Beginner to Band


Beginner to Band was designed as a practical and useful guide for learning to play the drums. Created with the beginner in mind and with clear and simple directions, each section builds upon the last to create a strong drumming foundation through effective exercises. It is a practical guide for mastering the fundamentals and includes the essential knowledge you will need to succeed. This complete course will have you playing along with recordings in no time and prepare you for playing with other musicians.

Let's Play!


You probably can't chose an instrument that is more fun. Drumming can be a very rewarding pursuit - especially if you have the motivation to put some effort into learning and practicing your skills. Once you have the basics, improvising and playing music are much more gratifying.


Let Beginner to Band help you reach your drumming goals by enrolling today!

You have questions - we have answers!


Why this course versus the free stuff?


Yep, there is A LOT of information out in the world. Thank you, internet! You can spend a bunch of your time and energy searching for tips, or get a no-nonsense, practical approach to learning what you need know with Beginner to Band. Save your time and energy for playing the drums. 

AND we’ve got some free stuff here, too. Check out the Drumming Basics course. You’ll want to do that before you get going with Beginner to Band.


Why Dawn and not someone else?

Dawn is not only a teacher with years of in-person experience teaching students of all ages, but she also actually plays music with other humans! She has played in a bazillion different bands and with lots of super-groovy artists. We’ll make you a list. She’s even played on a big hit song called "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes that you’ve most likely heard on the radio or in a movie or tv show. 

Anyway, she’s not here to show you how good she is or brag – she truly wants to help YOU learn to play. The course and lessons are designed to help you reach your goals and get you drumming. This is the YOU show – not the DAWN show! Dawn LOVES helping more people learn to do what she loves to do. So, it’s a win/win all around.




Choose a Pricing Option

Example Curriculum

  Unit 1 - Get Started with Quarter Notes
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Unit 2 - Adding Eighth Notes
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Unit 3 - Introducing Sixteenth Notes
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Unit 4 - Rudiments and Syncopation
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Unit 5 - All Limbs on Board
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Unit 6 - Accents and All Four
Available in days
days after you enroll
What do I need to start?


Since this course is designed to teach you how to play the drum set, one of those would be nice to have. Maybe you have one of those already, and that’s what brought you here. Done.

There are so many choices and no one can’t tell you what’s right for you. Consider your living situation, available space and budget before you purchase. Acoustic versus electronic: an electronic kit might make more sense than an acoustic kit for some folks. Drums can be LOUD! If you can have that loudness sometimes, but not always, you can also get or make mutes for your acoustic kit to make it softer. Or, they make a practice kit that is all practice pads. There are some good resources out there – and who doesn’t like shopping?!?! 

Speaking of shopping, maybe you’re a bargain hunter…so there’s second-hand versus new to ponder as well. Big name versus budget-brand kits. Way too many options. Do some research on price versus quality. Look around and think on it and get something to hit, if you don’t have something already. Get the right thing for your budget and living situation. Try googling “Drum Kit Buying Guide” – there are tons of resources to explore on this topic.



Those things for hitting things. Sticks to start drumming with.


There are A LOT of different kinds of sticks and striking implements. And they are always coming up with new ones. Some of the major stick companies are Vic Firth, Zildjian, Pro Mark, Vater and Regal Tip. Let’s start simple and get exotic later. Start with a major company and these sizes to insure you get rolling with high quality sticks. If you can only get one pair, I’d suggest size 5B. This is a multi-purpose size. If you can get two pairs, get 5B and 2B. 

Use the larger 2B sticks for your practice with only your hands to improve dexterity and technique. Vic Firth SD1 General is also an option for your hands-only practice. 

If you start feeling like the 5Bs are too big or you’re ready for something slightly smaller, try 5A. They are slightly smaller than 5B. Starting with larger sticks helps with control when you are just starting drumming. It’s easier to branch out and explore more smaller sizes as you get better at controlling the stick. 

Check out the free Drumming Basics course for more on this topic.

Practice Pads are also cool.

A practice pad is a great tool so that you can work on your hands without being on the kit, if you so desire. They are much softer than your acoustic snare drum. Again, the drum industry has created many varied options for you to choose from, so you can search “practice pad” or “drum practice pad” and see what you find! They make single pads or whole kits of various shapes, sizes and materials. Some of the big names here are Vic Firth, Remo, Vater and Evans.


I’m not sure I want the whole enchilada. I’m a little short on dough.

Okay, got it – we hear you. Beginner to Band is offered as a full course with one payment, but we also offer a month-to-month subscription program, if that suits you better. Maybe start with the Free Drumming Basics Course and take it from there.