Drumeo is the drum school to pick when you want a guided path, a deep bench of famous teachers and a huge song library in one membership. It earns a place in our guide to the best online drum lessons as the most complete all around platform.
The trade off is the feedback. Drumeo is built on recorded follow along lessons, with live events and unlimited personal support, so check how personal feedback works before the trial ends if a teacher watching your playing matters to you.
4.5/5
- 12method stages
- 200+artist courses
- 2,500+songs
- $30a month, full plan
- 30 daysfree via our link
- 90-daymoney back
Drumeo pairs a guided 12 stage method with more than 200 artist courses and a 2,500 song library, all as play along video lessons. Help from people comes through unlimited personal support and live events.
- Best for
Beginner and intermediate drummers who want structure, famous teachers and songs in one membership
- Less suited
Drummers who mainly want a teacher to review videos of their playing
- Feedback
Recorded follow along lessons, plus weekly live Q&As, unlimited personal support and live events; ask support how personal feedback works
- Trial
First 30 days free through our link (7 days is the standard offer); check the charge date at signup
- Price
Monthly $30; Annual $279 a year ($23.25 a month); lessons only from $25 a month; no sale at our check
Who it’s for
A good fit if you
- Are a beginner who wants a set order of lessons that ends each stage with a full song.
- Want to learn from many well known drummers across rock, jazz, gospel, metal and more.
- Learn best by playing along with a video rather than watching and practicing alone afterward.
- Want to play real songs, with the drums removed and the tempo under your control.
- Might try piano, guitar, bass or singing too, since those lessons come with the same membership.
A limited fit if you
- Want a set routine of teacher video reviews of your playing, since the way personal feedback works is not spelled out up front.
- Want in person correction as you play, since the lessons are recorded follow along videos.
What sets it apart
Three things separate Drumeo from smaller drum lesson sites. Each one shapes how you practice day to day.
A guided method with 12 paths
The Drumeo method is a guided path of 12 stages, each with 33 to 36 lessons. The first stage takes you from the hi hat and snare to the money beat and your first full song, with a guided playthrough and a final performance.
Later stages move through fills, 16th notes, timing, ghost notes and flams. You always know what to practice next.
Play along lessons
Every lesson is follow along: the video is your practice session, so you press play and play with it. A Progress Tracker logs lessons, practice sessions and performances, and streaks track daily and weekly consistency.
Famous teachers in every style
More than 200 artist courses cover styles from rock with Todd Sucherman and jazz with Steve Smith to gospel with Larnell Lewis and metal with Gene Hoglan. Technique courses include Anika Nilles on subdivisions, Dom Famularo on pedal control and Tommy Igoe on groove essentials.
How we evaluated Drumeo
We reviewed Drumeo as a drum lesson platform. We assessed the 12 stage method, the artist courses, the song library and practice tools, and the teachers behind them. We also checked current pricing, the free trial, refunds, canceling and how feedback works.
We compared it on the four factors in how we score lesson platforms. For setup and ease of use, we looked at device access, the trial and how the method is laid out. For quality of lessons and teachers, we assessed the curriculum design and the records of the drummers who teach it.
For range of content, we compared the method, artist courses and song library. For useful features, we weighed the play along format, song tools, progress tracking, live events and support.
We found that Drumeo is strongest for drummers who want structure and range in one place, and that confirming how personal feedback works is the main thing to check during the trial. Commissions do not influence which products appear here or how they rank.
Our scores
Drumeo scores 4.5 out of 5, the same score it holds in our guide to online drum lessons. Here is how it does on each of our four factors.
- Setup and ease of use. Lessons run on the web, tablet and mobile, with iOS and Android apps, and the method tells you what to practice next.
- Quality of lessons and teachers. The main draw: a deep roster of well known drummers, plus a method built in a clear order.
- Range of content. 12 method stages, more than 200 artist courses and more than 2,500 songs, plus piano, guitar, bass and singing lessons on the same membership.
- Useful features. Drumless song tracks, tempo control, practice loops, downloadable sheet music, a Progress Tracker, weekly live Q&As and live events. How personal feedback works is not spelled out up front.
- Overall: 4.5/5.
What you need to use Drumeo
The kit list is short. What matters most is something to hit and a screen you can see from the kit.
Devices
Drumeo runs on the web, on tablets and on phones, with iOS and Android apps. A tablet or laptop near the kit makes the play along lessons and scrolling notation easier to follow.
Gear
An acoustic kit or an electronic kit both work. If you are still shopping, our guide to beginner electronic drum sets covers quieter options for home practice.
Plan
The full Monthly and Annual plans include the 2,500+ song library. Cheaper lessons only plans cost less but drop the songs.
Getting started
Five steps take you from signup to your first groove. Take them in order and the trial goes on playing, not on setup.
- Start the free trial and choose Monthly or Annual, the plan that continues after the trial.
- Note the charge date shown at signup, and set a reminder a few days before it.
- Start the first method stage, which begins with the hi hat and snare drum.
- Pick one song from the library at your level and practice it with the drums removed.
- Try one artist course in a style you love, to see which teachers click for you.
Curriculum deep dive
The method is the spine of Drumeo, and the artist courses and songs hang off it. Here is how the parts fit together.
The method
The first stage, 35 lessons, takes a total beginner from the hi hat and snare drum to the money beat, crashes and a first full song. The second stage, 34 lessons, adds fills, toms, 16th notes and speed, ending with another full song.
The third stage builds the timing and feel behind popular songs, with four on the floor grooves, flams and ghost notes. All 12 stages run between 33 and 36 lessons.
Artist courses
Style courses cover rock, funk, pop, jazz, gospel, big band, metal, Latin, reggae, progressive, blues, Indian, Afro Cuban and New Orleans drumming. Technique courses range from stick control and Moeller technique to open handed drumming, brushes and blast beats.
Groove courses break down the drumming behind bands such as Steely Dan, Styx and Snarky Puppy, often taught by the original drummers. Keith Carlock teaches the Steely Dan grooves and Todd Sucherman teaches Styx.
Songs
The song library holds more than 2,500 songs with note for note, professionally transcribed breakdowns. Easy versions help you start playing right away.
Lessons, songs and practice tools
Around the lessons sit the tools that turn watching into practice.
- Drumless tracks: remove the drums from a song so you are the drummer.
- Tempo control and loops: slow a song down and loop the tricky parts.
- Sheet music: scrolling notation to follow along, plus downloads for offline access.
- Progress Tracker and streaks: log lessons, practice and performances, and track daily and weekly consistency.
Features and feedback
The toolkit splits in two: ways to get help from people, and tools for practicing on your own.
Help from people
- Feedback type: the lessons themselves are recorded follow along videos; help from people comes through support and live events.
- Live Q&As and events: membership includes student plans, weekly live Q&As and live events with drumming legends.
- Unlimited personal support: included with both plans. The trial page also promises personalized feedback from real teachers, but how it works is not spelled out, so ask support during the trial if you want a teacher to watch your playing.
Practice tools
- Guided method: 12 stages that tell you what to practice next.
- Song tools: drumless tracks, tempo control, loops and easy versions.
- Other instruments: piano, guitar, bass and singing lessons at no extra cost.
Pros and cons
Where it’s strong
- A guided 12 stage method that tells you what to practice next
- More than 200 artist courses from well known drummers
- More than 2,500 songs with drumless tracks, tempo control and loops
- Piano, guitar, bass and singing lessons on the same membership
- A free trial plus a 90 day money back guarantee
Where it falls short
- How personal feedback works is not spelled out up front
- The best price means paying $279 for a year up front
- Lessons are recorded follow along videos
Price, trial and refund
Drumeo sells full plans with the song library and cheaper lessons only plans without it, each billed monthly or annually in US dollars. There was no sale at our check, so the regular prices below are what you pay after the trial.
| Plan | Regular US price | Current sale | Includes | Trial | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full, monthly | $30 a month | No sale at check | Full Drumeo access, plus piano, guitar, bass and singing lessons, and unlimited personal support | 30 days through our link; 7 days standard | 90 day money back guarantee |
| Full, annual | $279 a year ($23.25 a month) | No sale at check | Same as Monthly | 30 days through our link; 7 days standard | 90 day money back guarantee |
| Lessons only, monthly | $25 a month | No sale at check | Lessons and support, no song library | 7 days (standard plan page) | 90 day money back guarantee |
| Lessons only, annual | $229 a year ($19.08 a month) | No sale at check | Lessons and support, no song library | 7 days (standard plan page) | 90 day money back guarantee |
The full annual plan works out to $23.25 a month, which saves $81 a year compared with paying monthly for 12 months. The trial page behind our link shows the two full plans; the lessons only plans appear on the standard plan page, which comes with the 7 day trial.
Trial, renewal and canceling
Through our link, the trial page offers your first 30 days free, and the signup page shows the date your plan begins. Drumeo’s standard offer elsewhere is a 7 day trial, so check the charge date on the signup page before you enter your card.
Membership renews monthly or annually until you cancel. To cancel, go to your Profile, then Membership & Purchases. You will not be charged if you cancel during the trial, and Drumeo sends a reminder before the trial ends.
A 90 day money back guarantee applies beyond the trial. If you are not happy in the first 90 days, contact support for your money back.
How to judge it during the free trial
Use the trial to see whether the method and teachers fit how you practice. Note the charge date first.
- Play the first five lessons of the first method stage and see whether the play along format keeps you playing.
- Load one song at your level, remove the drums, slow it down and loop the hardest bar.
- Watch the opening lesson of two artist courses in different styles and note which teacher you follow best.
- Ask support how personal feedback works, and send a question about your own playing to see how they reply.
- Cancel in Profile, then Membership & Purchases, before the charge date if it is not right for you.
How it compares
| Option | Format | Best for | Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drumeo | Guided method, 200+ artist courses and 2,500+ songs | Structure and range in one membership | Weekly live Q&As, unlimited personal support and live events |
| Mike’s Lessons | Mike Johnston and his teaching team | Getting your playing seen and discussed | Submit videos for feedback in live sessions and community reviews |
| ArtistWorks (Peter Erskine) | One jazz master, 140+ lessons in 3 levels | Jazz drummers who want one teacher’s method | Recorded video replies through Video Exchange |
Mike’s Lessons
Mike’s Lessons, led by Mike Johnston, is the feedback pick. Members can submit videos and get feedback from Mike and his teaching team during live sessions and community reviews, and the first week is free.
ArtistWorks jazz drums with Peter Erskine
Two time GRAMMY winner Peter Erskine teaches jazz drums at ArtistWorks, with more than 140 lessons across three levels. Students can send videos through Video Exchange and get a recorded video reply. Our ArtistWorks review explains how the plans work.
When to choose an alternative
- Choose Mike’s Lessons over Drumeo if you want to send videos of your playing and hear back in live sessions.
- Choose ArtistWorks over Drumeo if you want one jazz master and recorded video replies on your playing.
- Choose Drumeo if you want the widest mix of teachers, styles and songs in one membership.
Who should skip it
- Players who want a teacher to review every video: how personal feedback works is not spelled out, so a feedback focused school or a local teacher may fit better.
- Players who want in person correction: the lessons are recorded videos, so a local teacher fits better.
- Players on a tight monthly budget: the full plan is $30 a month, and even lessons only costs $25 a month or $229 a year up front.
FAQs
How much does Drumeo cost?
The full plans with the song library cost $30 a month or $279 a year, which works out to $23.25 a month. Lessons only plans without songs cost $25 a month or $229 a year. There was no sale at our check.
Is there a Drumeo free trial?
Yes. Through our link, the trial page offers your first 30 days free, while Drumeo’s standard offer elsewhere is 7 days. The signup page shows the date you will be charged, and you will not be charged if you cancel before then.
What is the Drumeo refund policy?
Drumeo offers a 90 day money back guarantee beyond the free trial. If you are not happy in the first 90 days, contact support for your money back.
How do I cancel Drumeo?
Go to your Profile, click Membership & Purchases and choose the option to cancel your subscription. Drumeo sends a reminder before the trial ends.
What is the difference between the Drumeo plans?
Monthly and Annual differ only in price: $30 every month, or $279 once a year. Lessons only plans, at $25 a month or $229 a year, save 17% but leave out the song library.
Does Drumeo give feedback on my playing?
Drumeo lessons are recorded follow along videos, and membership includes student plans, weekly live Q&As, unlimited personal support and live events. The trial page promises personalized feedback from real teachers but does not spell out how it works, so ask support during your trial.
Is Drumeo good for beginners?
Yes. The first stage of the Drumeo method starts with the hi hat and snare drum and builds to your first full song over 35 lessons.
How many songs does Drumeo have?
More than 2,500, with note for note transcriptions, drumless tracks, tempo control, practice loops and easy versions.
Can I use Drumeo on my phone?
Yes. Drumeo works on the web, tablets and phones, with iOS and Android apps.
Do I get other instruments with Drumeo?
Yes. Drumeo is part of Musora, and the membership includes piano, guitar, bass and singing lessons at no extra cost.
Start the method, play along with a few songs, and ask how personal feedback works before the trial ends. For other ways to learn, compare the top online drum lessons, or start with our guide on how to play drums.
