DRUM PROGRAM at MI COLLEGE of CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
The Drum Education Program at Musicians Institute is designed to fully prepare aspiring drummers for a successful career in today’s music business. Our exciting program is contemporary and diverse and sets our graduates on the path to accomplish all of their goals as working drummers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MI
AN IMMERSIVE DRUMMING EXPERIENCE
At Musicians Institute, we offer an immersive Drum Program that provides practical and diverse contemporary drum education. Our Drumming Program is designed to prepare you for the demands of the profession and preserve your individual vision as a player. 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 School provides first-hand access to some of the world’s greatest drummers through frequent clinics and concerts.
Our Drumming Courses go beyond traditional drumming skills to include electronic drumming, digital recording, loops, and sequencing, ensuring that our Drum College keeps up with the changing needs of drummers in the real world. With an MI Drum education, you’ll gain the real-world experience and confidence necessary to succeed in the industry.
In addition to our core Drum Program, we offer courses on Electronic Drumming, Contemporary Cajon, Basic Afro Cuban percussion, including conga, bongo, timbales, and hand percussion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drummer, MI’s Drum School has something to offer.
DRUM DEGREES OFFERED
MASTER OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
Musicians Institute’s Master of Music in Performance (Drum) program is designed to take your drumming skills to the next level. Our Drumming Program combines advanced performance training with additional study in traditional and contemporary disciplines, including music history, theory, education, research skills, recording technology, production, business relations, and online brand management. As a student in our Drum School, you’ll receive comprehensive training that prepares you for the demands of the profession. Our Drumming Courses cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that our Drum College stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends. With our expert instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll have everything you need to succeed as a drummer.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
This unique degree program combines contemporary music performance training with rigorous study in traditional disciplines such as sight-reading, music history, arranging, conducting, recording, and more. Our Drumming Program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the music industry by instilling stylistic depth, creative maturity, and professional competence. MI’s Drum College offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including drumming courses and music theory. With our expert instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, Musicians Institute’s Drum Program provides students with a top-notch education that prepares them for the demands of the profession.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
Musicians Institute’s Drum Program offers an intensive A.A. curriculum that prepares musicians for any professional situation. Along with drumming courses, students learn professional development skills such as basic computer use, EPK creation, resume and bio writing, and social media as a tool for business and networking. The Associate of Arts Degree is intended to equip students with the knowledge and training needed to become professional performers in today’s music industry. At MI’s Drum School, we focus on providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond just drumming. Our Drumming Program is designed to instill not only technical skills but also professional skills that are essential for success in the industry. With expert instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, our Drum Program provides students with everything they need to succeed as drummers and professionals.
CERTIFICATE OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
At Musicians Institute’s Drum School, students can earn a Certificate in Performance Studies program for Drum. Our Drumming Program features an innovative 360-degree approach to music education, centered on Reading, Technique, and Performance. The Drum Certificate program provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge and practical experience, encouraging rapid development of skills in preparation for a range of professional music performance situations. MI’s Drum College is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the demands of the industry. Our drumming courses are designed to give students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and expert instructors.
MI SELECT & NON-CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
MI Select are non-certificate programs for students who want to experience a taste of MI without committing to a full-time schedule. These drumming courses are designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to create their own customized schedule from available classes and workshops. As part of the program, students will also have access to special guest clinics, extra activities, and other industry networking opportunities. We understand that every student’s needs are different. That’s why we offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of all drummers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, our Drumming Program has something to offer.
DRUM CAREERS
Our students graduate as well-rounded musicians, thanks to our well-developed and immersive college drum classes. MI students enter the work field with a robust skill set which enables them to handle live or studio gigs, utilize modern technology, publish music and negotiate business deals. Common career paths for those who have completed our drum program include:
TOURING DRUMMERS
STUDIO MUSICIANS
SOLO ARTIST
CLINICIAN
AUTHOR
ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER
PRODUCT SPECIALIST
DRUM TECH
PROGRAM DETAILS
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
MI has a competitive curriculum that will make sure students are fully prepared for everything they can encounter in a drumming career.
- Cutting Edge – Courses such as E-Drumming, Studio Drumming and Timekeeping present the latest technical side of drumming with a focus on Ableton Live, ProTools, and sound production. Our newest course, E-drumming Essentials, helps students further gain experience using acoustic triggers, triggering pads, multi pads, and e-kits.
- Diverse – Our Drum Performance, Advanced Drumming and Live Performance Workshop are just some of the diverse courses designed to prepare students for an array of experiences in touring and gigging. MI introduced even more diverse courses, including Gospel/ R&B Drumming, Progressive Drumming, and Hybrid-Cajon.
- Traditional – Drum Reading, Drum Technique and Developing Your Groove offer a clear and cohesive presentation of the fundamentals of drumming.
- Balanced – Keyboard Proficiency, Drum Recording, Harmony & Theory and Ear Training give our drummers a musical edge with knowledge to expand their careers in the songwriting and publishing fields.
COURSE CATALOG
For a detailed look at all of MI’s program offerings, you can find the course catalog here.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR
Bachelor of Music Degree requirements include completion of 30 semester-units or 45 quarter-units of coursework in General Studies. For more info, please see the MI Course Catalog.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: CERTIFICATE
Musicians Institute programs are fast paced and certain fundamental musical skills are required before you can begin your program. If you meet entry requirements and are accepted, a one-on-one performance evaluation and placement testing will be held during registration to determine whether you qualify for advanced placement in any area of course work. You are evaluated based on the content of your submission. For more info, please see the MI Course Catalog.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Musicians Institute offers many opportunities for scholarships in all of our programs. Please visit our Scholarship page for more information.
FINANCIAL AID
Please visit MI’s Financial Aid page for all the details on how you can qualify.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students make up nearly one-fourth of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world while creating a unique and diverse learning environment, full of endless opportunities in Hollywood and beyond. For more info, please visit the International Students page.
FACILITIES
- Full production sound stages and recording studios
- Fully equipped practice facilities and computer labs with the latest industry standard equipment
- Concert Hall access, with full audio/video recording capabilities
- Multiple performance and recording studios available for student practice
DRUM SCHOOL SUCCESS STORIES
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Our faculty is comprised of dedicated, working professionals in the competitive Los Angeles music scene. These passionate professionals offer clear guidance and nurturing class environments, designed for students get the most out of their time at MI.
JEFF BOWDERS
CREDITS: PAUL GILBERT, GTR TOURS
GIANLUCA PALMIERI
CREDITS: MARAGOLD, GENR8R
GORDEN CAMPBELL
CREDITS: EARTH WIND & FIRE, GEORGE DUKE, BEYONCE
IS THE MI DRUM PROGRAM RIGHT FOR ME?
Our Drum Program is taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about helping students achieve their goals. At Musicians Institute’s Drum School, we believe that drumming is not just about technical proficiency, but also about creative expression and individuality.
We also understand the importance of networking and building connections in the industry. That’s why our Drum College provides numerous opportunities for students to connect with professionals and build their networks. From clinics and concerts to guest speakers and industry events, our Drumming Program offers a wealth of opportunities to help you succeed in the industry.
If you’re ready to take your drumming skills to the next level, Musicians Institute’s Drum School is the perfect place to start. Join our Drum Program and experience the immersive and practical education that we offer. Whether you’re interested in our core Drum Program or one of our specialized drumming courses, we have something for everyone.
Our Drum School is one of the most prestigious and respected music schools in the world, with a reputation for excellence in drum education. Musicians Institute’s Drum Program is an investment in your future as a musician. You’ll receive a top-notch education that will prepare you for the demands of the industry and help you achieve your goals as a drummer.