MI HOLLYWOOD · ON-CAMPUS
DRUM
Program Overview
Musicians Institute's Drum Program is the perfect school for drummers. We offer an immersive drum education, with courses that will prepare you for the demands of the profession and help you develop your own unique style.
You'll learn from world-renowned drum instructors and have the opportunity to perform on stage regularly. Our program also covers electronic drumming, digital recording, loops, and sequencing, so you'll be up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
As a student, you will have the opportunity to learn a new groove or fill during your morning college drum class and use it on stage in front of your professors and classmates that same afternoon. Our Drum program provides first-hand access to some of the world's greatest drummers through frequent clinics and concerts.
With an immersive MI Drum education, you'll gain the real-world experience and confidence necessary to succeed in the industry, so enroll now!
Curriculum Highlights
DRUM-015 – Developing Your Groove
DRUM-066E – Brush Technique
DRUM-240 – E-Drumming Essentials
Degree by the Numbers
From 1 to 4 years, there's an option for you!
MASTER OF MUSIC – 4 Quarters
BACHELOR OF ARTS – 12 Quarters
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – 6 Quarters
CERTIFICATE – 4 Quarters
MI SELECT (Individual Course) - 10 Weeks
The MI Difference
Live Performance Workshops
MI is unique in its focus on the stage, and drum program students are required to perform weekly in Live Performance Workshops (LPWs) as part of the curriculum. The song selections are changed weekly, allowing students to gain experience with diverse genres, making them stronger musicians for their careers beyond MI.
Hollywood Location
Our campus is located in the middle of the entertainment industry, including the worlds of music, film, television and beyond. Students will have access to the finest live music venues, along with opportunities and possibilities to visit, intern and work at the best studios and sought after music labels in the world.
Private Lessons with Instructors
MI instructors are also successful musicians and working professionals, bringing their experience into the classroom every day. Students have the unique opportunity to have one-hour private lessons with instructors, who can offer more personalized instruction and advice on their classwork and beyond.
Immersive Curriculum
Drum students will be taught by our industry-experienced instructors, where they’ll learn how to demonstrate stylistic depth, creative maturity and professional competence in preparation for careers in today’s music industry. Some highlights include:
- Contemporary drum skills, with core classes including Drum Technique, Drum Performance, Drum Reading, Developing Your Groove, Harmony/Theory/Ear Training
- Develop technique and chops in a wide variety of contemporary styles, from blues, jazz, and fusion to country, rock, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, reggae, funk, R&B, and hip hop.
Facilities
YOUR MUSIC. HOLLYWOOD. YOUR FUTURE.
Explore our Hollywood campus, studios, and music community.
Explore the CampusYOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Connect with
Admissions
Tell us what you’re interested in. Our admissions team will help you find your path at MI.
Prefer to call? 866-695-0631
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Faculty
Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.
Stewart Jean
Dave Salinas
Gianluca Palmieri
Alumni Success Stories
FABIAN EGGER Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, Drake
DRUM PROGRAM
It’s not too surprising that the people I use for the jobs I’m musical directing for or even producing for, are longtime friends from MI.READ FABIAN'S STORY
RAY LUZIER Korn
DRUM PROGRAM
The facilities, the connections you can make..if you’re going to this school, you’re doing the right thing.READ RAY'S STORY
ANTONIO GEARY SZA, P!nk, Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran
DRUM PROGRAM
The most important thing I learned at MI was to say “Yes” to every opportunity you get…The teachers pushed me and gave me all the info I needed to be prepared to work in the industry I am in right now.READ ANTONIO'S STORY
International Students
International students make up nearly one-fourth of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world. The International Student Office is dedicated to making the transition from each student’s home country to MI’s Hollywood campus as smooth and easy as possible.
International Student ResourcesCareer Development
Artist & Career Services
Artist & Career Services (ACS) is an extensive resource center designed to offer students and alumni active professional & personal development to succeed in today’s competitive entertainment industry.
ACS provides help in career development like resume building, workshops, industry mentors, discounted gear, internships and more.
Accelerate Your CareerInternships
The ACS Internship Program provides MI students with real-world experience in the music industry through internships in music-related companies. Students in the Music Business Program are required to complete an internship, while Common Course and Audio Engineering majors are able to sign up to be interviewed and considered for the elective program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams. MI has a range of scholarships available for incoming students of all kinds. Scholarships available to Drum students include:
MUSICIANSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Musicianship Scholarships are available to new and current instrumental students enrolling in the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Composition, Associate of Arts, or Certificate in Performance Programs.
THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION DRUM SCHOLARSHIP
The Musicians Foundation Drum Scholarship is generously funded by the Pat Hicks Founders Endowment, and is provided to encourage and support the educational growth of an A.A., B.M. or M.M. Performance (Drum) Program student.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Drum program at MI?
MI’s Drum Program trains drummers in contemporary styles like rock, jazz, fusion, Afro-Cuban, funk, and hip hop, while also covering electronic drumming, digital recording, loops, and sequencing, with weekly stage performances alongside classwork.
How long does the Drum program take?
Options run from a 10-week MI Select course to a Certificate (4 quarters), Associate of Arts (6 quarters), Bachelor of Music (12 quarters), or Master of Music (4 quarters).
What will I learn in the Drum program?
Core classes cover drum technique, performance, and reading, groove development, and harmony/theory/ear training, plus electives in e-drumming essentials and brush technique, all reinforced weekly in Live Performance Workshops.
What can I do with a Drum Performance degree?
Graduates go on to work as performers, accompanists, arrangers, music directors, and transcribers. MI drum alumni include Ray Luzier (Korn), Antonio Geary (SZA, P!nk, Ed Sheeran), and Fabian Egger (Big Sean, Drake).
Can I study Drum through MI Online?
Yes. The Drum program is available online as a Certificate, Associate of Arts, or Bachelor of Music, with live Zoom classes or recorded playback.
Are scholarships available for Drum students?
Yes, including the general Musicianship Scholarship and the Musicians Foundation Drum Scholarship, funded by the Pat Hicks Founders Endowment for AA, BM, or MM Performance (Drum) students.
Ready to start your Drum journey?
The first step in applying to our on-ground or online program is to complete an Application for Admission, and get started with the best music college!
Study Online
Can’t make it to Hollywood? You can enroll in our Drum program from anywhere in the world through MI Online!
Study OnlineUpcoming Events
ON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.
MI ONLINE INFO SESSION
Meet the MI Online team as they guide you through the MIO platform, the diverse program offerings, and the steps needed to apply.
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Learn about the financial aid process, key documents, and funding sources to help you manage costs.