Are virtual drum lessons as effective as in person?

After five years and many students, the short answer is yes when the setup is right: a good camera angle, reliable internet, and a student who is ready to learn. Some students actually progress faster because they are on their own kit in their own room.

What are Rudy Feinauer's credentials?

I am a graduate of the New England Conservatory, Jazz Percussion, Class of 1990, on full scholarship. I have been teaching drums privately for over 35 years and was a NYSSMA adjudicator for several years.

What styles of drumming does Rudy teach?

Jazz, rock, Latin, and contemporary drumming. I draw from over 35 years performing and teaching across genres. Students who want to specialize in one style get more time on that style. Students who want variety get a broader curriculum.

What if drum lessons are not a fit?

The first lesson is free, so it costs nothing to find out. If after that first lesson you decide drumming is not for you, or that we are not the right teacher-student match, no hard feelings. You keep what you learned and you are not on the hook for anything.

Where in Westchester does Rudy teach in person?

The studio is in Ardsley, NY. Students travel in from Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Yonkers, Bronxville, and other nearby Westchester towns. Virtual lessons are also available if traveling is not convenient.

Drum Lesson FAQ: Cost, Equipment, Virtual Setup, and More

Q: What does a drum lesson cost?

Single 30-minute lessons start at $50. 60-minute packages run up to $180. Multi-lesson packages come with a discount. The first lesson is always free for new students, so trying it out costs nothing.

Q: How long is a typical drum lesson?

Lessons run 30, 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Most students settle into a 30 or 60 minute weekly schedule. The first lesson is 30 minutes and free.

Q: How young can a student start drum lessons?

Most students start between ages 7 and 10. I have also taught younger kids and adult beginners in their 60s and 70s. The right age depends on attention span and interest, not the birthday.

Q: Where is Rudy Feinauer based?

My studio is in Ardsley, NY (Westchester County). In person lessons happen at the studio. Virtual lessons reach students across the United States and worldwide via Zoom or FaceTime.

Rudy Feinauer
Jun 22
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Taught by Rudy Feinauer, a New England Conservatory graduate (Class of 1990) with over 35 years of teaching experience. Students have gone on to programs at Berklee College of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory.

The first lesson is free. Book at rudyfeinauer.com/book-online to claim a time.

My lessons with Rudy have been amazing: patient, encouraging, and tailored to my goals. I have improved my timing and fills a ton. Highly recommend for anyone in Westchester looking to learn drums. · Kai Koku, Google review

Quick facts at a glance

Cost · Starts at $50 for 30 minutes. First lesson is always free.
Formats · Virtual over Zoom or FaceTime, or in person at the Ardsley, NY studio.
Ages · Kids age 7 and up, teens, and adult beginners (60s and 70s welcome).
Styles · Jazz, rock, Latin, contemporary, and NYSSMA audition prep.
Teacher · Rudy Feinauer, NEC Class of 1990, 35+ years teaching, former NYSSMA adjudicator.
Reviews · 5.0 stars on Google, 27 verified reviews.

What happens during the free first lesson?

We meet on Zoom or FaceTime, or you come to the Ardsley studio. No payment is required and no commitment after. I'll ask what styles and goals you have in mind, listen to where you are right now, and we'll play together. By the end of 30 minutes you'll know if it's a fit. Most students book a regular slot the same day.

Below are the questions parents and students ask before booking a first lesson, grouped by topic so you can jump to what matters to you. If your question is not here, the easiest answer is to book a free first lesson and ask directly.

Cost and Booking

What does a drum lesson cost?

Single 30-minute lessons start at $50. 60-minute packages run up to $180. Multi-lesson packages come with a discount. The first lesson is always free for new students, so trying it out costs nothing.

How long is a typical lesson?

Lessons run 30, 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Most students settle into a 30 or 60 minute weekly schedule. The first lesson is 30 minutes and free.

How does scheduling and cancellation work?

Lessons can be weekly, biweekly, or as needed. Cancellations work best with 24 hours notice so the time slot can be filled. Booking happens through the booking page.

How do I book my first lesson?

Go to rudyfeinauer.com/book-online, pick a date and time, and I'll confirm. The first lesson is free for new students, so no payment is required to start.

Who Lessons Are For

How young can a student start?

Most students start between ages 7 and 10. I've also taught younger kids and adult beginners in their 60s and 70s. The right age depends on attention span and interest, not the birthday.

Do you teach adult beginners?

Yes. Adult beginners in their 60s and 70s have taken lessons with me and progressed faster than they expected. Adult learners bring focus and life experience that helps. The first lesson is free, which is a low pressure way to see if it's a fit.

Where are you based?

My studio is in Ardsley, NY (Westchester County). In person lessons happen at the studio. Virtual lessons reach students across the United States and worldwide via Zoom or FaceTime.

Equipment and Virtual Setup

What equipment do I need to start?

For the very first lessons, a practice pad and a pair of sticks is enough. Many students start that way and add a full kit later. For NYSSMA prep and intermediate students, a drum kit at home is recommended. Acoustic and electronic kits both work for in person and virtual lessons.

Are virtual lessons as effective as in person?

After five years and many students, the short answer is yes when the setup is right: a good camera angle, reliable internet, and a teacher used to teaching over video. In my experience, virtual students often play better because they're on their own kit at home, which means they're relaxed and not adjusting to a new environment.

What software do I need for virtual lessons?

Zoom or FaceTime. Most people already have one or both. No special software, no separate purchases. A laptop, tablet, or smartphone all work, though a laptop or tablet is easier for camera positioning.

About Me and My Teaching

What are your credentials?

I'm a graduate of the New England Conservatory, Jazz Percussion, Class of 1990, on full scholarship. I've been teaching drums for over 35 years. I was a NYSSMA adjudicator for several years, which means I sat on the scoring side of the audition. My students have continued on to programs at Berklee College of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory.

What styles of drumming do you teach?

Jazz, rock, Latin, and contemporary drumming. I draw from over 35 years performing and teaching across genres. Students pick what they want to focus on, and most end up working on several styles over time.

What if drum lessons aren't a fit?

The first lesson is free, so it costs nothing to find out. If after that first lesson you decide drumming isn't for you, or I'm not the right teacher, that's the end of it. No commitment, no payment, no pressure. Most students who do the free first lesson come back for a second one.

Where in Westchester do you teach in person?

The studio is in Ardsley, NY. Students travel in from Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Bronxville, Yonkers, and Scarsdale. For families further out, virtual lessons over Zoom or FaceTime reach the rest of Westchester County and beyond.

Ready to book a free first lesson?

No payment, no commitment. The fastest way to know if drum lessons are a fit is to play together for 30 minutes. Book your free first lesson, or call 914-262-9406.

Want to read more first? See About Rudy for credentials, or browse the full blog for parent guides on age, equipment, NYSSMA prep, and more.