Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
We offer drum lessons for kids and teens starting from Kindergarten all the way through to Year 12 Lessons are tailored to suit each student’s age, learning style, and experience level.
Absolutely! We specialise in drum lessons for beginners. No prior experience needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
No, we don’t offer trial lessons — but we do offer peace of mind. If you book a term package and find that OnBeat isn’t the right fit after your first lesson, you’ll receive a full refund for the term.
All payments are processed through our provider GoCardless. An online direct debit request form is provided for you when you pay your first invoice. Once set up, payment is automatically debited from your account at the commencement of each term.
Yes you can! Term fees will be adjusted for the remaining weeks left in the term. For example, if you registered for lessons in Week 3, you will only be invoiced 7 lessons.
Lesson Options & Format
Students can learn:
- At our home drum studio in Sydney’s North Shore, Killara
- In the comfort of their own home with our mobile drum tuition service
- Or online via Zoom through our virtual drum lessons
We offer 30-minute and 45-minute private drum lessons, depending on the student’s age, focus, and skill level.
At this time, we only focus on 1:1 drum tuition to ensure every student gets the personalised attention they need to grow and progress.
Yes! We know school and work schedules can be busy, so we offer flexible lesson times after school and on Saturdays. Just let us know what works best for your family and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
For studio lessons, parents are welcome to sit in on the first lesson to get a feel for how everything works, but not after that. For in-home lessons, parents won’t sit in. You’ll still be kept in the loop — your teacher will provide clear written practice notes each week so you know exactly how your child is progressing.
We get that life happens! If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, we ask for at least 24 hours notice. With 24 hours notice, you’ll receive a make-up credit that can be redeemed within the same school term. A maximum of two make-up credits are available per term. Missed lessons — or cancellations made without 24 hours’ notice — may still be charged.
For more information on our cancellation policies, please read here.
Log in to your account, click on the lesson in the calendar and press “cancel attendance”.
Please fill out the discontinuation form. Notice must be given 4 weeks prior to the commencement of a term to avoid paying the term’s fee.
Equipment & Preparation
No drum kit? No problem! Beginners can start with a drum practice pad, and we’ll guide you on gear as your child progresses. If you’re learning in our studio, all equipment is provided.
For online drum lessons, students need a device with Zoom access, a stable internet connection, and ideally a practice pad or drum kit. We’ll walk you through the setup if needed!
For beginners, either an acoustic or electronic drum kit can work well — it depends on your space, budget, and noise considerations. We’re happy to guide you through beginner-friendly options and help you choose a kit that suits your child’s needs.
Yes! Electric drum kits are a great option for learning at home — especially if noise is a concern. They’re quiet, compact, and perfectly suited for practice and lessons. We have many students who learn on electric kits with great results.
Absolutely! We can recommend trusted brands, beginner-friendly kits, and guide you on what to look for when choosing your first drum setup. Whether you’re learning in person or online, we’re here to make sure you feel confident and ready to play from day one.
Learning & Curriculum
We teach a range of styles including:
- Jazz, Modern, Rock and Pop and more!
- Concert band and ensemble percussion
- AMEB and Trinity College exam preparation
We tailor each lesson to the student’s interests and goals.
Yes! We provide expert school percussion coaching to support students with band pieces, ensemble music, and school performances.
We prepare students for AMEB and Trinity College drum exams, helping them build confidence and perform at their best.
Yes! We provide expert school percussion coaching to support students with band pieces, ensemble music, and school performances.
We prepare students for AMEB and Trinity College drum exams, helping them build confidence and perform at their best.
Service Areas
We teach across Sydney’s North Shore, including Killara, Pymble, Turramurra, Chatswood, Wahroonga, Lane Cove, Willoughby, St Ives, and surrounding suburbs. Not sure if we come to your area? Just ask!