OC Drum Academy
Private drum instruction in Tustin, CA, founded by a CalArts-trained instructor with 20+ years of teaching and performing experience. Classes are just $36/class.
Maybe you tap rhythms on your desk, air-drum in the car, or keep thinking about the songs you wish you could play.
If lessons have felt random or inconsistent, our expert instructors give you a structured path and steady instruction.
This is for students who want real progress, clear expectations, and instruction built around the music they love.
Sound familiar?
Whether you are picking up sticks for the first time or starting over with a proven process, this is your moment.
The process
Sign up to schedule your trial lesson and tell us what you want to learn.
We use a proven process to help you get started easily and get wins right away.
Begin with practical, song-based lessons that build technique and confidence.
What we offer
Small group sessions for students who want structure, momentum, and peer energy. Only $36/class.
Kids lessonsA practical start for new players who want to play real beats and songs quickly.
Beginner lessonsQuick answers
OC Drum Academy teaches students age 8 and up with structured weekly lessons, clear practice goals, and parent-friendly communication. The studio is a strong fit for beginners who need confidence and students who want a real path beyond random songs.
Adult students can start without experience or a full drum kit. Lessons focus on practical beats, coordination, timing, and songs so adults can make progress without feeling rushed or behind.
Core classes start at $36 per class. The easiest way to begin is to book a trial lesson, then OC Drum Academy will help match the student with the right lesson format and schedule.
The studio is in Tustin and serves Orange County students from Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and nearby communities.
Lesson guides
For Orange County families looking for structured drum lessons for kids age 8 and up.
View kids lessonsFor adult beginners and returning players who want to learn without feeling behind.
View adult lessonsFor new drummers who need a clear first lesson, simple practice plan, and real songs.
View beginner lessonsUpcoming camps
Dates: December 21 to 23 and December 28 to 30
Time: 9 AM to 12
PM
Price: $150/week
Orange County service area
Private drum lessons at the OC Drum Academy studio on E. Main St.
Structured drum instruction near Irvine for kids, teens, adults, and beginners.
Private drum lessons near Orange with a CalArts-trained instructor.
Beginner-friendly drum lessons near Santa Ana from the Tustin studio.
Private and online drum lessons for Costa Mesa students.
Drum lessons near Anaheim for families and adult students.
Your instructor
Scott holds a master's degree in Jazz Studies from CalArts and has taught and performed throughout Los Angeles and Orange County for more than two decades.
Students work directly with our expert instructors in a private studio environment. Lessons are personal, structured, and built around technique, reading, timing, creativity, and the music each student actually wants to play.
At OC Drum Academy, you get a clear path, steady accountability, and instruction from someone who knows how to move a student from first rhythm to real confidence behind the kit.
Scott also hosts the Game of Drum Thrones podcast, where he discusses all things drumming, technique, and the music industry.
What students say
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Common questions
OC Drum Academy makes learning drums simple, fun, and fast. Our team uses a proven process that makes it easy for anyone to get started and get wins right away.
In-person lessons are supported by online reference videos, a growing library of songs in sheet music form, online notation tools, consistent instructors, and a structured curriculum so nothing gets overlooked.
OC Drum Academy teaches students ages 8 and up, including adult beginners and returning players. We have taught students from age 8 through students in their 70s.
Lessons are available in 30-minute and 60-minute formats for private and group instruction. Beginners often start with 30-minute sessions once or twice per week, while more advanced students may choose additional classes.
We keep things flexible. For private lessons, you can cancel or reschedule as late as 10 AM the morning of your lesson. No penalties, no hassle.
No drum set is required to start. Most beginners only need sticks and a practice pad.
Your instructor will show you exactly what to buy and how to practice from day one. Students can also use the practice room for free during business hours until they are ready to purchase a drum set.
We primarily teach drum set, and our studio is fully equipped with electric drum kits for group classes and acoustic kits for private instruction.
We also teach a wide variety of world percussion, including congas, bongos, kanjira, timbales, djembe, and riq.
Lessons can cover rock, pop, hip-hop, worship, world music, funk, jazz, reading, technique, and time feel. Lessons are built around music students actually love so practice stays motivating.
Founder Scott Cummings has a master's degree in Jazz Studies from CalArts. Our hand-picked expert instructors ensure you get consistent, high-quality instruction instead of a rotating cast of random teachers.
Classes are just $36 per class! We have a few different options and formats, but our core classes start at $36.
The best next step is to book a trial lesson so we can explain the program, the options, and show you our proven process for getting started right away.
Within the first few lessons, students begin playing real beats and songs. After a few months, many students notice major improvement in focus, coordination, musicality, and confidence.
Progress is tracked so students and families can clearly see growth over time.
Yes. OC Drum Academy offers regular live showcases. Performing helps students build confidence and have fun sharing their music.
OC Drum Academy is located at 1131 E. Main St, Suite 200, Tustin, CA 92780, close to Irvine, Orange, and Santa Ana.
Not nearby? Online drum lessons are also available anywhere in the U.S.
Yes. Complete beginners are welcome. Students can begin with sticks and a practice pad, then build coordination, timing, reading, and real grooves step by step.
Yes. OC Drum Academy teaches adult beginners, returning players, and adults who want a structured way to learn songs, rhythm, technique, and musical confidence.
OC Drum Academy is based in Tustin, close to Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, and central Orange County. Many nearby families choose the Tustin studio for private and group drum instruction.
Sign up for a trial lesson and OC Drum Academy will reach out to schedule your first session. You can also text "DRUMS" or call 714-200-8234 to apply.
Get Started - Only $36/Class
