Drum Lessons
San Antonio
Learn to play the drums with private lessons designed around your skill level, musical interests, and personal goals. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced drummer looking to improve your technique, our instructors provide personalized instruction for kids ages 8 and up, teens, and adults.
Our drum lessons combine essential techniques, rhythm, coordination, and music reading with the excitement of learning your favorite songs. We believe that developing strong fundamentals while playing music you enjoy is the key to becoming a confident, well-rounded drummer.
Drum Instructors
Alfredo Velasquez, Drum Instructor
Alfredo has over 40 years of experience teaching drums, including 15 years at Yamaha Music Academy in Mexico City and 10 years at Guitar Center. An accomplished professional drummer, he has toured with major rock bands, opened for artists such as Sting and INXS, and worked as a session musician and composer for television. He continues to teach drums, produce music, and record for television productions.
Thad humphrey, Drum Instructor
Thad was born in Austin but was raised in San Antonio. When he was growing up, his dad exposed him to a lot of classic rock and various other music genres, but Thad always found himself most fascinated by the drums. After years of taking lessons at SAMA and participating in the SAMA Band Ensembles, he found himself playing in a few cover bands that primarily focused on rock and similar styles.
Available Drum Lesson Times
Drum Lessons at SAMA
Our drum instructors work with each student to develop a solid foundation in timing, technique, and musical understanding. Beginners start with the essentials, including proper stick control, basic rhythms, and coordination between hands and feet. As students advance, lessons introduce more complex rhythms, drum fills, different musical styles, and techniques that help them become more versatile musicians.
Each lesson builds on previously learned skills, with new material and practice assignments tailored to the student’s progress. Whether the goal is to play favorite songs, join a band, or develop advanced drumming skills, our instructors create lessons that are both challenging and rewarding.
Performance Opportunities
Learning to play the drums is even more exciting when you get to make music with others. Our Student Band Program gives drummers the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside guitarists, bassists, vocalists, and other musicians. With bands for different ages and experience levels, students develop teamwork, listening skills, and confidence while preparing for live performances at venues throughout San Antonio.
Students can also participate in our recitals, where they have the opportunity to showcase their progress and gain valuable performance experience in a supportive environment.
Experienced Drum Instructors
Our drum instructors bring years of teaching and professional music experience to their lessons. Their backgrounds in live performance, recording, songwriting, and music production give students the opportunity to learn from musicians who actively apply their skills beyond the classroom.
Just as importantly, our instructors understand that every student learns differently. They take the time to identify each student’s strengths, interests, and goals, creating a positive learning environment that encourages steady progress and a lasting appreciation for music.