Studio Time

In-person at our Midtown Manhattan studio (studio time is free when you lesson there), at your teacher’s studio elsewhere in the city, or online from anywhere in the world.

Simple Scheduling & Billing

We handle booking, scheduling, and billing through our platform. You focus on playing — we take care of the logistics.

W-2 Employees & Fully Insured

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be. All teachers are also covered by workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.

The NYJW Guarantee

Not satisfied after your first lesson? We’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional cost. Your progress is our priority.

Meet Our Drums Teachers in NYC

All teachers offer in-person lessons in Manhattan and/or Brooklyn, and online lessons worldwide.

Vito Lesczak

Private Drums lesson Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Drums Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy Topics:I teach a comprehensive study of technique and four way coordination for beginners through advanced students.I also work with students on their role as a drummer within a rhythm-section and how different styles of drumming can shape the different styles of music from early to modern jazz. Philosophy:I enjoy working with students of any level and with an understanding of their current ability […]

Rates start at: $75
View Profile Book a Lesson

Rob Garcia

Drums Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Drums Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy Rob teaches at his studio in BROOKLYN The drummer has arguably the greatest effect on the over all sound of an ensemble. We define how the group feels the time, what the dynamics are, and we create the mood. In my lessons I encourage self-expression, creativity and fun as well as learning the necessary skills to read and play music in an ensemble. I […]

Rates start at: $82
View Profile Book a Lesson

Jackson Hillmer

Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Drums all styles Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy Teaching Topics/Philosophy: Our lessons cover 4 main topics for all levels and all ages 7 & older and a wide variety of styles, not Jazz specific. Rudiments & Fundamental Technique – Drum Set, like all instruments have basics to learn, in order to understand and grow to playing songs or developing your own ideas on the drum set.  Listening – Music […]

Rates start at: $69
View Profile Book a Lesson

Carlos Maldonado

Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy My lessons are about embracing the cultural roots of Afro Latin Percussion, a journey through Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Colombia, and all of Latin America. I work with a variety of percussions including congas, timbales, bongos, cajón, Afro-Puerto Rican bomba, and plena. I also specialize in Latin jazz vibraphone, multi-percussion sets, and salsa arranging. Biography Grammy-winning multi-percussionist, […]

Rates start at: $106
View Profile Book a Lesson

Not sure which teacher is right for you? Contact us and we’ll match you with the best fit based on your goals, schedule, and location.

The NYJW Guarantee: If you’re not fully satisfied after your first lesson, we’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional charge. Your progress matters — and we stand behind every teacher on our roster.

How Private Drums Lessons Work at NYJW

Lesson Format

All lessons are private and one-on-one, typically 45 or 60 minutes. Your teacher tailors every session to your goals — technique, repertoire, reading, or improvisation. Lessons are purchased in packages for convenience.

Where Lessons Take Place

  • Our Midtown Manhattan studio at 265 West 37th Street
  • Your teacher’s private studio in Brooklyn or other NYC neighborhoods
  • Online via Zoom or FaceTime — available worldwide

Scheduling & Billing

Scheduling is handled through our online platform at https://app.newyorkjazzworkshop.com. Lesson packages are billed monthly. You can reschedule with reasonable notice, and our team is always available to help.

What to Expect

Your first lesson is an assessment and orientation — your teacher will get to know your background and goals, then design a learning path that makes sense for you. Progress is visible from the very first session.

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be.

Ready to Start Your Drums Journey?

Browse our teachers above, pick the right fit, and buy a lesson package directly online — or contact us and we’ll help match you.

Register for Lessons →    Ask Us a Question
Also explore: