Frequently Asked Questions

Hourly lesson rates are similar in the various education facilities. The difference at my Studio is experience, equipment and enthusiasm! With over 30 years of educating and performing, experience is primary. Furthermore, the rooms are set up to maximize playing time. Other studios have one drum kit in a small room— I have three drum sets and multiple percussion instruments in the Orchestral and World music styles. No getting up and down with the instructor, rather playing in unison or in “ping-pong” style. As well, music playback with an unlimited song list — including your favourite music—is the standard! Finally, you will encounter enthusiasm and passion for the most amazing instrument(s) in the world!

No. Though I strongly recommend that the student think in terms of a years commitment from the start, sometimes things work out different than anticipated. If the student does not want to continue for whatever reason, please give reasonable notification regarding termination as I desire to finish on a tidy and positive note!

The monthly fee is an averaged amount calculated by;

• total cost of the annual scheduled classes (hourly rate/number of classes per season)
• divided evenly over ten months (September-June)

This avoids a different fee each month given some months have four “Tuesdays” while other months have three, five and sometimes only two.

No. Though it is clearly beneficial to practice the lesson material between classes, some may choose to wait a short period of time prior to the commitment of purchasing equipment. For school band percussionist, a practice pad, stick bag, sticks, brushes and mallets. This may cost between $100 - $200 depending on selection.

A five-piece drum kit complete with ride, crash and hi-hat cymbals, seat and music stand would be the standard. This may cost between $400 - $900 for a starter and intermediate level set up. In regards to rentals, take a close look at the contract as some appear cheap but have a significant back-loading cost. Used kits in good shape can be a better deal given depreciation. Watch out for excessive wear as replacing drum heads will make the kit look and sound great but will be somewhat costly.

Great question! For musicians to succeed in today’s musical marketplace, you must either be extremely strong in a particular style of music or versatile in a wide range of musical genres.

I have personally taken the latter and offer a diverse program that ranges from Rock, Jazz, Shuffles, Funk, Country, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Hip-Hop, Rap and many more styles of music. In addition, other areas of focus include snare drum technique, orchestral and world percussion as an integral part of the program.

This simply means that you will be functional in a school, church, marching, or any other band situation. I have personally written over 1500 musical documents which you will receive after each class electronically at no extra charge! In addition, in-class videos of the student performing various topics will follow in the weekly report that includes music notation and notes from the class. Additionally, there are many tremendous resources including various books, DVD’S, YouTube, Spotify, selected web-sites (and so on) that are all part of the learning process at Lonnie’s Drum Studio. Students are also welcome to bring charts and music from school, home, private band or whatever musical situation they are involved in.

Please do not hesitate to ask any question in regards to this important issue!