Melbourne · Now booking trial drum lessons

Fun, screen-free drum lessons in Melbourne that set beginners up properly from the start.

Lessons are available in Box Hill, Camberwell, Preston and Richmond. In-home lessons are also available across Balwyn, Glen Iris, Ivanhoe, Kew, Malvern, Northcote, Surrey Hills and South Yarra (travel fee applies). All lessons are taught by Joseph Batrouney, an active musician, composer, percussionist and drummer.

Loved by Melbourne families · beginner-friendly, never beginner-feeling.
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About the Teacher

Joseph Batrouney

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Jazz and Contemporary Music (Monash University)
  • Graduate Diploma of Teaching (University of Melbourne)
  • Jazz Summer Courses (New York University)

Formative Playing Experiences

  • 9 years of weekly residency experience
  • National and international tours (Arte Kanela Flamenco, Harrison Wardley Trio, Paco Lara)
  • Living and performing in Spain

Performance Highlights

  • Riley Lee (Shakuhachi Grand Master)
  • Jorge Pardo (Grammy Winner)
  • Diego Guerrero (Latin Grammy Nominated)
  • Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Teaching Experience

  • 15+ years of private tuition
  • VCE drum teaching
  • 7+ years teaching drums in schools
  • Classroom music teaching
  • Method that extends beyond the studio

"It's hard to find someone who gigs so much, puts out their own music and is this passionate about teaching and music."— Georgia M (parent)

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Verified · Qualified · Insured

Learn with confidence.

Full VIT Registration
Victorian Institute of Teaching
Working With Children Check
Current & verified
Teaching Qualification
Graduate Diploma, University of Melbourne
Music Degree
Bachelor of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Monash University, Jazz Summer Courses at NYU

Now teaching·Balwyn · Box Hill · Camberwell · Glen Iris · Ivanhoe · Kew · Malvern · Northcote · Preston · Richmond · South Yarra · Surrey Hills

Studio · Craft · Standards

Seriously fun.

Just because lessons are fun doesn't mean the work isn't real. Students track actual recordings, learn from the greats, and strive toward a professional standard. The difference being that they are met where they are, in every lesson.

Real recordings, real feedback

Feedback is specific and tied to informal recordings of student playing, building ownership and a deeper sense of how their drumming shapes the music.

Tailored to the individual

No conveyor-belt curriculum. Every student gets a plan built around their ear, their taste and their goals, whether that's a school band, a first gig, or finally nailing a long-chased fill.

Fun ≠ unserious

Joy is the engine. Lessons are playful because that's how humans actually learn, with the technique, timing and standards to back it up.

Learning to own a rhythm is far more enjoyable than simply trying not to get it wrong.

We give students clear, practical steps to get out of their own way and truly internalise rhythm.

FAQ

Everything you might want to know before booking your first lesson.

Where are lessons held?
Lessons are available in Box Hill, Camberwell, Preston and Richmond. In-home lessons are also available across Balwyn, Glen Iris, Ivanhoe, Kew, Malvern, Northcote, Surrey Hills and South Yarra (travel fee applies). Home lessons must take place in a high-visibility space.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are available in two formats: 30 minutes or 60 minutes. The 30-minute format suits younger beginners and trial lessons — enough time to play, assess and leave with a plan. The 60-minute format is recommended for ongoing students who want meaningful progress, since it allows space to work through technique, repertoire and musicianship in the same sitting.
Who are these lessons for?
Beginners of all ages. That's kids to adults with little to no experience. No prior skill needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Do you offer exams?
Yes. I have plenty of experience preparing students for exams and can guide you through the process. Exams are optional. We set long-term goals together after an initial survey and chat with all relevant parties.
What do I need to get started?
To get started, all you really need is a pair of drumsticks, a practice pad and a display folder. Feel free to ask about our intro pack, on info@josephbatrouney.com
How are lessons structured, and what will students learn?
We use a clear, structured method, but never a one-size-fits-all approach. Lessons are tailored to each student while remaining grounded in the fundamentals that have shaped great musicians for generations. Each session develops technique, coordination, and repertoire, carefully adapted to the individual. Wherever possible, learning is guided by a larger goal, whether that’s an exam, a recording project, or building a strong, versatile repertoire.
Can I start mid-term?
Of course. We can arrange a trial lesson first and if you'd like to continue, we'll only charge you for the weeks remaining in the term, at the per-lesson rate of the plan you choose. For example, if there are 6 weeks left and you choose the Annual plan, you'll pay 6 × the annual per-lesson rate, then your full plan kicks in from the next term.

The Method : Rhythm as Motion

How drum lessons at Zuzu Music Studios work: a 4-stage journey from beginner to musical identity

01

Foundation

How to hit a drum 101. Groove, time, and technique. The building blocks, taught in an accessible way.

02

Expression

Dynamics, fills, and feel. At the right time. Practical study into musical phrases and how to shape them and learning to play for the music, not over it.

03

Musicianship

Playing with others, song applications, and clavés. Holding one rhythm in your head while playing another. Learning from music non-Western music traditions.

04

Identity

Your own voice. Your own approach. The thing that makes you, you behind the kit.

Every student receives a personalised progress tracker and physical lesson notes after each lesson.

What students say

Lessons with Joey have been fantastic for my son. He started in Year 9 looking for a more flexible way into drumming, without the added logistics of school band and during class lessons. Joey made the drums engaging and meaningful, helping him connect the instrument to a broader musical world, all without the need for early 7:30am starts.
Rina
Mother of student
I’d always wanted to learn drums, but my earlier experience at school put me off. It felt rigid and disconnected from the music I actually enjoyed. Working with Joey as an adult has been completely different. Everything we do feeds directly into the kind of music I want to play, and I’ve made real progress because of that.
Joel
Adult beginner
We were told our daughter had a lot of energy, and I didn’t want that to be seen as a negative. Drums have given her something constructive to channel that energy into. Whether or not it becomes a long-term pursuit, it’s been a really positive outlet and a great physical and creative challenge for her.
Robert
Father of student

Drum lesson pricing — pick your pack

Private drum lessons in Melbourne. One-on-one. Start with a 30-minute trial for $34.

A premium studio experience — designed for beginners, never beginner-feeling.

Casual
$115/ lesson

Pay as you go. No commitment.

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Most popular
9-Week Term
$890/ term
  • One lesson per week across the term
  • Saves $145 vs Casual
  • Ask us about our welcome packs — sticks, practice pad & folder
Book a Trial →
★ Best value
Annual
$3,330/ year
Save $810
  • 36 lessons across 4 terms
  • Saves $810 vs Casual
  • Priority booking
  • Two payment instalments available
  • ★ FreeWelcome kit — sticks, practice pad & folder
Book a Trial →

Book your $34 trial lesson

30 minutes · One-on-one · Private studio

One 30-minute lesson. No obligation. You'll leave with a personalised plan and a clear picture of what's possible. Parents are warmly encouraged to sit in — we believe lessons work best when families are part of the process.

Lessons are available in Box Hill, Camberwell, Preston and Richmond. In-home lessons are also available across Balwyn, Glen Iris, Ivanhoe, Kew, Malvern, Northcote, Surrey Hills and South Yarra (travel fee applies). Most students book their first term before they leave.

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Questions? Email info@josephbatrouney.com