What You Will Learn
At the Beat Studios we have a tried and tested curriculum with many years of experience. We will start you from the beginning or meet you at your current level. Our solid foundation will teach you not only how to play the drums, but how to learn effectively – becoming a life long learner.
Every student’s goals are different, so we take the time to understand what you want to achieve and create a tailored path to get you there through our extensive curriculum. You’ll leave each lesson with clear, practical exercises to keep your progress moving forward, and the support of teachers who are passionate about drums and experienced in helping musicians grow.
- Learn foundational techniques
- Learning a variety of groove and fill concepts
- Understanding the importance of drum rudiments
- Learn to count rhythms effectively and in turn learn to read drum notation with confidence
- Improve technique and control
- Explore styles from rock and metal to jazz and latin and more
- Prepare for Trinity College or Trinity Rock and Pop exams
Detailed Learning Pathways
Beginner
- Drumsense Volume 1
- Five hi-hat variations
- Basic fills
- Reading drum notation
- Foundational technique
- Trinity College and Trinity Rock & Pop Grades Initial to Grade 3
- Drumsense solo example up to NCEA Level 1 ability
- Initial to Grade 1 Classical Jazz Syllabus
Beginner to Intermediate
- Drumsense Volume 2
- Jazz rhythm basics
- Brush technique
- Stroke technique
- Rudiments
- Trinity Rock and Pop Grades 4 and 5
- NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 topics
- Grade 2-4 Classical Jazz Syllabus
Intermediate to Advanced
- Applying stroke techniques to grooves
- Stylistic awareness and genre-specific skills
- Playing in odd time signatures
- Eight-bar pattern work and application on the kit
- Double kick techniques
- Advanced rudiments
- Trinity Grades 5 to 8
- Trinity College Classical Jazz Grades 5-8
- NCEA Level 3 material
- Audition preparation
- Writing and arranging original drum parts
Special Programs
These special programs are designed to help drummers prepare for exams, auditions, and performance opportunities. From diploma pathways to youth orchestra auditions and school scholarships, each program offers focused coaching to give you the skills and confidence needed to perform at your best.
ATCL and LTCL diploma exams
After grade 8, these diplomas are for students excelling in their technical and musical skills. These internationally recognized qualifications provide pathways to professional music careers in performance and education.
Musical school and private school scholarship auditions
Targeted coaching to prepare for scholarship auditions with skill and confidence.
Primary school music festival preparation and development
Focused guidance to prepare percussion repertoire. Guidance on performing confidently in primary school music festivals.
CSRO (Canterbury Schools Regional Orchestra)
Providing a platform for students to perform and experience a full orchestra. School year 7-13 run by Forte Itinerant teaches. Percussion led by Jonathon Tressler.
Burnside High SMP auditions
The Specialist Music Programme (SMP) is a focused program for music students wishing to excell in music performance. The couse offers advanced musical education and opportunities for high-level training in both jazz and classical styles.
CYO Christchurch Youth Orchestra, NZSSSO, NYO and CYJO auditions
These are local and national opportunities for those learning music at a high level of performance. Over a number of years we have had many Beat students involved in these opportunities.
Drum/Percussion Lessons
At The Beat Studios, we offer flexible options – from young beginners taking their first steps to dedicated players aiming to refine advanced skills. Choose from shared or individual sessions, weekly or fortnightly scheduling, and discover a learning path that matches your goals, age, and pace.
Drum Kit Lessons
(Electronic Studio)
½ Hour Weekly
Shared Space Lessons
(Ages 5–8 yrs recommended)
- Short, focused weekly sessions
- Perfect for building strong foundations
- Limited spaces available
$290 (10 week term)
1 Hour Fortnightly
Shared Space Lessons
8 yrs and older
- Five lessons per school term
- Ideal for steady progress at your own pace
- Includes a personalised practice plan (Most popular)
$290 (10 week term)
1 Hour Weekly
Shared Space Lessons
(For more rapid progress) 8 yrs and older
- Ideal for dedicated learners aiming for faster results
- Suitable for beginners who want to fast track their learning
- intermediate to advanced players who like having space in the lesson to work on material
$580 (10 week term)
½ Hour Weekly
Individual lessons
(Ages 6yrs or older)
- focused individual weekly sessions
- Perfect for building strong foundations
- Limited spaces available
$360 (10 week term)
1 Hour Fortnightly
Individual lessons
(Ages 8yrs or older)
- Ideal for dedicated learners aiming for faster results
- Suitable for beginners who want to fast track their learning
- intermediate to advanced players with specific goals
$360 (10 week term)
1 Hour Weekly
Individual lessons
(Ages 8yrs or older)
- Ideal for dedicated learners aiming for faster results
- Suitable for beginners who want to fast track their learning
- intermediate to advanced players with specific goals
$720 (10 week term)
Drums & Percussion Lessons
(with Jonathon Tressler)
1 Hour Weekly
Individual lessons for
Intermediate to advanced players
- Drum or percussion focus
- Trinity College exams
- Specialised rudimental development
- For highly motivated learners
- Limited spaces available
$780 (10 week term)
1 Hour Fortnightly
Individual lessons
Intermediate to advanced players
- Five lessons per school term
- Drum or percussion focus
- Trinity College exams
- Specialised rudimental development
- For motivated learners
- Limited spaces available
$390 (10 week term)
Custom Lessons
Individual lessons
Intermediate to advanced players
- Fully customised one-on-one coaching with Jonathon
- Adapted to your goals, pace, and musical interests
- Flexible structure for maximum progress and enjoyment
$Price On Enquiry
Exams and Accreditation
Earn Recognised Drum Qualifications
During his career, Jonathon has facilitated Trinity College and Trinity Rock & Pop workshops across New Zealand.
His in-depth knowledge of these exams is a major advantage for students who wish to achieve internationally recognised grades.
Exam options:
- Trinity College (UK):
We encourage students to work towards sitting Trinity College graded exams. These can be done digitally or in person exams. The digital exams give students flexibility around when an exam is recorded and works to each student’s learning needs. Successful candidates receive a certificate for Pass, Merit or Excellence at Grades Initial to 8. Face to face exams usually take place four times a year. - Trinity Rock & Pop (UK):
Similarly students can sit the Trinity College Rock & Pop exams digitally or in person. These exams are marked on fluency and security, technical control and communication and style. Trinity College Rock & Pop exams focus on contemporary music styles. but with less rudimental focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesson Pricing
All pricing is based on a 10 Week Term
Drum Kit Lessons
Electronic Studio
Shared Space Lessons
1 Hour Fortnightly
½ Hour Weekly
1 Hour Weekly
Individual Lessons
1 Hour Weekly
1 Hour Fortnightly
½ Hour Weekly
Drum Kit & Percussion Lessons
with Jonathon Tressler
1 Hour Weekly
1 Hour Fortnightly
