Isaac Lee

Hello! I’m Isaac Lee, the founder and head instructor at iDrum Academy, located in Burnside, Christchurch. If you are looking for a drum teacher who prioritises joy, passion, and musical exploration over stress and boring routines, you have found the right place. I believe that learning to play the drums should be the absolute highlight of a student’s week, not just another chore on their to-do list. Whether your child is a complete beginner picking up drumsticks for the very first time, or an experienced player looking to expand their technical vocabulary, my goal is to provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment where they can truly thrive.

My Musical Journey & Experience

My own musical journey began two decades ago, and for over 10 years, I have had the absolute privilege of teaching the drums to more than 40 amazing students, ranging from elementary school children to university students. Throughout my career, I’ve coached students who have gone on to win awards in local music competitions, and I’ve guided dedicated learners from their very first rudimentary beats all the way to passing rigorous certification exams.

However, my proudest achievements aren’t just the shiny trophies. My greatest joy comes from watching a shy, timid child slowly build their self-esteem behind the drum kit, eventually stepping out onto a performance stage with a massive smile and unshakable confidence. Many of my students have been with me since my very first day of teaching, and it is a profound honor to witness their ongoing growth and development as musicians and individuals.

My Teaching Philosophy: Passion and inspire interest

My teaching philosophy is built on empathy, trust, and connection. I excel at understanding my students’ emotions and identifying their unique, individual learning styles. Every child processes information differently, which is why I specialise in breaking down complex drumming techniques and music theory into simple, digestible, and painless lessons.

I firmly believe that the most important element in learning music is “interest and passion.” Because of this, my classroom atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. I never force children to take exams, nor do I let drum lessons become a source of anxiety outside of their regular schoolwork. Instead, my role is to act as a mentor and a guide. I accompany my students, helping them discover their unique potential and overcome challenges. When a student is genuinely interested, motivation and skill naturally follow!

A Modern Curriculum & Tech-Forward Studio

To keep drum lessons exciting, I balance structured learning with the music my students actually listen to. As a registered Rockschool teacher, I provide a rigorous, exam-standard technical framework for those who wish to pursue formal grading. But we apply these techniques to a modern repertoire—jamming out to the latest K-pop hits, Mandopop tracks, Christian worship music, and contemporary pop songs. (Please note: I am also fluent in Chinese, allowing me to comfortably teach and communicate with bilingual families).

My dedicated teaching studio in Burnside is fully equipped with premium electronic drum kits. Not only do these sound incredible, but they are essential for protecting the sensitive hearing of younger kids. The studio features a professional audio and visual setup designed to make learning highly interactive. Beyond the classroom, I provide every student with access to a custom online portal where they can keep track of their progress, review lesson notes, and manage their sheet music assignments.

Tailored Lesson Formats

I offer personalised 1-on-1 coaching as well as 2-student group lessons. Because every student’s stamina and attention span is different, I offer flexible lesson durations. We typically start younger kids and absolute beginners with 30-minute sessions to build a solid rhythmic foundation. As their skills improve, we expand to 45-minute or 60-minute lessons to dive deeply into improvisation skills, technical exercises, and complex song structures.

If you are ready to help your child discover a lifelong love for music, I would love to hear from you. Let’s make some noise and start this musical journey together!