Question 1

Is it easy to learn to play the drums?

Accepted Answer

Like all instruments, learning to play the drums can be a complex and demanding task, especially at the beginning. If you love music, rhythms and think you have good coordination, then the "Drum" is for you. Our teacher is there to guide you in your progression, because solidifying the basics in a school via a professional drummer will grant you a correct and reliable technique.

Question 2

What age to start drumming?

Accepted Answer

In our opinion, there is no minimum age to start drumming at Apolline. Children can enroll from a very young age, although we recommend waiting until age 6 to start. It is important to keep in mind that playing any instrument is a musical process that requires time and patience. We obviously encourage adults to take the plunge, keeping in mind that it may take more time and determination than for children. Regardless of the age of the learner, Apolline's drum instruction focuses on the learner's enjoyment and motivation, encouraging creativity and a love of music.

Question 3

What is the first rhythm to play on a drum set?

Accepted Answer

There are several basic exercises to improve one's technique and thus climb the levels. For a beginner, the first rhythms are often based on a simple rhythmic signature, such as 4/4, which is often found in rock music for example. The basic drummer's rhythm is called the "backbeat"; the student hits the bass drum on beats 1 and 3 and hits the snare drum on beats 2 and 4. Before you start playing jazz solos, you need to start with the musical foundation!

Question 4

Is it possible to learn to play the drums well on an electronic drum set?

Accepted Answer

Unless you have a soundproof studio at home, it can be difficult to set up a drum set at home without disturbing your family and neighbors. One solution can be to purchase an electronic drum set. But beware, electronic drums have advantages and disadvantages. One of the negative points is the feel and sound. Electronic instruments tend to be less responsive and offer less feel, dynamics and touch than an acoustic drum set, which can affect the way beginners learn technique. That said, with the right approach and resources, beginners can learn and develop solid drumming techniques on an electronic drum set. When it comes to learning coordination and basic rhythms, electronics are more than enough, and many newer models are getting closer and closer to the feel of a real drum set.

Question 5

What is the price of a drum set ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, drums are more expensive than a guitar... The price of a drum set depends on several factors, such as the quality, the brand, the number of pieces and the type of drum set (acoustic or electronic). The prices of drums can vary considerably, from 200-300 francs to several thousand. Acoustic drums are generally more expensive than electronic drums because they are made from natural materials and require more labor to build. A real drum set will be more "musical". In addition, it is the so-called "hardware" parts that cost the most. These are the metal parts that form the structure of the drums, to hold the drums, cymbals,... Electronic drums, on the other hand, are often less expensive because they have lower production costs and require less maintenance.The number of parts in the drum set is also an important factor in determining the price. A standard drum set usually includes a bass drum, snare drum, toms, ride cymbal, crash cymbal and hi-hat pedal. It is advisable to look at second hand offers on the internet, there are often good deals to be had!

Question 6

Can a drum lesson be given via webcam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a drum lesson can be taught online via webcam. With the advances in technology and the popularity of online lessons since the pandemic, many teachers of all kinds are now using webcams to teach their students. Webcam drum lessons are still not optimal, although they can be beneficial for students with busy schedules or who live far from their teacher. We use several methods to teach online, using visual aids and screen sharing tools to enhance the quality of the lesson. It is important to note that a face-to-face class will always be more effective than an online class, especially when the teacher and student are playing simultaneously. Webcam courses can therefore offer a satisfactory teaching quality for motivated and autonomous students. It is important to note that at Apolline, our teachers do not travel to your home to give lessons.

Question 7

Does Ecole Apolline give a diploma to successful students?

Accepted Answer

There is no particular diploma given to students throughout their learning process. Indeed, Apolline favors learning that is based on pleasure through progression and not on performance. This is why we do not organize exams, and why there are no diplomas. Every year we organize a festival with the colors of the school: The Apolline Fest. You can read our article on this subject. Each student who wishes to do so has the opportunity to register and perform in front of an audience of friends and family. This is a good opportunity to showcase all the work done during the year. It is also common for our teachers to write letters of recommendation for students to help them achieve their goals. In addition, for experienced students, our teachers offer a professional curriculum to prepare motivated students for the art school entrance exams. All of our music teachers have a degree from an art school.

Question 8

Can students perform on stage in a concert?

Accepted Answer

At Apolline, we organize workshops for the most motivated students who wish to discover playing in a group. Within this framework, we encourage our students to perform in concerts, in particular in bars/clubs in the city of Lausanne as well as during the annual Apolline Fest. This program is not suitable for beginners, but rather for students who have already mastered their instrument. A workshop room with good acoustics is available to the students to allow them to play in the best possible conditions. Our workshop teacher, who has a lot of experience on stage, aims to pass on his passion for live performance to his students. We will also teach them to acquire a good stage presence and the specific codes of the stage world. We make sure that the pieces chosen are enjoyable for everyone, in order to guarantee an enriching experience mixing fun, work and progress.

Question 9

Which styles are the most difficult to play on drums?

Accepted Answer

First of all, each style has its own technical requirements and needs hours of work. Sometimes the simplest, most repetitive patterns are the most difficult to perform accurately. That said, here are some styles of music that are generally considered particularly demanding for drummers: Jazz: Jazz is a musical style that emphasizes improvisation and complex rhythmic coordination. Jazz drummers must be able to play syncopated rhythms, complex accents and time variations while maintaining a sense of tempo. Fusion: Fusion is a style of music that blends elements of jazz, rock and funk. Fusion drummers must be able to play complex rhythms at fast tempos while maintaining a strong rhythmic cohesion with the other musicians. Progressive Metal: Progressive metal is a musical style that combines the complexity of jazz with the power of metal. Progressive metal drummers must be able to play intricate patterns using double pedal techniques and fast, precise strokes. Latin Music: Latin music is a style of music that emphasizes syncopated rhythms and percussion. Latin music drummers must be able to play complex clave rhythms while interacting with other percussion. Drum and Bass: Drum and Bass is a style of electronic music that emphasizes fast, syncopated rhythms. Drum and Bass drummers must be able to play complicated rhythms while maintaining a fast tempo and synchronizing their playing with electronic sounds.

Question 10

What are the differences between a binary and a ternary rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Binary and ternary rhythms are two types of rhythmic divisions that are commonly used in music. The binary rhythm is divided into two equal parts. This means that beats are divided into two parts, often notated with note figures such as quarter note or white. The beat is usually experienced as being divided into two strong beats, which are often accented on the first beat and the third beat (if the measure has four beats). An example of a binary rhythm is the standard "rock" or "pop" rhythm, where the beat is divided into two equal parts and the strong beats are usually accented on the first and third beats (if the measure has four beats). In contrast, a ternary rhythm is divided into three equal parts. The beats are therefore divided into three parts, often notated with note figures such as dotted quarter note or dotted eighth note. The beat is usually experienced as being divided into three strong beats, which are often emphasized on the first beat. An example of a ternary rhythm is the waltz, where the beat is divided into three equal parts and the strong beats are usually accented on the first beat.

Option	Duration	Monthly price*	Annual price**	Registration
Weekly option – 34 lessons
Semi-private lesson (2 to 3 students), 40–45′	40 minutes	111.00 CHF	1'250.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 30′	30 minutes	170.00 CHF	1'995.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 40′	40 minutes	229.00 CHF	2'695.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 50′	50 minutes	285.00 CHF	3'370.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 60′	60 minutes	337.00 CHF	3'990.00 CHF	Register
Fortnightly option – 17 lessons, every other week
Private lesson 30′, every other week	30 minutes	87.00 CHF	995.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 40′, every other week	40 minutes	117.00 CHF	1'350.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 50′, every other week	50 minutes	145.00 CHF	1'695.00 CHF	Register
Private lesson 60′, every other week	60 minutes	170.00 CHF	1'995.00 CHF	Register

Drums Courses in Lausanne

Program

Objectives and skills

Learning music with Apolline

Weekly schedule

Prices

The venue of this class

Apolline Music

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Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to learn to play the drums?

What age to start drumming?

What is the first rhythm to play on a drum set?