Each October, www.dougstronach.com offers a selection of online group lessons via Zoom software. The lessons begin in October and end in April of the following year where there are approximately 20 weekly sessions. All lessons are 50 minutes long and taught each week by Doug. Pre-recorded videos for lessons are never used – all lessons are conducted live in real time where students get to discuss and ask questions on all of the topics being covered. Students include beginners, competing and non-competing drummers of all levels, and from various parts of Canada and the USA. Students who wish to repeat a course should email to ask about a student discount. General information on the courses can be found in our FAQ here.
The courses offered this year are:
BEGINNER SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2023 to April 2024
Weekly, starting Tuesday October 24th 2023 at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $300.00 CAD per student
– This course is designed for individuals of all ages, or for pipe bands without an instructor who need to add new drummers to their band. The course starts with how to hold the drum sticks, how to play simple rudiments and exercises, and progresses to the four North American 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. 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.
GRADE 5 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2023 to April 2024
Weekly, starting Monday October 23rd 2023 at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student
– 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 Drum Cadences with chip parts will also be reviewed. Piping and drumming recordings and all material will be provided.
GRADE 4 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2023 to April 2024
Weekly, starting Wednesday October 25th 2023 at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student
– 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. Piping and drumming recordings for the scores and all material will be provided.
GRADE 3 SNARE DRUMMING (Buy Now)
October 2023 to April 2024
Weekly, starting Thursday October 26th 2023 at 7pm EST on Zoom
Cost is $450.00 CAD per student
– 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 for the scores and all 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
- How to Memorize Music
- Recording Audio and Video for Online Contests
- Effective Practicing Strategies
- How to Set Up Your Drum Carrier
- Practice Pads, Sticks, Tuners and Keys
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.
