Music has always held a special place in my heart, but something about the rhythmic pulse of the drums truly speaks to my soul. Whether it’s the driving force behind a catchy melody or the backbone of a powerful groove, the drums have a way of captivating anyone and everyone by bringing a sense of energy and excitement to any piece of music.
As someone who has always been drawn to the art of percussion (I have been practicing for almost five years now), I’ve come to appreciate the intricate beats and subtle nuances that make drumming a unique experience. From mastering different rhythms and techniques to exploring various styles and genres, there’s always something new to learn and discover on the drum kit.
And let’s remember those unmistakable beats that get your heart pumping and your feet tapping. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a rock anthem or the infectious groove of a funk jam, there’s no denying the sheer power and versatility of the drums.
My love for music (and drums, in particular) makes me scour the internet to find online platforms that help a music enthusiast (like me) learn new instruments. My search led me to Drumeo.
In this (detailed) review of Drumeo, I will explore the endless possibilities of mastering this timeless instrument (drums).
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just a beginner, Drumeo offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of drumming on Drumeo (it is fun to say) together.
Drumeo Review in 2024: Legit? Worth It?
Drumeo has over 200,000 users worldwide and offers a wide range of drumming topics, including technique, rudiments, grooves, fills, music theory, and more, catering to drummers looking to improve their skills and expand their musical knowledge. It boasts a massive online presence, with over 3 million subscribers on YouTube, making it one of the largest drumming communities on the platform. Drumeo also provides a wealth of educational content on its platform, including over 1,500 video lessons and tutorials taught by world-renowned drum instructors. These lessons cover various topics, from basic techniques to advanced drumming concepts, providing valuable insights and guidance for drummers of all levels. With a vast library of resources and a dedicated community of drummers, Drumeo continues to inspire and educate drummers worldwide.
Pros
- World-renowned drummers who make for exceptional teachers
- Unique learning style focusing on practice
- A broad range of courses
- It has an app, making it more convenient
- Beginner-friendly
- The production value is of excellent quality
- Over 1000 songs with transcriptions
Cons
- Online learning (especially for such a complex musical instrument like drums) might not be for everyone
- The variety of courses can be overwhelming for beginners
Recommendations
Everyone should try Drumeo, as the platform caters to all skill levels (beginner or advanced). The instructors are expert drummers with experience, and the practical approach to teaching makes Drumeo fun and engaging. Drums are an exceptional instrument, and Drumeo provides an easily accessible platform for anyone who is a drum aficionado.
What is Drumeo?
Drumeo is an online drumming platform offering extensive resources (like practice exercises) and educational content (like high-quality videos with transcripts) for drummers of all skill levels. It was founded by Jared Falk, a professional drummer and instructor, to provide a one-stop destination for drummers seeking to improve their skills, deepen their insight, and become part of a community of fellow musicians.
Jared Falk and his brother Dave Falk co-founded Drumeo in 2008 to revolutionize drum education through innovative online learning methods. Over the years, Drumeo has evolved into a leading authority in the drumming world, offering a diverse range of Instructional materials, including over 1500 video lessons, play-along tracks, live lessons, and interactive practice tools.
Drumeo is part of the Musora family of online music education platforms, which also includes Pianote (for piano enthusiasts), Guitareo (for guitar players), and Ukeoke (for ukulele players). Together, these platforms provide a comprehensive resource for musicians of all backgrounds and interests, focusing on high-quality instruction, engaging content, and a supportive learning community.
With its innovative approach to drumming education, commitment to excellence, and dedication to serving drummers’ needs worldwide, Drumeo inspires musicians to achieve their drumming goals and reach their full potential behind the kit (drum kit).
Who is Drumeo for?
Drumeo is for anyone who loves the rhythmic beats of the drums (specifically the drum kit) and is a music enthusiast.
With that said, Drumeo is ideal for
- Beginner Drummers: Drumeo offers extensive beginner-friendly lessons covering all the basic techniques and essential drumming skills, providing a solid base for those just starting (their drumming journey).
- Intermediate Drummers: Drumeo’s diverse range of instructional materials, including intermediate-level lessons, play-along tracks, and live lessons, can benefit intermediate drummers (if you are one) by helping them refine their (existing) skills and expand their musical vocabulary (by learning new notes).
- Advanced Drummers: Advanced drummers can take advantage of Drumeo’s advanced-level courses, masterclasses, and specialized workshops taught by world-class instructors to hone their technique further, explore advanced concepts, and push the boundaries of their playing (to get out of a musical rut).
- Drum Teachers: Drumeo offers resources and support for drum teachers, including lesson plans, tips, and educational materials, to enhance their teaching skills and effectively engage their students.
- Drum Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a passionate drum enthusiast, Drumeo provides inspiring content, including interviews with renowned drummers, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive access to live events to feed your drive for drumming.
- Musicians of All Genres: Drumeo caters to drummers of all musical genres and styles, with lessons and resources covering a wide range of musical styles, including rock, jazz, funk, metal, pop, and more, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
Drumeo is distinctively designed to meet drummers’ diverse needs and interests at every stage of their musical development. It provides the tools, resources, and support anyone (regardless of their skill level) needs to achieve their drumming dream.
How Much Does Drumeo Cost?
You need to sign up (it is a simple process) to access Drumeo’s courses and instructional videos. Drumeo is an exclusively subscription-based service.
You can either pay monthly or annually (with heavy discounts).
A monthly subscription to Drumeo will cost you $29 per month. Annual subscription will cost you $240 (working out to $20 per month) per year, paid in a single payment.
A yearly subscription is on the pricier side but is $10 cheaper than a monthly subscription. If you start a lesson plan, it requires a reasonable amount of time to finish, so in the end, the annual subscription becomes a more reasonable option.
Is Drumeo free?
Most online platforms offer free courses or preview premium courses for free to let new users check out what they offer. However, Drumeo does not have any free classes that you can take.
To enjoy the premium content on the platform, you must buy a subscription plan.
Drumeo offers a 7-day free trial. Sign up for the platform to try It out for 7 days for free. The free trial gives you access to all courses, instructional videos, and more on Drumeo. If you are unsure about making a financial investment, this is perfect for you, as you can try the platform and decide for yourself if it is worth it.
Drumeo Refunds
Drumeo offers a 90-day money-back guarantee in case you are unhappy with the service or the course content (though it is unlikely that you will be).
This is reassuring for people unsure about committing to an online learning platform.
My Personal Experience with Drumeo
As I already mentioned, I have some experience playing the drums (5 years), so I decided to take an intermediate lesson on Drumeo to understand the platform a little better/
After browsing the courses for a while, I found a course that intrigued me “Advanced Groove Development.” The course was divided into modules (bite-sized lessons to understand better and follow the content), each focusing on a specific aspect of groove development.
In the first module, I was faced with advanced groove patterns. I explored syncopated rhythms, ghost notes, and polyrhythmic accents. The instructor (Mike Johnston) followed each pattern step-by-step, providing clear explanations and demonstrating how to apply them in musical contexts.
The second module focused more on groove variations, and I learned how to embellish basic grooves with creative variations and fills. Mike also taught me how to add dynamics, accents, and subdivisions to my grooves, allowing me to create more dynamic and expressive drumming patterns.
The following module was all about groove modulation and learning how to transition between different grooves seamlessly feels and time signatures. I enjoyed the guided exercises provided by the instructor, and the play-along tracks designed for my transition skills and adaptability as a drummer was a unique approach that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The final module focused on groove integration and applying the skills I learned to real-world musical situations. I practiced playing along with backing tracks in various styles and genres, honing my ability to lock in with the music and support the band effectively.
Throughout the course, Drumeo made learning simple and easy. The video lessons were well-structured and easy to follow, with interactive notation and play-along tracks to reinforce concepts and enhance understanding. Drumeo’s practice tools, such as metronome exercises and play-along tracks, also helped me develop my timing and groove skills.
I also enjoyed the supportive community of drummers, who constantly encouraged and gave me feedback while creating a motivating and inspiring learning environment. Whether sharing progress videos, asking questions, or offering advice, the Drumeo community was always there to support and uplift me.
By the end of the course, I felt more confident and proficient in my groove playing, with a toolkit of advanced techniques and creative ideas to apply in my drumming. The course helped me improve my skills and deepened my passion for drumming. All in all, my experience at Drumeo was pleasant.
What Did I Like About Drumeo?
As a lifelong music lover, I appreciated several aspects of Drumeo.
- Variety of Courses: Drumeo offers a vast library of instructional materials covering various drumming topics, including technique, grooves, fills, music theory, and more. I like the fact that the platform features lessons taught by world-class instructors (read drumming legends), such as Mike Johnston, Jared Falk (founder), and Dave Atkinson, who bring their expertise and passion for drumming to each lesson.
- High-Quality Instruction: Drumeo’s instructors are renowned drummers known for their engaging teaching styles and ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. I like that the lessons are well-produced with high-quality video and audio, ensuring a clear and immersive learning experience.
- Interactive Learning Tools: Drumeo provides interactive tools like play-along tracks, interactive notation, and practice exercises. I appreciate that these tools enhance learning and make practicing more engaging and effective. The platform also offers a variety of practice tools, including metronome exercises and drumming games, to help improve timing, coordination, and technique.
- Supportive Community: Drumeo boasts a supportive online community of drummers worldwide who share tips, advice, and encouragement. As someone who learns more through constructive criticism, I really enjoyed it. The Drumeo community offers forums, live Q&A sessions, and social media groups where drummers can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other.
- Flexibility and Convenience: With Drumeo’s online platform, you can access lessons and resources anytime, anywhere, allowing you to learn at your own pace and schedule. This feature was helpful for me as I work full-time and can’t schedule In-person drum lessons. The platform also has various subscription options, including a monthly and annual plan, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
- Drumeo Method (10-level drum curriculum): Drumeo’s 10-level drum curriculum is a structured learning curriculum designed to guide drummers through a comprehensive journey of skill development and musical growth (and one of the best things about the platform, in my opinion). The program covers many topics, including basic sticking patterns, groove development, rudiment mastery, independence, musicality, and more. Each step in the program includes video lessons, exercises, play-along tracks, and practice tips to help drummers progress effectively and efficiently.
- Practical Exercises and Their Effects: Drumeo’s practical exercises are designed to help drummers ( of all skill levels) apply the concepts learned in lessons to real-world playing situations. By regularly practicing exercises and applying them to musical contexts, drummers (like me) can improve their technique, timing, coordination, and musicality. The practical exercises helped me develop a repertoire of grooves, fills, and patterns that I can now use in my playing, enhancing my creativity and versatility behind the kit.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my exploration of Drumeo, I can wholeheartedly say that it’s an investment well worth making for any drummer seeking to enhance their skills and ignite their passion for percussion.
With its extensive array of top-notch lessons led by renowned instructors such as Aaron Spears, Steve Smith, and Hannah Welton, Drumeo offers a rich and diverse learning experience that caters to drummers of all levels and styles.
Drumeo’s interactive platform provides practice tools and resources, from play-along tracks to interactive notation, ensuring that learning remains engaging and effective. Moreover, the supportive community of fellow drummers fosters a sense of camaraderie and encouragement that fuels continuous growth and inspiration.
In my journey through Drumeo, I’ve refined my (pre-existing) drumming skills and discovered newfound joy and excitement in my musical goals.
Whether you’re a beginner starting your drumming journey or an experienced player seeking to hone your craft, Drumeo is the platform for you. It offers a dynamic environment that will help you reach your full drummer potential. So, without a doubt, I would recommend Drumeo to everyone, and it is worth the time, money, and effort.