Andrew Hare's Drum Studio in Baltimore: Private Lessons for Beginners Through Advanced Players

Andrew Hare's Drum Studio is a one-on-one drum instruction practice located in Baltimore that serves students from age 7 to adult, with a focus on foundational technique and applied musicianship across multiple genres.

What the studio actually is

Andrew Hare operates a private drum teaching practice centered on personalized instruction rather than group classes or ensemble settings. Hare holds a degree in percussion performance and has worked as both a session drummer and educator in the Baltimore area. The studio structure emphasizes individual progress tracking, with lessons tailored to each student's goals, whether that's preparing for school jazz band, learning rock covers, or building sight-reading skills for classical snare work. Unlike larger music schools that rotate instructors or require enrollment in bundled programs, this is a direct student-to-teacher relationship, which means consistency and continuity across weeks and months.

Services and pricing

Lessons are offered in 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute formats. A single 30-minute lesson runs $40; a 45-minute session costs $55; and 60-minute lessons are $70. These are per-lesson rates with no package discount or membership structure. Rates should be confirmed, as instructor pricing adjusts periodically. The studio provides a practice pad and sticks for beginners who do not yet own equipment, removing a barrier for families deciding whether drums are the right fit before investing in a full kit.

Students work on a standing weekly appointment or a flexible scheduling model where lessons are booked 2 to 3 weeks in advance. There is no long-term contract requirement.

How it compares to other Baltimore options

Baltimore's drum instruction landscape includes the Peabody Preparatory (part of the Peabody Institute), which offers private percussion lessons as part of a tiered conservatory curriculum; lessons there start at $50 to $60 per half-hour but are embedded in a broader institutional structure with recitals, proficiency exams, and higher pressure toward performance excellence. It suits families seeking classical training and formal advancement benchmarks.

Hare's studio appeals to students who want genre flexibility and a low-pressure entry point. Unlike Peabody Preparatory, it does not require auditions or commitment to progress through formal levels. Local guitar shops like Truxton Music (Canton) and The Axe Music Shop (Fells Point) both offer drum lessons as an add-on service, but those are supplementary to instrument sales and often taught by rotating instructors. For families prioritizing consistency with a single teacher who specializes in drums, Hare's dedicated studio model works better.

Who suits this studio and who does not

Hare's practice works well for beginners aged 7 and up, including adults with no prior experience, as well as intermediate players aiming to deepen technique or transition between styles. It suits families who prefer flexibility over structured institutional programs and students who learn best in one-on-one settings. The low entry cost (a single 30-minute lesson at $40) is realistic for trial periods.

It is less ideal for families seeking ensemble performance opportunities (like band or jazz combos) as part of the learning pathway, or for students who thrive on peer motivation and group recitals. Parents looking for a full music school environment with office staff, front-desk support, and multiple instrument options will find larger institutions more equipped.

What the first visit involves

The first lesson typically begins with an intake conversation about the student's age, musical goals, and any prior experience. Hare assesses hand position, posture, and grip, and introduces basic rudiments (single strokes, double strokes, paradiddles) depending on the student's starting point. By the end of a 30-minute first session, a beginner will have played something recognizable, however simple, which helps confirm whether the instrument and instruction style fit.

Bring water and wear comfortable clothes that allow arm movement. The studio provides pads and sticks; students do not need to own a drum kit to begin.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The studio is located in [Baltimore neighborhood/area]. Lessons are offered [specific days and times should be confirmed with the instructor, as independent studios often adjust availability seasonally]. Street parking is available in the area. For current scheduling and to book an appointment, contact the studio directly by phone or email.

Andrew Hare's Drum Studio fills a gap between large institutional music schools and informal lessons from a shop employee. It offers direct access to a specialized teacher at a modest entry cost, making it a practical landing spot for families testing whether drums fit.