Professional Drum School Policies

Professional Drum School

Mission Statement

Professional Drum School offers percussion education at its best!

Quality instructors teach with honesty, respect, compassion and an understanding of each student’s individual needs. PDS offers an exciting and safe environment where a student is measured by his or her individual progress, and has the opportunity to learn skills and gain knowledge for becoming a musician. The student is encouraged to reach his or her maximum potential through the experience of music and percussion.

Policies and Information

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all lessons.

Lesson Cancellations: 48 hour notice is requested. This will allow students on my waiting list an opportunity to schedule a lesson, or for a regular student to have a ‘make-up’ lesson.

Missed Lessons – No Shows: A missed lesson without notice will be charged at the regular rate. After 2 ‘no show’ lessons, the student will be dropped and the lesson time re-assigned.

Tuition: Payments are due at each lesson. Other arrangements can be made to pay monthly at the beginning of each month.

Falling behind in payments can cause termination of the student’s lessons with PDS.

Tuition Fees:

30 minute lesson - $25.00

60 minute lesson - $50.00

Sibling discount: 1st student – regular rate

2nd student – less $5

Returned Checks: $45.00 fee

Scheduling: Weekly lessons – most students schedule these.

Every Other Week – 2 per month – the student will be scheduled on the 1st and 3rd or the 2nd and 4th particular day of the month. If there should be a 5th day in the month, that is a ‘bye’ week unless requested. It will not change the rotation of 1st and 3rd or 2nd and 4th.

Student expectations: Practice = Progress! The student is expected to practice DAILY. Consistent practice will give the student confidence and allow him or her to be successful in mastering the instrument.

Lesson Materials: Students are expected to bring ALL materials and STICKS and MALLETS to each lesson.

General Information: Pre-Requisites – DESIRE to learn, PASSION for percussion, and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!

PDS starts students at age 7. Students younger than age 7 can be evaluated to see if they would be ready to start at the drum school.

Visitors: Parents, siblings and/or relatives are welcome to observe lessons at any time. They are asked to remain quiet and attentive, but will be given time for questions at the end of the lesson.

Medical Concerns: PDS needs to be made aware of any and all student medical issues. If an emergency occurs, we need to be prepared to react quickly and responsively.

Professional Drum School was established in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1983. Students attend PDS from central Kansas including Pratt, Kingman, Inman, Cheney, McPherson, Buhler, Nickerson, Sterling, Valley Center and more. Students have gone on to perform in DCI corps including Blue Coats, Blue Stars, Troopers and Pioneer. Also, students have performed with the Hutchinson Symphony Orchestra, Hutchinson Municipal Band, Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony, the Wichita Music Theater for Young People, and many currently perform with their church praise bands.

Substitute Instructor Information
In the event that I will need to arrange for a substitute instructor, every effort will be made to have a qualified and experienced instructor. Following is a list of possible reasons I may need to be gone:

Perform with:

Wichita Symphony
Newton Mid-Kansas Orchestra
Kenton Jazz Christmas Carols

Concerts or competitions with:
Buhler High School Marching Band, Concert Bands, Ensembles & Concerts