Each year, www.dougstronach.com offers a selection of online group lessons. The lessons begin in October and end in April of the following year where there are approximately 21 weekly sessions. All lessons are 50 minutes long and taught each week by Doug Stronach. All lessons are conducted live (no pre-recorded videos) and students get to discuss and ask questions on all of the lessons being offered as well as submit videos of their own playing for individual feedback throughout the course. Drummers who take the classes include beginners who are, or are not involved with a band yet, competing band and solo drummers, non-competing band drummers and all of them from various parts of Canada and the US.
Students who wish to repeat a course can email to ask about the repeat student discount. General information on the courses can be found in our FAQ here. Lessons start the last week of October in 2024. See our lesson and workshop schedule here.
The courses offered this year are:
BEGINNER SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2024 to April 2025
Thursdays, weekly at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student (21 Lessons)
– This course is designed for individuals of all ages who want to learn to play snare drum, and for pipe bands without an instructor who need to add new drummers to their band roster. The course starts with lessons showing how to hold the drum sticks, how to play simple strokes, rudiments and exercises, and progresses to the four North American Massed Band Drum Cadences in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8 time. The scores learned are essential for North American Massed Band performances as well as parades, concerts and first-year Grade 5 solo or band performance. Piping and drumming recordings, audio examples and all written material will be provided. Students must own pipe band model snare sticks and a practice pad to begin lessons. Please see our sponsor www.customdrumsound.com for supplies or contact us for more information.
This will be our 4th year offering this course online with many beginner drummers going on to compete and win prizes in band and solo competitions as well as perform parades and concerts with local and regional pipe bands. The course is not band specific. Beginner drummers are taught how to get past the 1st stage of pipe band drumming which is often the most neglected learning stage when being taught within your local pipe band. For more information or for group discounts for bands please get in touch.
GRADE 5 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2024 to April 2025
Thursdays, weekly at 8pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student (21 Lessons)
– For those that have either competed in or wish to compete in Grade 5 Solo or band drumming. New rudiments, exercises and the PPBSO Recommended Scores for the Grade 5 Solo Drumming level will be learned. A re-cap of the North American Massed Band Drum Cadences with chip parts will also be reviewed. Rudiments and exercises in preparation for the pre-2021 Massed Band Drum Scores will also be learned. Piping and drumming recordings, audio examples and all written material will be provided.
GRADE 4 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2024 to April 2025
Tuesdays, weekly at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student (21 Lessons)
– For those that have either competed in or wish to compete in Grade 4 Solo or band drumming. More advanced rudiments and exercises will be learned as well as the pre-2021 PPBSO Massed Band Scores (2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8) which are still played by many competing and non-competing bands in North America. A four parted 2/4 march for the Grade 4 Solo Drumming level will also be learned as well as an introduction to strathspey and reel playing. Piping and drumming recordings, audio examples and all written material will be provided.
GRADE 3 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2024 to April 2025
Tuesdays, weekly at 8pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student (21 Lessons)
– For those that have either competed in or wish to compete in Grade 3 Solo or band drumming. More advanced rudiments and exercises will be learned as well as a march, strathspey and reel for the Grade 3 Solo Drumming level. A four parted hornpipe and jig will also be learned in preparation for the Grade 2 solo level. Piping and drumming recordings, audio examples and all written material will be provided.
WORKSHOPS
Throughout the class year various workshops will be offered on the some or all of the topics below. These workshops are free to current students with a nominal charge for non-students.
- Snare Drum Setup
- Snare Drum Tuning
- Snare Drum Maintenance
- Drum carrier setup
- Drum stick and practice pad choices
PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Minimum numbers are needed to run each course. Students will be given the option to change courses or receive a full refund if their chosen course does not run. Once a course starts and you have accessed the material, there can be no refunds. Payment is in Canadian dollars using the link next to each course. Please get in touch using the contact page if you have any questions.
For information on setting up your computer for online lessons, please visit this page here.
SOLO LESSONS
Solo lessons are not available this year. We do have a list of instructors who offer solo lessons if you feel you need them. Please email for more info.
