Business Details
33 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Premier Destination for Drum Lessons and Percussion Supplies in Lexington
Drum Center of Lexington has been dedicated to serving drummers and percussionists since 1993. Founded by Kevin Toole, our shop was built on a passion for music and a commitment to providing exceptional service, expertise, and community support. We specialize in drum lessons, instrument sales, repairs, and expert advice, with a team of professional drummers who bring decades of combined experience to every interaction. Our mission is to connect with drummers of all skill levels, offering after-hours availability for emergencies and maintaining a curated selection of top percussion brands.We prioritize customer education through workshops, clinics, and resources like our 'Drum Tips' video series. Under current owners Russ and Sandy Highland since 2007, we continue fostering local talent through youth summer camps, charity events, and spotlighting regional musicians. Our laid-back environment encourages musical growth while ensuring every customer receives personalized attention and trustworthy guidance.
Services
Drum Lessons
Drum Repairs
Tuning Services
Expert Advice
Product Sales
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer lifetime free drum tuning with purchases
- Our staff includes professional drummers with global experience
- Available after hours for musical emergencies
- Provide personalized equipment advice for all skill levels
- Host community-focused educational clinics and youth programs
Services
Drum Lessons
Private 30-minute drum lessons available Monday-Saturday for all skill levels. Our instructors include internationally experienced drummers and local music educators. Lessons focus on technique development, genre-specific training, and performance preparation while maintaining an encouraging learning environment.
Drum Repairs
Professional drum repair services completed in most cases within one business day. Our staff handles all common repairs including hardware fixes, shell restoration, and electronic drum system maintenance. We use manufacturer-approved parts and techniques to ensure optimal instrument performance.
Tuning for Life
Complimentary drum tuning service for life with any drum kit purchase. Includes free head replacement when purchasing new heads from our store. Our technicians use professional-grade tools to maintain proper tension and resonance, ensuring consistent sound quality over time.
Expert Advice
Personalized equipment consultation from professional drummers with extensive industry knowledge. We help customers select appropriate gear for their skill level, musical style, and budget. Services include setup recommendations, product comparisons, and educational resources for beginners through advanced players.
Product Sales
Full selection of acoustic and electronic drum kits, cymbals, hand percussion, and accessories from top brands. We offer method books, instructional DVDs, and replacement parts. Our inventory includes both entry-level equipment for students and professional-grade instruments for experienced musicians.
People
Russ Highland
Owner
Owner since 2007 with lifelong passion for drumming. Started playing at age 13 and has deep local music scene connections. Committed to maintaining the shop's reputation as Kentucky's premier drum destination while expanding educational programs.
Sandy Highland
Owner
Co-owner since 2007 with extensive music industry background. Family heritage in vocal performance and music production. Focuses on community engagement and customer relations while supporting local musicians through special programs and events.
Dave Farris
Instructor
Teaching since 1993 with global percussion experience. Studied in Ghana, Puerto Rico, Mali, and India. Performs locally with multiple bands while offering lessons that incorporate diverse international drumming techniques and cultural perspectives.
Ben Davis
Instructor
EKU graduate with Brazilian percussion expertise. Former championship marching band instructor. Combines academic training with practical experience teaching students of all ages while performing with Central Kentucky bands and church ensembles.
Jim Schade
Instructor
Award-winning jazz drummer with 20+ years professional experience. Specializes in Latin and African rhythms while maintaining versatility across multiple genres. Focuses on creative expression and musical conversation in both performance and teaching contexts.
Questions
What drum lesson packages do you offer?
We offer individual 30-minute lessons at $30 each or $100 monthly packages with weekly sessions. Group clinics and specialized workshops are also available at varying rates.
Do you provide drum tuning services for existing customers?
Yes, we offer free lifetime drum tuning for any kit purchased from us. We also replace and tune new drumheads purchased from our store at no additional charge.
What types of drum repairs can you handle?
Our technicians handle most common repairs including hardware fixes, shell restoration, and electronic system maintenance. Most repairs are completed within one business day using manufacturer-approved parts.
Are your instructors qualified to teach different music genres?
Yes, our teaching staff includes specialists in jazz, rock, Latin, African rhythms, and more. Instructors have professional performance experience across multiple genres and adapt lessons to individual student interests.
What hours is the store open for instrument purchases?
We're open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, and closed on Sundays. Appointments can sometimes be arranged outside regular hours for special circumstances.
Do you offer community programs for local musicians?
Yes, we host charity events, youth summer camps, and clinics spotlighting local drummers. Our 'Student of the Month' program and special discounts support ongoing musical development in the Lexington community.
Reviews (6)
Kyle Harmeling
Dec 31, 2021
Report
Drum store for drummers. Plenty of great selection for beginning and intermediate drummers. Reasonable prices. Extremely experienced and knowledgeable staff.
Megan G.
Dec 26, 2021
Report
We drove to this store from East Tennessee. It was definitely worth the drive. Very friendly & helpful. They were also very supportive toward my son, who is just getting started.
Nathan Sniffen
Sep 16, 2021
Report
Awesome experience today! I'm no "real" drummer like Robert or the guys at Drum Center, but I know Stevie Wonder's snare in "Superstition" sounds really good and mine sounded like a banjo with a broken string. After months of ruining new heads by over tightening etc. and replacing snare wires trying to get that nice dry sound, I decided to visit the professionals and it paid off. Robert sold me a new set of batter and resonant heads, new snare wires, tuned up my snare and showed me how to dampen it just right! Now I'm back in the studio with the exact tone I've been chasing for months now wearing some super dark shades & wishing I'd gone down there way sooner.
Tommy Bennett
Aug 12, 2021
Report
The owner is a great guy and his staff is A1. Very knowledgeable people and don't mind to shoot u in the right direction when you have a question.
Mike
Apr 17, 2021
Report
What a fantastic little gem! The spot is small but packed with gear and its so inviting how could you NOT want to go. Prices were competitive (better than anything on Reverb). Staff was next level awesome. If I lived closer it would be the only shop I would visit for my little dudes drumming needs.
Dave Grigsby
Jan 25, 2021
Report
Vince, Brandon, and Russ are amazing. Expert, life-long drummers with passion and expertise. This is the place for all things drum. Central Kentucky is truly lucky to have this wonderful resource for expert equipment and knowledge of our craft. Thanks guys.
