Hand Drumming

Ages 6+

Ages 6+ are encouraged to take ‘Hand Drumming’ lessons, a fun and engaging way to be introduced to drumming while the child grows tall enough for full drum kit lessons. Far from a ‘mini-drum lesson,’ ‘Hand Drumming’ lessons are highly physically and intellectually stimulating private lessons that teach rhythmic ability, ear training, rhythm reading, coordination, and much more!

Top image: A boy sitting behind drums, pointing towards the camera with a playful expression. Bottom image: Three kids making fun faces, showing their playful side during a music at Orrett Music Academy.
An Orrett students standing happily while holding drumsticks and guitars, with a teacher behind them, arms open in encouragement.

Drum Kit Lessons

Ages 7+

*Whenever possible, try to combine drum kit lessons with group lessons like our band program. This is NOT required but recommended to increase total knowledge and increase the likelihood of success and longevity with drum kit lessons.

Drum kit lessons are addictive, physical, exciting, and often ignite a huge passion in young students trying them for the first time. No, you don’t need a full drum kit at home to start lessons—just a pair of sticks and a practice pad, both of which we can provide, to get you going. At the Orrett Music Academy, drum lessons, like all of our courses, combine short-term exciting musical goals with long-term technical and theoretical training from professional teachers with musical degrees and experience. Every band needs a great drummer. Expose your child to the power and precision of the drums, and you’re making a choice that is likely to spark a real love of music!

Over the years, many parents in Etobicoke and Oakville have come to us with questions about young students who aren’t interested in traditional lessons but still show a spark of musical interest—and the parents don’t want to give up. If you’ll pardon our bias, we’d first say that all lessons at the Orrett Music Academy are far from “traditional,” and we take pride in our student retention rate of about 90%. That said, there’s no instrument quite as effective as drums for rekindling the love of music and engaging new students.

Who We Are

Music, a shared treasure within our community, thrives at the heart of Orrett Music Academy. Founded by Dave Orrett, an expert composer and performer, the academy embodies a philosophy where community and passion for music come first. Dave’s unique and engaging teaching techniques, rooted in a lifetime of musical devotion, serve as a cornerstone for our approach. At Orrett Music Academy, each lesson is not just about learning notes; it’s about embarking on a musical adventure, fostering a deep, enduring love for music in every student.

Firstly, The Drum Sticks

They are a physical possession that every new student quickly owns and makes their own. Stickers, markers, paint, they all help to decorate and individualize the sticks for the student who then wants to take them with them wherever they go.

Then, The Physical Release

Playing drums releases stress and creates instant sensory excitement compared to other instruments where tone generation can take time before cool sounds come out.

A woman sitting and playing drums, focused on her performance.
A view of the Orrett Music Academy drum room, showcasing various drums and percussion instruments neatly arranged in the space.

Social Benefits By Playing With Other Musicians

When you play drums, you can play with almost any other instrument, almost all the time. This creates social opportunities, builds confidence, and adds real-life application for students.

These are just a few reasons why we believe drum lessons are often the best choice for students who need a little extra motivation to stick with music lessons—or even try them for the first time.

How It Works

Begin your musical adventure with us at Orrett Music Academy. Our approach is simple yet effective, guiding students through their musical passions with one-on-one lessons and group lessons. Nestled in the heart of Etobicoke and Oakville, we’re here to make your musical journey enjoyable and fulfilling. Join a welcoming community of learners and discover your child’s musical potential in a supportive environment.

Begin your child’s musical journey at Orrett Music Academy. Share with us about your child, and let us tailor a custom musical education plan that resonates with their unique interests and aspirations.

Experience our teaching firsthand. Schedule trial lessons with our dedicated teachers to find the perfect match for your child’s musical education.

Join us in nurturing your child’s love for music. We’re committed to being there every step of the way, ensuring a supportive and enriching musical journey.

Mini Recitals

Get ready to showcase your musical progress! Our Mini Recitals provide a supportive and exciting opportunity for students of all levels—whether you’re learning piano, drums, guitar, or any other instrument—to perform in front of family and friends. Build confidence, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the joy of live music.

Testimonials

It truly is never too late to learn. As a mature student, I was excited but felt a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of learning. That changed at Orrett Music Academy. Everything is explained clearly and the music we are playing really takes me back. Bravo!

Michael D.

Student

We have 3 children who all play piano. We had 3 teachers before being introduced to Dave Orrett of Orrett Music Academy; my children all say Dave is the best and the most fun teacher ever. He organizes recitals and is very encouraging and supportive of all his students.

Stephen C.

Parent

I have learned so much more than I ever would without the Orrett Music Academy because Christian and the teachers are very helpful!

Adam C. R.

Student

My favorite thing about this school is that you feel like there is no limit on your music. You can express your feelings in a way that sounds and feels so beautiful, that way is playing music! I’m very thankful. This school is one of the best things that happened to me.

Mina V.

Student

I have learned a lot more when I started going to this music school. My piano teacher is very funny and it is fun going to piano lessons!

Carly C.

Student

Dave and the staff at the Orrett Music Academy really go out of their way to make us feel at-home. They constantly ensure that we are involved in the process of learning which really personalizes the experience for our family. We started with one daughter taking piano lessons, then added my son on guitar, and now Mom (me) is taking voice lessons. I truly can’t say enough about my 4 years at OMA and tell my friends every chance I get.

Kim B.

Parent

Let us know you’re interested and we’ll be in touch to schedule your trial lesson.

Book a Trial

Trial Lesson - New Form

Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)

Second Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)

Third Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)
Please use this section to inform us of additional information you would like to include. We will be giving you a call shortly!
You do not need to have or own the instrument(s) for trial lessons. We will have the instrument(s) available for you at the school for your trial. If you register for ongoing lessons with us, we recommend renting from Long & McQuade or our teachers can help you choose an instrument to purchase.
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