Technical Expertise Certificate in Drum Performance
One Year Program
For aspiring professional drummers who want a well-rounded and practical education in artistic and technical music performance
Technical Expertise in Drum Performance
Prepare for a career as a percussionist with technical and artistic expertise at The Collective Global Vision. The Technical Expertise program begins with foundational classes and progresses to our most advanced classes.
Small Class Environment
Get extra individualized attention from NYC’s top producers and teachers with a 5-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
1-on-1 Private Lessons
Your anchor teacher will guide you through your program in weekly mentorship sessions.
Collaborations with Pros
Get in the studio with NYC-based vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers.
Program Cost
$24,375
By the end of your program you will be able to:
Competently perform on the drum set in a variety of styles and musical situations
Learn Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and World Music
Sight read and improvise in various musical settings and collaborative environments
Play in ensembles with professional NYC musicians
Use high-level stick, foot, and limb independence techniques
Study rudiments and ambidexterity with NYC’s top technical drummers
Lead recording sessions using industry-standard DAWs and studio equipment
Learn Ableton Live or Logic Pro
1 Years
of well-rounded music education
245 Hours
of guided learning with a music industry professional
Daily
access to the facility and production gear
Weekly
networking and workshop events
Your Curriculum
APPLIED THEORY I: Applied Theory I is the first of a three-course sequence designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of music theory. This course explores the fundamental elements of music, including notation, rhythm, scales, keys, intervals, chords, and harmonic progression. Students will develop essential skills in music analysis, ear training, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony.
STYLE PREP SEQUENCE – STYLE PREP I: Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop a conceptual framework and application of applied techniques and reading comprehension to perform in a rhythm section setting in the designated contemporary root style of Jazz. Each week’s class is dedicated to a particular sub-style.
DRUM TECHNIQUE I: This foundational course focuses on essential drum set techniques, emphasizing proper posture, grip, stroke development, and basic independence. Students develop mastery of fundamental rudiments including single strokes, double strokes, paradiddles, flams, rolls, and their variations. The curriculum emphasizes reading skills, coordination, and time-keeping through progressive exercises designed to build a solid technical foundation. Students will demonstrate their growing proficiency through in-class performances and a final performance.
PREP REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL I: Students work together in a rhythm section format, under the supervision of a faculty member, to rehearse a series of practical real-life situations, the mastery of which is essential to every performing rhythm section musician.
KEYBOARD SKILLS I: This class coordinates with Applied Theory I and begins the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on developing basic chromatic and major scale and chord performance skills.
ANCHOR TEACHER PRIVATE LESSONS: Students are assigned a private instructor who acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor regarding the tasks presented in the overall program. Students meet with this anchor teacher on a weekly basis and focus on both the reading and technical skills required by each foundational style in addition to practical knowledge like setting up the drum kit.
APPLIED THEORY II: Applied Theory II is a continuation of Applied Theory I, designed to deepen students’ understanding of music theory and its application in more complex musical contexts. Building on the foundational concepts covered in the first course, students will explore advanced topics such as chromaticism, modulation, extended chords, and form analysis. This course emphasizes analytical skills, creative applications, and enhanced musicianship through advanced ear training, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony.
STYLE PREP SEQUENCE – STYLE PREP II: Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop a conceptual framework and application of applied techniques and reading comprehension to perform in the designated root style of Modern Popular Music (Rock, Funk, and Blues). Each week’s class is dedicated to a particular style or groove.
DRUM TECHNIQUE II: Building upon the foundation established in Drum Technique I, this course advances students’ technical abilities through more complex applications of rudiments and coordination exercises. Students develop increased facility with advanced rudiments including ratamacues, dragadiddles, inverted paradiddles, and multiple bounce rolls. The curriculum emphasizes the development of advanced independence, dynamic control, and advanced reading skills. Topics include intermediate coordination patterns, advanced bass drum techniques, expanded hi-hat applications, and the orchestration of rudiments in extended combinations around the drum set. Students continue to refine their practice methodology and technical efficiency while developing increased speed, control, and clarity in their playing.
PREP REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL II: Students continue to work together in a rhythm section format, under the supervision of a faculty member, to rehearse in a series of practical real-life situations, the mastery of which is essential to every performing rhythm section musician.
KEYBOARD SKILLS II: This class coordinates with Applied Theory II and continues the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on mastering all the major scales and simple triadic chord progression skills.
ANCHOR TEACHER PRIVATE LESSONS: Students are assigned a private instructor who acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor regarding the tasks presented in the overall program. Students meet with this anchor teacher on a weekly basis and focus on both the reading and technical skills required by each foundational style.
APPLIED THEORY III: Applied Theory III is the final course in the theory sequence that continues the in-depth exploration of music theory, focusing on intricate theoretical concepts and their practical applications in various musical styles and genres. This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Applied Theory I and II, delving into topics such as advanced chromaticism, contemporary harmony, counterpoint, and comprehensive form analysis. A significant component of the curriculum is dedicated to the study and analysis of twentieth-century and contemporary music, equipping students with the tools to understand and appreciate modern musical developments.
STYLE PREP SEQUENCE – STYLE PREP III: Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop a conceptual framework and application of applied techniques and reading comprehension to perform in the designated ethnic root styles of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban. Each week’s class is dedicated to a particular style or groove.
DRUM TECHNIQUE III: This course is designed to push students’ technical and creative boundaries, focusing on mastery-level drumming techniques and advanced musical applications. Building on the skills developed in Drum Technique II, students will explore highly complex rudiments, extreme dynamic control, and advanced polyrhythmic concepts. Topics include hybrid rudiments, advanced linear drumming, metric modulation, and the integration of world percussion techniques into drum set playing. The course also emphasizes the development of a personal voice on the drum set, encouraging students to apply their technical skills in creative and expressive ways. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate exceptional speed, precision, and musicality, preparing them for professional-level performance and recording scenarios.
STYLE PREP RHYTHM SECTION I: This class gives the student the opportunity to apply the work done in the style of preparation and student rehearsal classes in an actual rhythm section setting made up of professional musicians.
KEYBOARD SKILLS III: This class coordinates with Applied Theory III and continues the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on mastering all the major scales and simple triadic chord progression skills, as well as introducing 7th chord structures.
ANCHOR TEACHER PRIVATE LESSONS: Students are assigned a private instructor who acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor regarding the tasks presented in the overall program. Students meet with this anchor teacher on a weekly basis and focus on both the reading and technical skills required by each foundational style.
