Go deeper with one-on-one percussion instruction from BK Steppers teaching artists.
Group programs build foundation. Private lessons build mastery. Whether your student is preparing for a NYSSMA evaluation, a drum corps or WGI audition, an HBCU marching band spot, a college music program, or simply ready to accelerate faster than any group setting allows — our teaching artists have been there.
Choose the structure that fits your student.
From a single one-off session to a full college audition preparation arc — all delivered by working BK Steppers teaching artists.
- 45–60 minute private session
- Personalized to student’s current level
- Book one at a time or on an ongoing schedule
- Snare, tenor, bass, or ensemble focus
- 4 structured prep sessions
- NYSSMA Level 1–6 repertoire coverage
- Mock evaluation feedback
- Sight-reading & scales preparation
- Performance psychology & test-day readiness
- 6 structured prep sessions
- Destination-specific repertoire & technique
- Drum corps, WGI, HBCU, or conservatory focus
- Mock audition feedback
- Audition strategy & performance readiness
Audition prep is a specific discipline.
The difference between playing well and auditioning well is preparation that matches the format. Group programs teach musicianship. Audition prep teaches how to walk into a room and demonstrate it under pressure.
NYSSMA percussion evaluations are administered across New York State every year, with repertoire and technique requirements published by level. Students who prepare with someone who has taught to the standard walk in ready.
Our teaching artists know the repertoire, know the rubric, and know how to build the four-session arc that gets your student from where they are to where NYSSMA needs them to be.
Every serious audition has its own rubric. Drum corps audition camps expect one set of technical and musical fundamentals. WGI indoor percussion demands different repertoire and reading skills. HBCU marching bands recruit for show-style tradition and performance presence. Conservatories test at a completely different standard again.
BK Steppers teaching artists have been there. Our teaching artists include former drum corps members, WGI ensemble alumni, and instructors whose students now lead percussion programs at HBCUs. The pathway is real — meet the alumni who’ve walked it.
From inquiry to first session.
Every private student is matched with the right teaching artist based on their goals, level, and schedule. Here’s the process.
Questions parents ask.
All private instruction is delivered by BK Steppers teaching artists — the same working professionals who teach in our school residencies, coach the BK Steppers Drumline, and perform with the Pro Line.
We match every student with the right teaching artist based on their level, goals, and schedule. All coordination runs through BK Steppers — lessons are not booked directly with individual instructors.
Private instruction is available for students ages 8 through college-age. Younger students benefit from short focused sessions (30–45 min); older students typically work in 60-minute blocks.
For elementary-age beginners, we generally recommend starting with the BK Steppers Drumline Academy group program before moving into private instruction.
Lessons can happen at BK Steppers rehearsal spaces, at your student’s school (with permission), or at a mutually agreed location. Some teaching artists also offer virtual instruction for students outside the NYC area.
The exact location is confirmed during the matching process based on your student’s and the teaching artist’s availability.
A practice pad and pair of sticks is enough to start. Full drums and equipment aren’t required for most lessons — pad work is where the foundation is built.
For NYSSMA prep, students working on multi-percussion or specific instrument requirements should have access to appropriate equipment. We’ll advise during the initial conversation.
All six NYSSMA percussion levels (Levels 1–6). The 4-session NYSSMA Prep Package is structured around a specific level and evaluation date — we build the prep arc backward from the audition day.
If your student needs more than four sessions to be evaluation-ready, we can extend the package. If they need fewer, we can adjust. Preparation should match the student, not the other way around.
Any percussion or drumline audition your student is preparing for. Common destinations include:
Drum corps — Blue Devils, Carolina Crown, Blue Knights, and other DCI World Class and Open Class ensembles. WGI Indoor Percussion — independent and scholastic ensembles at Regional and World Championship level. HBCU marching bands — Howard, Hampton, NC A&T, Morgan State, FAMU, and others. PWI college marching bands — Big Ten, ACC, SEC, and NYC-area schools. Conservatory and college music programs — Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, NYU, CUNY, and beyond.
Because every ensemble has its own audition format and expectations, we build the 6-session prep arc backward from your student’s specific target audition date.
Yes. The single-session tier ($75–$100) is designed for exactly this. Many families start with one or two sessions to make sure the fit is right before committing to a full package.
The NYSSMA and College Audition packages are priced to reflect the structured curriculum arc — they’re a better value than paying for four or six sessions individually.
We know families and student musicians have complicated schedules. Reasonable rescheduling with 24 hours notice is fine. We’ll confirm the specific rescheduling policy during package confirmation.
For families where cost is a barrier, please note it in your inquiry. BK Steppers is a 501(c)(3) cultural institution committed to accessibility, and we work to accommodate serious student musicians when we can.
Book your student’s first session.
Tell us about your student and what they’re working toward. We’ll match them with the right BK Steppers teaching artist and confirm scheduling within two business days.
For NYSSMA and Audition Prep packages, please include the target evaluation or audition date — and the ensemble or program your student is auditioning for — so we can build the prep arc backward from that day.