DRUM LESSON PLAN
Some topics may need to be adjusted or
omitted depending on the pace of the students.
Day 1: Introduction to the Drum Set
Overview of the different parts of the drum set
(snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat, cymbals, etc.)
Explanation of the different drum strokes
(single stroke, double stroke, paradiddle, etc.)
Basic drum beats (quarter note and eighth note
rhythms)
Day 2: Rhythm Basics
Explanation of rhythm notation and counting
Practice counting and playing different rhythms
Day 3: Hand Technique
Explanation of proper hand technique and grip
Exercises to develop hand control and speed
Day 4: Foot Technique
Explanation of proper foot technique and
posture
Exercises to develop foot control and speed
Day 5: Groove Development
Introduction to different styles of music and
their grooves (rock, pop, funk, etc.)
Practice playing different grooves and
experimenting with different variations
Day 6: Dynamics
Explanation of dynamics (loudness and
softness) and their importance in music
Practice playing with different levels of
dynamics
Day 7: Fill Basics
Introduction to drum fills and their role in music
Practice playing basic drum fills in different
contexts
Day 8: Listening Session
Listening to and analyzing different drummers
and their playing styles
Discussion of how to incorporate different
styles and techniques into one's own playing
Day 9: Rudiments
Introduction to rudiments (basic patterns that
form the foundation of drumming)
Practice playing different rudiments and their
variations
Day 10: Song Analysis
Analyzing drum parts in popular songs
Practice playing along with the songs and
experimenting with different variations
Day 11: Timing and Tempo
Explanation of timing (playing in time with a
metronome) and tempo (speed of a song)
Practice playing with a metronome at different
tempos
Day 12: Advanced Groove Development
Introduction to more complex grooves and
rhythms
Practice playing and experimenting with
different variations
Day 13: Advanced Fills
Introduction to more complex fills and their role
in music
Practice playing and experimenting with
different variations
Day 14: Improvisation
Introduction to improvisation (creating music
on the spot)
Practice improvising over different grooves and
chord progressions
Day 15: Playing with Others
Explanation of how to play with other musicians
in a band setting
Practice playing with other musicians and
experimenting with different arrangements
Day 16: Drum Set Maintenance
Explanation of how to take care of one's drum
set (tuning, cleaning, etc.)
1. Seven Nation Army by The White
Stripes
2. Reason - Hoobastank
3. We Will Rock You" by Queen
4. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
5. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd
Skynyrd
6. When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin
7. Beat It by Michael Jackson
8. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
9. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno
Mars
10. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Practice tuning and cleaning the drum set

Day 17: Recording Session

In a studio/show setting, recording drum parts

for a song. The significance of playing with
precision and consistency in a recording setting
is discussed.

Day 18: Performance Preparation

Preparation for a final performance

Practice playing songs and arranging set lists

Day 19: Practice

Final practice before the performance

Day 20: Performance

Final performance.

Song List