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
i The MI Difference
i 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
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.
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.
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
Bishop Briggs / Singer/Songwriter
VOCAL PROGRAM
“I truly never saw myself doing anything other than music.”
Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco
BASS PROGRAM
“The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered.”
Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco
BASS PROGRAM
“The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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
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Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.
ON-CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
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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
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Meet the MI Online team as they
guide you through the MIO
platform, the diverse program
offerings, and the steps needed to
apply.
Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco
BASS PROGRAM
"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."
Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco
BASS PROGRAM
"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."
Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco
BASS PROGRAM
"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."
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