Percussion education by Patrick R. F. Blakley:
Syracuse drum lessons on drumset, marching percussion, and more.
Take Drum Lessons in Syracuse!
Learn drumset, marching percussion, mallets, rhythm notation, and more!
Syracuse drum lessons for all skill levels!
Get professional drum lessons in Syracuse, New York, from a certified percussion judge with Winter Guard International and seven state marching circuits, including the New York State Field Band Conference. Whether you want to refine advanced technique or learn your first groove, Syracuse drum lessons provide focused instruction for every skill level.These Syracuse percussion lessons are open to both established percussionists and complete beginners. The most effective way to learn drums is one-on-one instruction with an experienced professional, especially for an instrument as detailed and physical as drumming. Every lesson is tailored to the student. Options include drum set lessons, marching drumline lessons, tenor drum lessons, mallet percussion lessons, and front ensemble instruction.Students can also schedule evaluation sessions to receive detailed feedback on technique, timing, and musicality. SyracuseDrums.com operates as a fully insured percussion studio.To get started, complete the drum lesson sign-up form below and review the current drum lesson pricing. The process is quick and simple!At SyracuseDrums, we specialize in one thing: Drums!
Sign up now!
Lessons start at just $30
Learn drums for fun or get yourself prepared for performances, auditions, solos, concerts, or competitions!
Drumset Lessons:
Styles:
Basic Patterns
Beginner Grooves
Rock
Metal / Progressive
Hip-hopMallets:
Introduction to mallet basics is also available!
Marching Percussion:
Instrumental:
Snare Drum
Tenor Drum
Bass Drum
CymbalsDesign:
Rhythm Notation
Percussion Composition
Why choose SyracuseDrums.com for your Syracuse drum lessons?
You'll Learn from a
professional music judge!
Choosing drum lessons in Syracuse, New York should mean access to real instruments, real experience, and real results. The SyracuseDrums percussion studio features a wide range of professional percussion equipment so students can learn on the instruments used in real performances. The studio includes concert percussion, marching percussion, drum sets, and mallet instruments.Students can study marching percussion such as snare drum, tenor drums, bass drum, marching cymbals, and front ensemble mallet instruments. Concert percussion lessons include snare drum, tom toms, bass drum, mallet percussion, and accessory percussion commonly used in band and orchestra. The studio also includes two full drum sets configured for multiple musical styles used in modern drum set lessons. Students who want to explore rhythm notation, music theory, or percussion composition can incorporate those topics into their lessons as well.When you take drum lessons at SyracuseDrums, you are learning directly from a certified music judge with Winter Guard International, the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges, the New York Federation of Contest Judges, and the National Judges Association, along with multiple competitive marching circuits across the Northeast.Instruction is provided by a nationally awarded percussionist with extensive experience developing top-performing drumlines and percussion programs, including ensembles that have earned state championships and national high percussion awards. This is not a casual side project. SyracuseDrums is a locally trusted percussion studio built around proven teaching results and long-term student development.Every Syracuse drum lesson is customized to the individual student. There is no rigid program or one-size-fits-all system. Each lesson adapts to the student’s goals, experience level, and learning style. Beginners can focus on fundamental rhythm and coordination, while advanced students can prepare for marching band auditions, percussion competitions, college auditions, or professional performance opportunities.Students also learn on professional-quality percussion equipment, not entry-level kits or outdated practice gear. Playing on responsive instruments helps students develop proper touch, tone, and musical control from the beginning. Lessons combine structured instruction, consistent feedback, and clear progress tracking so students always know what they are improving and where they are headed.Over the years, many SyracuseDrums students have gone on to achieve impressive success in the marching arts and the drum set world. Former students have performed with Drum Corps International, Drum Corps Associates, and Winter Guard International ensembles, along with respected collegiate marching programs. Some have become percussion instructors, band directors, and adjudicators themselves. Others have built professional performance careers, recording and touring with artists whose music has appeared on the Billboard Hot 100.Whether your goal is to learn your first drum groove, make the high school drumline, prepare for a major audition, or develop advanced performance skills, SyracuseDrums is designed to help you reach the next level of drumming.
About the owner and instructor:
Learn About Patrick Blakley
My name is Patrick Blakley, and I have been performing and teaching percussion for more than 30 years. I currently serve as a music judge for competitive marching circuits in seven states and am a certified percussion judge with Winterguard International. My drumline exercise and warmup method book has been used by more than 200 schools in 43 states, as well as by groups in Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Europe.In addition to teaching private drum lessons in Syracuse, I have worked with multiple high school marching bands as a composer, drill designer, caption head, and director. All of my ensembles have earned multiple state championships during my time on staff.I'm also the author of two marching percussion instructional books along with a marching band themed novel and a children’s book about the marching arts!You can read my full bio at PatrickBlakley.com
★★★★★
"Patrick is the best drum instructor in Syracuse! He’s the best instructor I have ever worked with. I recommend him to everyone looking for drum lessons."-Jared G.
★★★★★
“Great teacher and a great experience overall. We’re really glad we found him!”-Brittany P.
★★★★★
"Best drum studio and teacher I’ve found for my kid. He's the real deal. Patrick is kind, knowledgeable, respectful, prepared, and equipped."-Pete P.
★★★★★
“This is a wonderful place to learn drums.”-AJ B.
★★★★★
"Patrick is wonderful with children. He teaches on their level. My son learns so much while feeling engaged. Expectations have been exceeded."-Melissa B.
★★★★★
“I’ve learned a lot since I started lessons here. It’s been a really great experience.”-Jason S.
Not in Syracuse? Not a problem!
TRY Digital Drum Lessons at DrumAUdit.com
DrumAudit.com is another brand of drum lessons created by Patrick Blakley that focuses on online drum instruction and digital percussion critiques. Instead of scheduling a live lesson, students submit a video or audio recording and receive a detailed response that includes professional feedback, analysis, and improvement suggestions.This service is ideal for drummers who do not live near Syracuse or for musicians who prefer flexible online drum coaching. With digital drum instruction, you can record your performance when you feel ready and submit it for review. In return, you receive a video response with first impression reactions, technical analysis, written evaluation, and specific practice recommendations.You can submit recordings of many types of performances. Examples include drum set playing, marching snare, tenor drums, bass drum, concert percussion, drumline rehearsals, or full band performances. If you have a recording project, you can even submit studio tracks, EP releases, or album recordings for a professional percussion critique. The goal is simple. Provide clear feedback that helps drummers improve their technique, timing, musicality, and overall performance quality.You do not need a full drum set to participate. Practice pad recordings are welcome, and students can also demonstrate technique using drumsticks on a pillow, practice surface, or other quiet practice setup.Unlike traditional online drum lessons, this format allows you to prepare your performance as carefully as you want before submitting it. Many drummers use the service to practice toward a goal, submit a recording for critique, apply the feedback, and then submit another recording later to measure improvement.There is no scheduling requirement and no long-term commitment. Submit a single video to receive a professional evaluation, or submit recordings regularly as part of your ongoing practice routine. Because submissions are recorded in advance, you never need to coordinate lesson times or worry about studio availability. Just upload your performance whenever it works for you and receive detailed feedback designed to help you become a stronger drummer.Check out DrumAudit.com
The Studio
The drum studio is climate-controlled and designed for comfort for both students and parents. Two professional drum sets feature large digital music displays so sheet music and illustrations are clear and easy to follow during every drum lesson. A heads-up smartboard lets students see notation, sticking patterns, and lesson markings in real time as concepts are explained.Parents can relax on a comfortable couch and follow the lesson on a dedicated digital display built specifically for them, making it easy to take photos of sheet music or capture a quick video of their young drummer learning.This is not a typical basement setup. The space is a purpose-built percussion studio designed specifically for drum lessons, with an open layout, clear sight lines, and easy access for students and families.
Syracuse Drums T-shirts
Explore our drum apparel and wear your passion for drumming! Not all drummers are created equal, and these shirts politely say so. Show the world you take drumming seriously, and actually sound good doing it.
Syracuse Drums Hoodies
Gear up with our drum apparel and let your sticks do the talking! Not every drummer can keep a beat, but these shirts let people know you actually can. Wear it loud, proud, and with a little extra flair.
Answering your most common drum lesson questions:
Drum Lesson Frequently Asked Questions
Where to take drum lessons? Where to learn drums? Drum lessons near me?
If you live in or around Syracuse, New York, you’re not far from our studio! SyracuseDrums.com offers in-person professional drumset lessons, marching drumline and pit lessons, as well as concert lessons. These lessons are perfect for our area school districts and students!What percussion instruments do you teach lessons on?
SyracuseDrums.com is a percussion-oriented studio which means we teach lessons on almost any percussion instrument. The most popular instruments to take lessons on with us is drum set, concert snare drum, marching snare drum, tom toms, marching tenor drums (quads/quints/sextets), marching bass drum, marimba, and piano. See the detailed instrumentation list at PatrickBlakley.com/equipmentDo you offer drum lessons for kids?
Yes, we offer drum lessons for kids! We typically recommend starting lessons at age 8 or older. At this age, most children have the physical coordination and attention span to get the most out of lessons and truly enjoy learning the drums. Students age 8+ will also tend to retain the framework of information more critically which allows us to have a more structured lesson. If you’re planning for your child to start percussion in school soon, we can provide the necessary foundation to give them a leg-up and keep them one step ahead! For kids under 8 years old please contact me and we can discuss some options you may have for them.When to start drum lessons? What age to start drum lessons?
Many local schools introduce specific instruments around age 9 or 10, but drum lessons with Syracuse Drums can begin a little earlier than that to give them a leg up! We may certainly be biased, but drums are an extremely fun and simple instrument to begin, making lessons prior to school band even more useful and engaging. You don’t even need a drum at home, you could simply buy a pair of drumsticks and practice on the carpet, or a pillow. You could also consider buying a drum pad for practicing. For a general guideline, we typically start student lessons at around 8+ years old. For kids under 8 years old please contact me and we can discuss some options you may have for them.What do drum lessons cost? Are drum lessons expensive? Drum lesson prices?
See our sign-up form for the most up-to-date drum lesson pricing. We continue to research the drum lesson market and strive to offer reasonable pricing for the most knowledgeable rudimental drum lessons available in Syracuse! We’re also confident that the SyracuseDrums.com studio is on the next level of instruction based on credentials and certifications as a music judge for seven states in the National Judges Association, Winterguard International, and staff member for NYS, WGI, DCA, and DCI circuits!How many drum lessons do you need?
The answer to this question depends on your ultimate drumming goals. If you’re preparing for an audition, solo, or competition, you may want to take as many lessons as possible before the event. If you’re starting a new hobby or just want to drum casually, you’d probably be more inclined to take lessons over a much longer timeframe. With SyracuseDrums.com we offer casual lesson schedules as needed, so you can feel free to take a few lessons here or there, take a long break, or just simply do a one-time lesson. Whenever you feel you need a lesson we’ll be here!What’s the best lesson duration?
There is no one-size-fits-all lesson duration, which is why we offer several different options. The best lesson duration for you is one where you’re able to feel engaged throughout the full lesson. Feel free to try a few different durations and see which one feels best for you!Can I do more than one lesson per week?
Yes, if you’d like to take multiple lessons per week we would be happy to help. This is a great solution for students preparing for an audition, solo, or competition. Let us know at the bottom of the sign-up form and we’ll plan the lesson schedule accordingly. Note, some pricing specials are only valid once per week.Do you offer group lessons?
Use the contact form to send a message with a request for group lessons. We can definitely accommodate small group lessons with our studio.Are drum lessons worth it?
The short answer is yes. While it is certainly possible to teach yourself drums, and a lot of people start out that way, there are many bad habits that you may miss or lose track of. You can also learn drums by watching online videos which are super popular now. However, unless you’re hyper-aware of your own personal tendencies you can easily grow those bad habits which will be very difficult to correct once they’re established. With an in-person drum lesson in front of a teacher, those tendencies will be illuminated and corrected throughout each lesson, so while you move on to different elements of drumming, your instructor will keep those bad habits in check and prevent them from becoming a problem. This is just one of many important reasons why drum lessons are worth it!How to start drum lessons?
It’s simple to start taking drum lessons at SyracuseDrums.com, just click here for our sign-up form!Drum lessons without drums?
Students can absolutely learn drums without owning a drumset or even a single drum at home! In fact, it’s even more beneficial to take in-person lessons in this situation in order to play on real drums in person more often. Practicing at home without drums is easy, all you need is a pair of drumsticks and a pillow. You can also play right on your bed. Keep in mind an actual drumhead has a natural rebound in which the drumstick bounces off. On a pillow, you have to pull the drumstick up for each stroke which builds chops and drumming muscles much faster! Drum pads are also great, or simply drumming on your leg while you watch TV! As long as you are practicing it doesn’t really matter what you’re practicing on!What drumsticks do you recommend for beginners?
We recommend starting with a size 5A drumstick. In the studio, we use the Innovative Percussion IP-1 drumsticks which are great for both concert and drumset applications. For marching percussion, or just a full list of implements used in the studio, see the equipment page here!Where is the studio located?
The SyracuseDrums.com percussion studio is located in North Syracuse, NY. Once your lesson date/time is confirmed, you’ll receive the exact address with several other pieces of lesson information.Do I have to pay for parking?
Street parking in front of the studio is completely free!
BUILDING DRUMS & TEACHING DRUMS:
About the Business
SyracuseDrums.com started in the summer of 2008 as B Meson Custom Percussion, a small business building unique acoustic drums inspired by science and astronomy. The company sold custom drum sets, snare drums, marching drums, and inventive percussion accessories nationwide, including long octobons, free-floating snares, dual-snare drums, and even miniature suitcase drum sets. Each drum came with a ParticleZoo.net B Meson plushie, a nod to our playful beginnings. Today, every bass drum still carries one inside!The business eventually rebranded to SyracuseDrums.com, expanding into drum lessons, percussion consulting, and competition judging while continuing to create custom drums and accessories. Many of the clever ideas from those early days still live on.Reach out anytime about custom drums or services!
THE FINAL STEP:
Sign up for drum lessons right now!
Come see what SyracuseDrums.com can do for you. There's no obligation,
so check it out and see what you think!
