Each October, www.dougstronach.com offers a selection of online group lessons via Zoom software. The lessons begin in October and end in May of the following year where there are approximately 25 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. General information on the courses can be found in our FAQ here.
The courses offered this year are:
BEGINNER SNARE DRUMMING (Enrolment opens again in June 2023)
October 2022 to May 2023
Weekly, starting Tuesday October 18th 2022 at 6pm 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.cds-shop.com for supplies or contact us for more information.
GRADE 5 SNARE DRUMMING (Enrolment opens again in June 2023)
October 2022 to May 2023
Starts Tuesday October 18th 2022 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 (Enrolment opens again in June 2023)
October 2022 to May 2023
Starts Wednesday October 19th 2022 at 6pm 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 (Enrolment opens again in June 2023)
October 2022 to May 2023
Starts Wednesday October 19th 2022 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.
MUSIC THEORY COURSE (Enrolment opens again in June 2023)
October 2022 to May 2023
Starts Thursday October 20th 2022 at 7pm EST
Cost is $300.00 CAD per student or free (see below)
– This course is included free with any of the snare drumming courses but can also be purchased separately. Snare drummers, bass drummers, tenor drummers and pipers are all welcome to take the course to improve their understanding of the written notation used in piping and drumming music. No instruments are required throughout the course. You will learn how to read snare drum, bass and tenor drum and pipe music as well as how to write music out and how to count and play monotone rhythms to a metronome. A free online sequencer will also be used to reinforce the grid and develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and notation. The information given is important material for studying aspects of the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) exams. These exams are important for all players to sit and essential for prospective judges and teachers. More information on the PDQB exam process and full curriculum can be found here.
FREE WORKSHOPS
For any student enrolled in one of the courses, there will also be additional workshops offered free at various times throughout the year on some or all of the following subjects:
- 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 via Paypal (International) or email money transfer and credit card (in Canada only). Please get in touch using the contact page if you’re interested in signing up for any of the courses or solo lessons.
For information on setting up your computer for online lessons, please visit this page here.
SOLO LESSONS
Scheduled solo lessons are no longer offered. We can support you with a selection of online solo lessons available with other instructors or occasional spot lessons when available. Please email for more info.
