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Percussion · 21 verified programs with a drum set pathway

Drum Set: degrees, diplomas and programs

Drum set study sits mostly in jazz and contemporary music programs, where rhythm-section playing, groove and improvisation take precedence over orchestral percussion.

Also called: Drum kit, Drums, Schlagzeug, Batterie, Batería.

What the listings below mean

A program is listed for drum set only where its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study pathway. These are formal degree, diploma or certificate pathways; the page says which. An instrument taught in private lessons, or a teacher on the faculty, does not create a listing.

14 Bachelor’s · 7 Master’s · 16 named major, 4 named in the program title, 1 formal principal-study pathway

21 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About drum set study

The drum set, or drum kit, combines drums and cymbals played by one performer with hands and feet. In formal study it belongs mainly to jazz and contemporary music departments rather than classical percussion, and the aims are different: independence of the four limbs, time-keeping, feel, dynamics, and the ability to support and shape an ensemble. Students work on rudiments, coordination, brush and stick technique, and styles ranging from swing and bebop to funk, Latin, rock and electronic grooves.

Lessons are complemented by heavy ensemble work. Drummers play in big bands, combos, rhythm sections and, in contemporary programs, bands with electric guitar, bass and keys, learning to listen, comp and interact. Transcribing recorded drummers, studying the history of the instrument, and reading charts and drum parts are common components. Some programs include production and recording skills, so students can work in studio settings.

Typical degree contexts include the Bachelor of Music in jazz studies with drum set as principal instrument, contemporary or popular music performance degrees, and master's study in jazz performance. Drum set is a distinct instrument from classical percussion, and a student wanting orchestral percussion should look at that listing instead. Programs vary widely in whether drum set is a named major.

What study typically involves

  • Coordination, independence and time-keeping
  • Rudiments, stick and brush technique
  • Jazz styles from swing to modern, and Latin and funk grooves
  • Rock, pop and contemporary drumming styles in some programs
  • Ensemble and rhythm-section playing
  • Chart reading and transcription of recorded drummers
  • History of the instrument and major stylistic traditions
  • Ear training, theory and, in some programs, recording

Award titles. Drum set is generally studied within a Bachelor of Music or BMus in jazz studies, popular or contemporary music, or performance, and at postgraduate level in a Master of Music or MMus, or equivalents. Some institutions offer diplomas or certificates in contemporary performance. Graduate or postgraduate diplomas are not master's degrees. A doctorate such as the DMA is a practice doctorate. Names vary by country and no equivalence claims are made here.

This directory lists a program under drum set only when its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study option. A private teacher or a faculty drummer does not count. Many schools offer percussion but not drum set as a degree specialization, and drum set may be offered only within jazz or contemporary programs.

Auditions and admissions guidance

General orientation only. Each program publishes its own repertoire, format and deadlines; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Drum set auditions usually take place on a house kit provided by the school. Applicants may be asked to play in several styles, for example swing with brushes, a medium or up-tempo jazz tune, a Latin groove and a funk or rock pattern, and often to play along with a rhythm section or backing track. Some include a short solo.

Reading is frequently tested, with a chart or drum part to sight-read, and ear tests such as repeating rhythms are common. Interviews, theory and aural tests may also be part of the process. Some programs accept a video submission first.

Each program publishes its own audition format and style requirements, and these change by year. Read the current-year information for every school. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also preparing for auditions and prescreening vs final auditions.

Costs and funding

Drummers are central to ensembles, and some programs offer scholarships tied to audition results and ensemble needs. Graduate students might be considered for assistantships such as playing in studio ensembles, accompanying classes or teaching undergraduate lessons.

Funding varies by school, country and year, and many students receive partial support or none. Ask each department directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Drummers may pay for sticks, brushes, mallets, drumheads, cymbals and practice pads, and may need a personal kit or an electronic kit for home practice. Transport of equipment, practice-room fees where applicable and recording costs are other possibilities.