GET DRUMMING TODAY!

Based on the teachings of Al Miller and The Al Miller Drum School, which has been in existence for over five decades! Our system is based on Al’s proven instructional method, begun in 1951. Many of today’s most well-known drummers have studied the Miller drum system, including Billy Cobham, Greg Bissenette, Dom Famularo, Bobby Rondinelli and Rod Morgenstein, to name just a few.

Start Learning Today

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Call (516) 445-4052 to schedule a lesson

“THE PROGRAM IS BRILLIANT!”

What a great teacher! I’ve taken my son to numerous drum teachers over the last few years. In just a few lessons Sam has improved dramatically. Not only is the program brilliant but the student teacher/relationship that my son has with Matt is just unbelievable. I would recommend the Miller Drum School to anyone who wants to learn the instrument.

- Parent of Student

About Miller Drum School

Our methodology is based on the teachings of my father and The Al Miller Drum School, which has been in existence for over five decades.

It is an easy program to follow and has provided our students with the tools needed to understand rhythm and technique. The system is based on Al’s proven instructional method, begun in 1951.

Many of today’s most well-known drummers going back decades have studied the Miller Drum System™. Even the great Buddy Rich, perhaps the most famous drummers of all time and still studied and revered today, recognized the value of his system and asked my father to teach him to read music. Since my father’s passing in 2000, I’ve expanded his method and personalized it for the modern drummer.

More about Matt Miller

“It is an easy program to follow and has provided our students with the tools needed to understand rhythm and technique.” – Matt Miller, Owner

The Outline

Beginners

With brand new students, One of the goals is to have them playing a simple rock beat in the first lesson. At the same time, we introduce certain foundational elements. Although the consistent use of method books is important, the emphasis is on “playing,” improvisation and fun which is always a large part of the experience here.

Intermediate & Advanced

The lesson plan is based on reviewing the previous lesson and then taking each assignment to the next step. My only expectation is that my student will come to the lesson prepared to move forward. He or she should be ready to turn to the next page of any given book and add something new to a technique that has been discussed in the previous lesson. There is always a forward motion – this is the key to reaching the goals set by the student.

BONUS – The MDS Student Experience

 Within the program, I implement a course called “The Recording Session.” It’s a music minus-one study using a library of recording sessions that I’ve played on, in a variety of musical styles. The student picks a tune that he or she wants to work on. They will hear the song with and without my drum track. When they are ready, they will replace my track with their own. This is done in a 16-track recording studio.   It gives the student a real sense of pride when they hear themselves “on a record.” I’ve witnessed tremendous results with this and it is just one of several unique approaches that we use.

Our greatest joy is to inspire our students – We focus on encouraging them to achieve new levels of fearless expression. While we do emphasize the books and the lesson plan, it is crucial to keep a very friendly environment where students feel free to be themselves and share their thoughts. This is what sets our drum school apart and why we have been very successful in maintaining a long lasting student following.

Core books that we use

Modern Drum Studies by Simon Sternburg. This a great book which is taught using a process my father developed. The book is presented in cut time, however, Al came up with the idea of having each passage played five different ways, implementing different types of rolls: 16th even, 16th triplet, 8th note triplet in 4/4 and then played as originally intended, using the 8th note triplet roll in cut. The fifth, and most challenging, is the eighth note even.

Syncopation by Ted Reed. Used as an introduction to reading.
N.A.R.D. for Rudimental studies
Rockin’ Bass Drum by Charles Perry and John Lombardo. Used as an introduction to rock drumming.

Many other books are used as more challenge is needed.

NYSSMA studies are an essential part of this program during the school year.

Al Miller Volume 1 through 6 Jazz and Rock Studies

Learn from the place where it all started with the original Al Miller books.

AVAILABLE SOON

Get STarted

Schedule A Lesson Today!

Fill out the form to the right or use the methods below to get started. Whether you’d like to start lessons right away or you have some questions, I want to hear from you! There’s never a wrong time to start.

Phone: (516) 445-4052
Email: millerdrum19@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a lesson?

Lessons can be a half hour, 45 minutes or an hour.

How often should I take a lesson?

Lessons should be taken once a week ideally. Consistent practice and listening to different drummer’s will help you reach your goals sooner.

What are your fees?

I prefer to speak to you in person or on the phone to discuss fees. Give me a call at (516) 445-4052!

Can anybody play the drums?

I believe to a degree that anybody can drum. Some people are naturally talented, but most people can learn to play and express themselves on the drum set.

How long will it take me to become a great drummer?

That depends on how often you come to lessons and of course how much time you dedicate to practicing at home.

Do you work with beginners?

I love working with beginners. I’ve had students on Broadway and students who tour all around the world as well as students on major labels. I also teach hobbyists who simply enjoy coming to lessons to just brush up on what they already know.

Do you have a specialty genre?

I was brought up by my father as a jazz musician but have studied everything from rock, latin, reggae to classical snare drum. I pride myself on being able to play all styles.

Do you have any accreditation?

I played with the legendary band Blood Sweat and Tears in 1996 to 1998. Toured with The Healers throughout Europe for 4 years between 2009 to 2013. I received a full scholarship to Miami school of music, Berkeley in Boston and North Texas State University and attended North Texas and in 86.