MUSIC PERFORMANCE
DRUM Courses & Degree Program
i 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 Courses) – 10 Weeks
i Program Overview
Musicians Institute’s Drum Program is the perfect place for you. We offer an immersive drum education that will prepare you for the demands of the profession and help you develop your own unique style.
You’ll learn from world-renowned drummers 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 join us today!
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
DRUM-015 – Developing Your Groove
DRUM-066E – Brush Technique
DRUM-240 – E-Drumming Essentials
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC INTO A CAREER
Enter your info below for program options, scholarships, and next steps, or call us at 800-255-7529.
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i The MI Difference
i The MI Difference
i Facilities
i Facilities
i Faculty
Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.
i Faculty
Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.
Jeff Bowders
PAUL GILBERT / GEORGE LYNCH
Stewart Jean
JACKSON BROWNE / JIMMY BUFFETT / BRUCE KULICK / SAM MOORE
Dave Salinas
Kenny Loggins / Don Felder / Melissa Etheridge
Gianluca Palmieri
Stu Hamm / Jennifer Batten / Kamasi Washington
Jeff Bowders
Paul Gilbert / George Lynch
Stewart Jean
Jackson Browne / Jimmy Buffett / Bruce Kulick / Sam Moore
Dave Salinas
Kenny Loggins / Don Felder / Melissa Etheridge
Gianluca Palmieri
Stu Hamm / Jennifer Batten / Kamasi Washington
i Alumni Success Stories
i Alumni Success Stories
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.
i CAREER OPTIONS
i CAREER OPTIONS
“What can I do with a degree in Drum Performance?”
Following in the non-traditional spirit of MI, graduates with a degree in drums have found careers in diverse settings across the music industry. We strive to prepare graduates for any opportunities that arise in music, like:
> PERFORMER
As a drum performer, you can perform as a solo artist or as part of a band.
> ACCOMPANIST (STUDIO OR LIVE)
Accompanists typically play instruments like piano, guitar, or drums and support and collaborate with vocalists, dancers, theater performers, and other creative artists.
> ARRANGER
An arranger takes compositions and alters the melody, harmony, and tempos to change the tone and style of the original piece.
> SONGWRITER
Songwriters specialize in writing the melodies, harmonies and lyrical elements for a specific instrument or part of a song. They can be the artist behind the song, or write for other artists to use.
> MUSIC SUPERVISOR
The music supervisor is the head of the music department on a film or television show, overseeing song placement and licensing music for the production.
> TRANSCRIBER
Transcribers might work with a composer to notate the notes, arrangement, and pitch of a previously unwritten song or score.
“What can I do with a degree in Drum Performance?”
Following in the non-traditional spirit of MI, graduates with a degree in drums have found careers in diverse settings across the music industry. We strive to prepare graduates for any opportunities that arise in music, like:
> PERFORMER
As a drum performer, you can perform as a solo artist or as part of a band.
> ACCOMPANIST (STUDIO OR LIVE)
Accompanists typically play instruments like piano, guitar, or drums and support and collaborate with vocalists, dancers, theater performers, and other creative artists.
> ARRANGER
An arranger takes compositions and alters the melody, harmony, and tempos to change the tone and style of the original piece.
> SONGWRITER
Songwriters specialize in writing the melodies, harmonies and lyrical elements for a specific instrument or part of a song. They can be the artist behind the song, or write for other artists to use.
> MUSIC SUPERVISOR
The music supervisor is the head of the music department on a film or television show, overseeing song placement and licensing music for the production.
> TRANSCRIBER
Transcribers might work with a composer to notate the notes, arrangement, and pitch of a previously unwritten song or score.
i Career Development
i CAREER 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.
i SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
i FINANCIAL AID
Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams! MI has a range of scholarships and financial aid options 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.
Ready to start your Drum journey?
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!
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!
Can’t make it to Hollywood? You can enroll in our Online Drum program from anywhere in the world through MI Online!
i UPCOMING EVENTS
i Upcoming Events
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)
You’ll learn about everything from an overview of the financial aid process, to key documents you’ll encounter, and different funding sources that can help you manage costs.
ON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.
