Rock It Drums
Drum Lessons the Professional Way.
Private Drum Training

Serious Drum School

With a Structured Path to Real Progress

  • Dedicated One-on-One Coach
  • Clearly Defined Lesson Path
  • Help When You Need It

Key Concepts

Learn the Right Foundation icon
Learn the Right Foundation
Work with a Dedicated Coach icon
Work with a Dedicated Coach
Follow a Clear Lesson Path icon
Follow a Clear Lesson Path
Build Real Playing Ability icon
Build Real Playing Ability
Program Structure

Structured Paths. NOT Random Lessons

Not every private lesson is part of a real system. A lot of students get bits and pieces without a clear path forward. At Rock It Drums, each lesson builds on the one before it, so you develop real skill step by step instead of just collecting information.

Laptop displaying drum music notation beside a practice pad and drumsticks in a purple and blue lit living room

Start with the Right Foundation

Students don’t get pushed through random material just to stay busy here. We begin with the fundamentals that actually support long-term progress, including learning how to read and understand drum music from day one.

Most programs put the drums in your hands immediately to lock you in and make sure they keep you coming back, with little regard for the damage that can do to your long-term development.

When reading is ignored early, students end up learning things the wrong way, and later have to stop, unlearn the bad habits, and start over. Because drumming is built on muscle memory, that mistake can seriously slow down, or even stop, real progress. Many good students end up quitting altogether when this happens.

At Rock It Drums, you still get to start playing quickly, but without those issues. You can access our Advanced Reading program immediately when you register below. Access that class 24 hours a day on-line, so you can build your skills the right way from the beginning.

Drum student playing a full drum kit in a purple and blue lit studio, representing structured step by step skill progression

Build Skill in the Right Order

Every lesson is designed to connect to the one before it. Instead of jumping from topic to topic, our students move through a clearly defined path, customized for their needs, where each step builds on what they have already learned, and at the level and pace they are at.

That means our students are not just staying busy, but actually improving. Timing gets tighter. Control gets better. Confidence grows, because each lesson reinforces the last instead of pulling focus in different directions.

This is where most students finally feel things click. Not because it is easier, but because it is finally being taught in the right order from the beginning.

Drum instructor and student playing side by side on two full drum sets during a live lesson in a purple and blue lit studio

Train Side by Side. Learn Faster.

Lessons are done on two full drum sets placed side by side, so you are not just being told what to do. At Rock It Drums, you'll actually see it and be able to match it in real time.

This means less guesswork and more fun. You'll not only hear it, but see it in action, and you play it immediately, which speeds up how fast things click. Oh, and did we mention you get to pick the songs? You Do!

It is one of the biggest reasons students progress faster here than in traditional one-on-one lessons.

Also Available: Latin Percussion Basics • Conga • Bongo • Timbale
Music Styles

Play the Music You Love

Whether students want rock, hip hop, jazz, country, or something else, lessons are built around the music they actually want to play.

Student playing a full drum kit during a high energy rock drum lesson in a modern studio

Rock and Metal

Drive heavy beats, fast fills, and powerful transitions. This is where students learn how to play loud, tight, and in control without losing timing or precision.

Student playing drums in a modern studio while learning pop and hip hop rhythms

Hip Hop and Pop

Lock into clean, steady grooves and develop strong timing that stays consistent. Focus is placed on feel, pocket, and playing in sync with modern tracks.

Student playing drums in a warm studio setting representing jazz, Latin, and reggae rhythm training

Jazz, Latin, and Reggae

Build rhythm, flow, and independence through groove-based styles that require control and feel. These styles challenge coordination and expand musical range.

Young drummer in a cowboy hat and bolo tie playing drums in a warm rustic studio for country and classical drum training

Country and Classical

Develop precision, control, and discipline through structured playing. These styles sharpen timing, dynamics, and technique that carry into every other genre.

Ready to ROCK IT?

Get a clear lesson path, direct one-on-one coaching, and drum training built around the music you actually want to play.

Why This Approach Wins

Most Drum Programs Get This Wrong

Big programs, small studios, and even independent instructors often follow the same flawed approach and it slows students down before they ever really get started.

Typical Drum Programs

  • Follow a fixed curriculum, whether it fits the student or not
  • Decide what you learn instead of building around what you want to play
  • Put you behind the drums immediately without a real foundation
  • Allow bad habits to form early, then try to fix them later
  • Turn progress into a cycle of correction instead of real improvement

Rock It Drums Approach

  • Lessons are built around the music you actually want to play
  • A structured path is customized to your skill level and goals
  • Students learn the “ABC’s” of the language of drumming, giving them the ability to read, understand, and eventually play anything
  • Foundation and technique are taught before bad habits can form
  • Every step is intentional, so progress builds the right way
  • One-on-one coaching ensures you stay on track and keep improving

Most programs fix mistakes after they happen.
We prevent them from happening in the first place.
That’s the Rock It Drums difference.

Meet Your Instructor

Rock It Ron

Direct instruction, personal attention, and a real relationship between student and teacher.

Drum instructor Ron Haslam helping a student adjust grip during a private drum lesson

Why Students Trust Ron

Students are not handed off to a rotating instructor or pushed through a program that treats everyone the same. Ron works directly with each student, learns what they want to accomplish, and helps them build the right skills from the beginning.

That means lessons are more personal, more focused, and easier to connect with. Students get real coaching from someone who is paying attention to how they learn, what they want to play, and what they need next.

  • Direct one-on-one instruction from Ron
  • Lessons customized around each student’s goals and music interests
  • Clear guidance that prevents bad habits before they form
  • A teaching style focused on confidence, progress, and real playing ability
★★★★★
★★★★★

Ron is a wonderful drum teacher. Whether you are a beginner, just starting to learn how to play or have some little experience like me,...

Read full review

Ron is a wonderful drum teacher. Whether you are a beginner, just starting to learn how to play or have some little experience like me, Ron will develop a personalized instruction plan that addresses the strengths and weaknesses in your drumming. Focusing on coordination and timing (my weakest areas), he thinks outside the box with the drills, and homework assignments that have helped me achieve my goals in a step by step manner. Though I still have a ways to go, my drumming has definitely improved with his instruction. I'm so glad that I chose Ron as my go-to instructor.

laura cambron
★★★★★

Ron is an excellent teacher. I was a complete beginner to the instrument and looking for an instructor who could help build a solid foundation,...

Read full review

Ron is an excellent teacher. I was a complete beginner to the instrument and looking for an instructor who could help build a solid foundation, and Ron delivered. Lessons covered many topics, including understanding rhythm, hand technique, and playing on a drum kit. He emphasized understanding rhythm and how to count it more than other teachers would, and that was exactly the kind of in-depth technical approach I was looking for. In terms of playing technique, his expertise really helped to quickly identify any problems I was facing and he knew just how to address them. I'm really happy with the progress I've made after just a few months, and think he succeeded in getting me set up with a good foundation for continuing to study drums on my own. And if I run into any issues in the future or want to study some technique or genre in more depth, I'll definitely be signing up for some additional lessons. If you're thinking about drum lessons, Ron's the man!

Alex
★★★★★

If you are searching for a top-tier drum teacher, your search is over. I took-up learning drums as an adult, and over the years I have taken lessons from several...

Read full review

If you are searching for a top-tier drum teacher, your search is over. I took-up learning drums as an adult, and over the years I have taken lessons from several accomplished teachers, and hands-down, Ron is the best. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned drummer, Ron is the man for all styles and genres of drumming--from funk to rock to jazz. For the beginner drummer, Ron's approach keeps you engaged, and provides a solid foundation that gets you grooving in a relatively short time--Under Ron's method, you don't even need a drum-set! For advanced or accomplished drummer, Ron is a great diagnostician. Ron has a sixth sense that allows him to evaluate and remedy problematic areas, and provide applicable methods to refine technique--which helps you leap above plateaus and stamp-out long ingrained bad habits. Ron has a genuine knack for teaching, and his enthusiasm is infectious, and his knowledge truly impressive. Top Recommendation!

Reply - Thank You Ed, I really appreciate all the hard work you put in and I am excited to see go to the next level with your drums and music !

Edward
★★★★★

Ron is a great drum teacher. My son was going through several teachers until we found Ron. He is patient and knows his stuff and my son loves to practice his drums finally !!!

Read full review

Ron is a great drum teacher. My son was going through several teachers until we found Ron. He is patient and knows his stuff and my son loves to practice his drums finally !!!

Reply - Thank you for the kind words Jacob and Liam- See you guys on Saturday ! Ready to Rock !

Jacob Sapochnick
★★★★★

5 Stars

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Reply - Thanks For the 5 Star Rating Ernesto- Keep on Rockin !

Ernesto Castillo
★★★★★

Ron is an excellent teacher...

Read full review

Ron is an excellent teacher. I was a complete beginner to the instrument and looking for an instructor who could help build a solid foundation. Lessons covered many topics, including understanding rhythm, hand technique, and more.

Alex
★★★★★
★★★★★

My son is 17 with special needs. Ron wants to see every student progress, so he doesn't let him off easy ;-) We get an hour lesson for what we were paying for 30 minutes and...

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My son is 17 with special needs. Ron wants to see every student progress, so he doesn't let him off easy ;-) We get an hour lesson for what we were paying for 30 minutes and were getting results. Two drums sets, side by side, is a huge help with shadowing and showing what's expected. Thanks Ron !

Scott S.
★★★★★

Ron is simply amazing!! The best drum teacher I could ever hope for at this point in my drumming progress. He is a talented, knowledgeable musician, quite well versed in...

Read full review

Ron is simply amazing!! The best drum teacher I could ever hope for at this point in my drumming progress. He is a talented, knowledgeable musician, quite well versed in different genres, styles of drumming and percussion, along with the roots of music genres. Best of all, he effectively communicates with his students of all ages, various drumming experiences and types of percussion. Learning with Ron, I have seen greater, quicker improvements in my skill set and musical knowledge than in any of my previous drum experiences. Having so much fun learning by his teaching techniques, he still keeps me coming back again and again! If you are looking for musical knowledge, awesome skills and a fun way to learn the music of drumming, you owe yourself a visit or two or three to Ron.

Peg H.
★★★★★

Ron was punctual and tailored his lessons to my ability. He thoroughly explains his teaching methodology so you really understand the method...

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Ron was punctual and tailored his lessons to my ability. He thoroughly explains his teaching methodology so you really understand the method to the madness. The lessons were fun and engaging. Would recommend 100%.

Gregory L.
★★★★★

If you are searching for a top-tier drum teacher, your search is over. I took-up learning drums as an adult, and over the years I have taken lessons from several...

Read full review

If you are searching for a top-tier drum teacher, your search is over. I took-up learning drums as an adult, and over the years I have taken lessons from several accomplished teachers, and hands-down, Ron is the best. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned drummer, Ron is the man. This applies all styles and genres of drumming--from funk to rock to jazz. For the beginner drummer, Ron's approach keeps you engaged, and provides a solid foundation that gets you grooving in a relatively short time---Under Ron's method. you don't even need a drum-set! For advanced or accomplished drummers, Ron has a sixth sense that allows him to evaluate and remedy problematic areas, and provide applicable methods to refine technique, and he helps you leap above plateaus and stamp out long ingrained bad habits. Ron has a genuine knack for teaching, and his enthusiasm is infectious, and his knowledge truly impressive. Top Recommendation!

Edward S.
★★★★★

Ron is a great teacher and a nice guy. He was very flexible working around my unpredictable schedule. I've had to drop out for a while due to a back injury, but I will be back

Read full review

Reply - Hi Steve, glad to hear your back is getting better and thanks for the kind words. A soon as you are ready, we need to get you back ROCKIN and pounding out some RHYTHM !! Keep it Movin & groovin , talk soon, Ron.

Steve O.

Reviews are copied from publicly available Google and Yelp review listings. Google and Yelp are trademarks of their respective owners. Their use here is for identification only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before getting started.

Tell me about the Advanced Reading Program.
When you enroll as a student, you get full access to the Advanced Reading Program immediately. Just sign up below for on-line access.

At Rock It Drums, we believe every drummer should have the opportunity to start with the right foundation, especially when it comes to reading, timing, and understanding how music actually works.
How long are lessons and what do I get for my money?
Rock It Drums lessons are a full one hour; not 30 minutes like most other programs. That means real time to learn, real time to correct mistakes, and real progress from one session to the next. You’re not being rushed in and out or handed off halfway through.

The goal is simple: give students enough time to actually build skill, not just go through the motions.
Do students follow a fixed program or system?
No. There is no one-size-fits-all system here. Ron works directly with each student and builds lessons around their goals, ability level, and how they learn best. That’s how real progress happens; not by forcing everyone through the same path.
What makes Rock It Drums different from other drum programs?
Most programs rotate instructors, follow rigid lesson plans, and move students along whether they’re ready or not. Rock It Drums is built around direct instruction, personal attention, and fixing problems early, before they turn into bad habits.

Students work with the same instructor, build real fundamentals, and actually understand what they’re playing.
Can students learn the music they actually want to play?
Yes. Students are encouraged to learn the music they enjoy. That interest is used to keep lessons engaging, while still building the technique, timing, and control needed to play it the right way.
Do I need a drum set at home to get started?
No. You can start learning without owning a full drum set. Ron will guide you on what you actually need (and what you don’t), so you don’t waste money on the wrong equipment early on.
How do lessons help prevent bad habits?
Bad habits are one of the biggest reasons drummers struggle to improve. Because our lessons are one-on-one, Ron can spot issues early and correct them immediately — before they become ingrained and harder to fix later.
Value Comparison

More Time. Better Results. Better Value.

Not all drum lessons are structured the same. Here's how Rock It Drums compares to typical programs.

Program
Lesson Length
Typical Cost
Value Per Hour
Rock It Drums
60 Minutes
$300 / 5 Lessons
$60/hr
Guitar Center
Typically 30 Minutes
$30–$40 / lesson
$70–$80/hr
School of Rock
30–45 Minutes + Group
$150–$350 / month
Varies
San Diego Drum Academy
30–60 Minutes
$50 / 30 min
$100/hr
Victor the Drummer Guy
30 Minutes
$40 / lesson
$80/hr

*Pricing reflects typical publicly available rates or industry averages and may vary by program or location. The key difference is structure — most programs offer shorter sessions, while Rock It Drums provides full one-hour lessons for focused, uninterrupted progress.

Get Started

Start with the Right Foundation

Get instant access to the Advanced Reading Program and take the first step toward learning drums the right way.

Fill out the form below so Ron can understand the student’s goals, experience level, music interests, and lesson needs.

When you become a Rock It Drums student you'll receive immediate access to the on-line reading program.

Get Started Today

Complete the form below to request access and let Ron know what you want to accomplish.