How Grant Collins built a business teaching online drum lessons!
How Grant Collins is Revolutionizing Online Drum Lessons
This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration from Grant Collins, a dedicated and forward-thinking drum teacher from Australia. Grant’s journey from performing on world stages to running an entirely online music studio has given him unique insights into what it takes to succeed in the realm of online drum lessons. Let’s dive into Grant's experience and learn how he’s making drum lessons online engaging, accessible, and impactful.
The Path to Teach Music Online: Why Grant Collins Joined TMO
Grant Collins joined the Teach Music Online (TMO) community over a year ago, driven by a desire to improve his online teaching setup and create a more valuable experience for his students. As a seasoned performer with a global student roster, he initially found the transition to online drum lessons challenging. He felt that his online sessions lacked the engagement and quality of in-studio lessons. This led him to TMO, where he found practical resources, structured systems, and support to elevate his online lessons.
“I’m a big advocate for personal development, and I knew I needed a structured approach to online drum lessons,” Grant explained. “You can YouTube a million things, but TMO provided a straightforward, step-by-step system that I could work through with confidence.”
Grant’s dedication to mastering his craft helped him find the tools and guidance he needed to make his online drum studio a success. Today, he’s pioneering a new way to teach drums, inspiring countless music teachers within the TMO community.
Building an Engaging Online Studio
One of Grant’s core beliefs is that drum lessons online can provide as rich and immersive an experience as in-person lessons. For him, it’s all about building a strong sense of community and offering more than just weekly lessons. Inspired by his early days of music education, Grant introduced a unique feature in his online studio—the “Drum Dojo,” a weekly drum workout that’s free for all his students. The Dojo sessions allow students to work on their drumming skills in a communal, friendly competition format, starting at a slow tempo and gradually increasing speed until only one drummer remains!
The Drum Dojo isn’t just about technique—it’s about camaraderie and motivation. Reflecting on his own past experiences, Grant recreated an environment where students feel challenged and inspired, helping them to improve both their skills and confidence.
“Every weekend, we do workouts together, just like a dojo. At first, I was the only one showing up, but I kept at it, and soon students began to join in. Now, they love it and see it as an extra, free lesson each week,” Grant shared.
This commitment to creating an immersive experience has transformed Grant’s lessons, giving students the option to join the Drum Dojo as a standalone session or as part of a larger membership.
Embracing Technology as a Tool for Connection
Where some teachers might see technology as a barrier, Grant Collins sees it as a gateway to innovation in online drum lessons. He uses multiple cameras and digital tools like Apple Notes and iPads to make his setup dynamic and interactive. This setup allows him to instantly share handouts, zoom in on details, and give students clear views of his drum techniques.
“I love technology. When I first started, it was overwhelming, but now, with my camera setups and digital handouts, it’s easier than ever to give my students what they need,” Grant explained. “I can zoom in, show them different angles, and provide instant feedback—things that would be hard to do even in person!”
By embracing these tools, Grant has created an engaging learning environment where his students feel supported and connected. This flexibility and convenience have been a major reason why many of his in-studio students have now fully embraced his online drum lessons.
The Importance of Retention and Building a Learning Community
Grant places a strong emphasis on student retention, viewing each student as part of a long-term journey. Inspired by his wife, who works in the personal fitness industry, Grant decided to bring a similar approach to his online music studio. His goal is not just to impart knowledge but to create an ongoing musical adventure for his students.
“I’m there for the experience. Some students practice religiously, while others just want to enjoy the journey. My lessons and resources are for all levels, so anyone can join and benefit.”
This long-term, relationship-focused approach has attracted students from all over the world—including places like the UK, the US, Canada, and even Malta—to join his online academy. The sense of community within the Drum Dojo, combined with Grant’s constant encouragement, has fostered a supportive atmosphere where students feel motivated to grow.
Grant’s Vision for the Future: Scaling with Memberships
Looking ahead, Grant Collins hopes to expand his online studio by transitioning to a membership model, where he can offer courses, workouts, and group classes that students can access independently. While he loves one-on-one sessions, he recognizes that a membership structure would allow him to reach more students without sacrificing his time.
“Scaling to a membership model would allow me to work with more students while keeping things manageable. Plus, it would give students access to my library of resources, where they can work at their own pace.”
Grant also sees value in creating short, recorded online drum lessons and courses that his students can revisit as needed, giving them a flexible and affordable way to continue their studies. For him, each recorded lesson is a valuable asset that can serve students for years to come.
Advice for Other Teachers: Get Started, Embrace Creativity, and Don’t Wait for Perfection
To any teacher considering drum lessons online, Grant offers this advice: just start. He encourages teachers to get comfortable with recording themselves, sharing their unique approach, and making their teaching personal. He reminds us that mistakes will happen, and technology may be intimidating at first, but the reward is worth it.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up and connecting with your students. So get that camera out, create a small video, and go from there. Every little bit of effort pays off.”
Join the Teach Music Online Membership
Inspired by Grant’s story and ready to take your own studio to the next level? The Teach Music Online membership can help! Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your current setup, TMO offers everything you need: from structured courses and group coaching to a supportive community of creative educators. Imagine growing your studio, connecting with students worldwide, and having access to resources that make your online drum lessons engaging and memorable.
Join the TMO waitlist today and start building a thriving online studio! Visit teachmusic.online to join the waitlist and learn more about how TMO can help you reach your teaching potential. Let’s take your teaching from local to global!