Drums are now a real Part — same effects pipeline, zero duplication

_drum_hits and _drum_pattern_beats proxy through score.parts['drums'].
Drum Part goes through _apply_part_effects like any other Part.
set_drum_effects() is now sugar over the Part's attributes.
All 789 tests pass with no API changes.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -2,6 +2,16 @@
 
 All notable changes to PyTheory are documented here.
 
+## 0.29.2
+
+- Add `score.set_drum_effects()` — reverb, delay, lowpass, distortion, chorus on the drum bus
+- Same effects engine as parts, zero code duplication
+
+## 0.29.1
+
+- Rename song.py → songs.py
+- Polish all 20 example songs with stereo, convolution reverb, humanize, detune, sidechain
+
 ## 0.29.0
 
 - Add `Score.from_midi(path)` — import any Standard MIDI File into a Score

examples/songs.py

@@ -46,12 +46,17 @@ def bossa_nova_girl():
     score.drums("bossa nova", repeats=4)
 
     rhodes = score.part("rhodes", synth="fm", envelope="piano",
-                        volume=0.3, reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=1.8)
+                        volume=0.3, pan=-0.3,
+                        reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=1.8, reverb_type="plate",
+                        detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, delay=0.25, delay_time=0.32,
-                      delay_feedback=0.35, reverb=0.2)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.25, delay_time=0.32, delay_feedback=0.35,
+                      reverb=0.2, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, lowpass=600)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.0, lowpass=600,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Am", "Am", "Dm", "Dm", "E7", "E7", "Am", "Am"]:
         rhodes.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -86,11 +91,18 @@ def bebop_in_bb():
     score.drums("bebop", repeats=8, fill="jazz", fill_every=8)
 
     rhodes = score.part("rhodes", synth="fm", envelope="piano",
-                        volume=0.25, reverb=0.35, reverb_decay=1.2)
+                        volume=0.25, pan=-0.3,
+                        reverb=0.35, reverb_decay=1.2, reverb_type="plate",
+                        detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, lowpass=4000, lowpass_q=1.1)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.25,
+                      lowpass=4000, lowpass_q=1.1,
+                      delay=0.15, delay_time=0.19, delay_feedback=0.25,
+                      reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="triangle", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, lowpass=900)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Bb", "Gm", "Cm", "F7"] * 2:
         rhodes.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -133,12 +145,17 @@ def salsa_descarga():
     score.drums("salsa", repeats=8, fill="salsa", fill_every=4)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="pwm_slow", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.2, reverb=0.3, lowpass=2000)
+                      volume=0.2, pan=-0.35,
+                      reverb=0.3, reverb_type="plate", lowpass=2000,
+                      detune=10, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, delay=0.2, delay_time=0.167,
-                      delay_feedback=0.3)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.167, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="pulse", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, lowpass=500, lowpass_q=1.3)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.0, lowpass=500, lowpass_q=1.3,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Em7b5", "A7", "Dm7", "Bbmaj7"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -175,12 +192,19 @@ def afrobeat_groove():
     score.drums("afrobeat", repeats=8, fill="afrobeat", fill_every=8)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.2, reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0,
-                      lowpass=3000)
+                      volume=0.2, pan=-0.3,
+                      reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                      lowpass=3000, detune=10, spread=0.6,
+                      humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, lowpass=3000, lowpass_q=1.0)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      lowpass=3000, lowpass_q=1.0,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.26, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.5, lowpass=500)
+                      volume=0.5, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Em", "Am", "D", "C"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -213,13 +237,18 @@ def reggae_one_drop():
     score.drums("reggae", repeats=8, fill="reggae", fill_every=8)
 
     chords = score.part("chords", synth="square", envelope="staccato",
-                        volume=0.2, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.0,
-                        lowpass=2000)
+                        volume=0.2, pan=-0.4,
+                        reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                        lowpass=2000, detune=8,
+                        humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="strings",
-                      volume=0.4, delay=0.35, delay_time=0.5625,
-                      delay_feedback=0.45, reverb=0.3)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.35, delay_time=0.5625, delay_feedback=0.45,
+                      reverb=0.3, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.55, lowpass=400, lowpass_q=1.3)
+                      volume=0.55, pan=0.0, lowpass=400, lowpass_q=1.3,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["G", "C", "D", "C"] * 2:
         chords.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -254,12 +283,18 @@ def funk_workout():
     score.drums("funk", repeats=8, fill="funk", fill_every=4)
 
     chords = score.part("chords", synth="square", envelope="staccato",
-                        volume=0.25, lowpass=2500, reverb=0.15)
+                        volume=0.25, pan=-0.4,
+                        lowpass=2500, reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                        sidechain=0.4, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, lowpass=3500, lowpass_q=1.5,
-                      delay=0.15, delay_time=0.15, delay_feedback=0.25)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.35,
+                      lowpass=3500, lowpass_q=1.5,
+                      delay=0.15, delay_time=0.15, delay_feedback=0.25,
+                      reverb=0.1, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="pulse", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.5, lowpass=600, lowpass_q=1.2)
+                      volume=0.5, pan=0.0, lowpass=600, lowpass_q=1.2,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Em", "Am", "D", "B7"] * 2:
         chords.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -298,13 +333,17 @@ def blues_shuffle():
     score.drums("12/8 blues", repeats=6)
 
     chords = score.part("chords", synth="fm", envelope="piano",
-                        volume=0.3, reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.5)
+                        volume=0.3, pan=-0.3,
+                        reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.5, reverb_type="plate",
+                        detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.2,
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.25,
+                      reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.2, reverb_type="plate",
                       delay=0.2, delay_time=0.43, delay_feedback=0.3,
-                      lowpass=3500)
+                      lowpass=3500, humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.5, lowpass=500)
+                      volume=0.5, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["A", "A", "D", "D", "E7", "A"]:
         chords.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.DOTTED_HALF)
@@ -343,13 +382,18 @@ def samba_de_janeiro():
     score.drums("samba", repeats=8, fill="samba", fill_every=8)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.2, reverb=0.45, reverb_decay=2.0,
-                      lowpass=4000)
+                      volume=0.2, pan=-0.3,
+                      reverb=0.45, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="plate",
+                      lowpass=4000, detune=10, spread=0.5,
+                      humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, delay=0.2, delay_time=0.176,
-                      delay_feedback=0.3)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.176, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, lowpass=700)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["G", "Em", "Am", "D7"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -383,12 +427,17 @@ def jazz_waltz():
     score.drums("waltz", repeats=16)
 
     rhodes = score.part("rhodes", synth="fm", envelope="piano",
-                        volume=0.3, reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0)
+                        volume=0.3, pan=-0.3,
+                        reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                        detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="strings",
-                      volume=0.4, reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.5,
-                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.4, delay_feedback=0.3)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.25,
+                      reverb=0.3, reverb_decay=1.5, reverb_type="plate",
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.4, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, lowpass=600)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for _ in range(2):
         for sym in ["Fmaj7", "Gm", "C7", "Fmaj7"]:
@@ -423,14 +472,19 @@ def house_anthem():
     score.drums("house", repeats=8, fill="house", fill_every=8)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.25, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5,
-                      lowpass=5000)
+                      volume=0.25, pan=-0.3,
+                      reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                      lowpass=5000, detune=12, spread=0.7,
+                      sidechain=0.6, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="staccato",
-                      volume=0.35, lowpass=2000, lowpass_q=2.0,
-                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.242,
-                      delay_feedback=0.35)
+                      volume=0.35, pan=0.3,
+                      lowpass=2000, lowpass_q=2.0,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.242, delay_feedback=0.35,
+                      reverb=0.15, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.55, lowpass=300)
+                      volume=0.55, pan=0.0, lowpass=300,
+                      sidechain=0.5, humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Cm", "Ab", "Bb", "Cm"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -480,16 +534,22 @@ def dub_kingston():
     score.drums("dub", repeats=8)
 
     chords = score.part("chords", synth="square", envelope="staccato",
-                        volume=0.2, reverb=0.6, reverb_decay=2.5,
-                        lowpass=1500, lowpass_q=0.9)
+                        volume=0.2, pan=-0.4,
+                        reverb=0.6, reverb_decay=2.5, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                        lowpass=1500, lowpass_q=0.9, detune=8,
+                        humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="strings",
-                      volume=0.4, delay=0.45, delay_time=0.625,
-                      delay_feedback=0.5, reverb=0.35, reverb_decay=2.0)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.45, delay_time=0.625, delay_feedback=0.5,
+                      reverb=0.35, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.6, lowpass=400, lowpass_q=1.5)
+                      volume=0.6, pan=0.0, lowpass=400, lowpass_q=1.5,
+                      humanize=0.15)
     siren = score.part("siren", synth="pwm_slow", envelope="pad",
-                       volume=0.15, reverb=0.7, reverb_decay=3.0,
-                       lowpass=1200)
+                       volume=0.15, pan=0.5,
+                       reverb=0.7, reverb_decay=3.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                       lowpass=1200, detune=10)
 
     for sym in ["Am", "Am", "Dm", "Dm", "Am", "Am", "Em", "Am"]:
         chords.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -526,14 +586,19 @@ def techno_minimal():
     score.drums("techno", repeats=8, fill="house", fill_every=8)
 
     pad = score.part("pad", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                     volume=0.2, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=3.0,
-                     lowpass=3000)
+                     volume=0.2, pan=-0.3,
+                     reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=3.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                     lowpass=3000, detune=12, spread=0.7,
+                     sidechain=0.6, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="pwm_fast", envelope="staccato",
-                      volume=0.35, lowpass=1500, lowpass_q=3.0,
-                      delay=0.3, delay_time=0.231,
-                      delay_feedback=0.4)
+                      volume=0.35, pan=0.3,
+                      lowpass=1500, lowpass_q=3.0,
+                      delay=0.3, delay_time=0.231, delay_feedback=0.4,
+                      reverb=0.1, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.55, lowpass=250)
+                      volume=0.55, pan=0.0, lowpass=250,
+                      sidechain=0.5, humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Fm", "Db", "Eb", "Fm"] * 2:
         pad.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -560,12 +625,17 @@ def gospel_shuffle():
     score.drums("gospel", repeats=8, fill="buildup", fill_every=8)
 
     organ = score.part("organ", synth="fm", envelope="organ",
-                       volume=0.3, reverb=0.45, reverb_decay=2.0)
+                       volume=0.3, pan=-0.3,
+                       reverb=0.45, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                       detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.4, delay=0.2, delay_time=0.278,
-                      delay_feedback=0.3, reverb=0.2)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.278, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      reverb=0.2, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.45, lowpass=500)
+                      volume=0.45, pan=0.0, lowpass=500,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["C", "Am", "F", "G"] * 2:
         organ.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -618,18 +688,23 @@ def dub_delay_madness():
             score._drum_hits.append(_Hit(DrumSound.RIMSHOT, offset + 3.5, 60))
 
     chords = score.part("skank", synth="square", envelope="staccato",
-                        volume=0.15, reverb=0.7, reverb_decay=3.0,
-                        lowpass=1200)
+                        volume=0.15, pan=-0.4,
+                        reverb=0.7, reverb_decay=3.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                        lowpass=1200, detune=8, humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.6, lowpass=350, lowpass_q=1.5)
+                      volume=0.6, pan=0.0, lowpass=350, lowpass_q=1.5,
+                      humanize=0.15)
     siren = score.part("siren", synth="pwm_slow", envelope="pad",
-                       volume=0.12, reverb=0.8, reverb_decay=4.0,
+                       volume=0.12, pan=0.5,
+                       reverb=0.8, reverb_decay=4.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
                        delay=0.4, delay_time=0.88, delay_feedback=0.6,
-                       lowpass=900)
+                       lowpass=900, detune=10)
     # Melodica stabs — sparse, lots of delay
     melodica = score.part("melodica", synth="triangle", envelope="pluck",
-                          volume=0.35, delay=0.6, delay_time=0.66,
-                          delay_feedback=0.55, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5)
+                          volume=0.35, pan=0.3,
+                          delay=0.6, delay_time=0.66, delay_feedback=0.55,
+                          reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                          humanize=0.2)
 
     for sym in ["Em", "Em", "Am", "Am", "Em", "Em", "Bm", "Em"]:
         chords.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -667,13 +742,18 @@ def drum_and_bass():
     score.drums("drum and bass", repeats=8, fill="buildup", fill_every=8)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.25, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5,
-                      lowpass=4000)
+                      volume=0.25, pan=-0.3,
+                      reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=2.5, reverb_type="plate",
+                      lowpass=4000, detune=10, spread=0.6,
+                      humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="triangle", envelope="strings",
-                      volume=0.4, delay=0.3, delay_time=0.172,
-                      delay_feedback=0.4, reverb=0.25)
+                      volume=0.4, pan=0.3,
+                      delay=0.3, delay_time=0.172, delay_feedback=0.4,
+                      reverb=0.25, reverb_type="plate",
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.55, lowpass=300)
+                      volume=0.55, pan=0.0, lowpass=300,
+                      humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Am", "F", "C", "G"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)
@@ -708,18 +788,24 @@ def drake_vibes():
     score.drums("trap", repeats=8, fill="trap", fill_every=8)
 
     pads = score.part("pads", synth="supersaw", envelope="pad",
-                      volume=0.2, reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=3.0,
-                      lowpass=2500)
+                      volume=0.2, pan=-0.25,
+                      reverb=0.5, reverb_decay=3.0, reverb_type="cathedral",
+                      lowpass=2500, detune=12, spread=0.6,
+                      sidechain=0.4, humanize=0.2)
     bells = score.part("bells", synth="fm", envelope="bell",
-                       volume=0.3, reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0,
-                       delay=0.25, delay_time=0.44,
-                       delay_feedback=0.35)
+                       volume=0.3, pan=0.4,
+                       reverb=0.4, reverb_decay=2.0, reverb_type="plate",
+                       delay=0.25, delay_time=0.44, delay_feedback=0.35,
+                       humanize=0.2)
     lead = score.part("lead", synth="pwm_slow", envelope="strings",
-                      volume=0.35, reverb=0.3, lowpass=2000,
-                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.88, delay_feedback=0.3)
+                      volume=0.35, pan=-0.2,
+                      reverb=0.3, reverb_type="cathedral", lowpass=2000,
+                      delay=0.2, delay_time=0.88, delay_feedback=0.3,
+                      humanize=0.2)
     bass = score.part("bass", synth="sine", envelope="pluck",
-                      volume=0.6, lowpass=200, lowpass_q=1.8,
-                      distortion=0.4, distortion_drive=2.0)
+                      volume=0.6, pan=0.0, lowpass=200, lowpass_q=1.8,
+                      distortion=0.4, distortion_drive=2.0,
+                      sidechain=0.3, humanize=0.15)
 
     for sym in ["Ebm", "B", "Gb", "Db"] * 2:
         pads.add(Chord.from_symbol(sym), Duration.WHOLE)

pytheory/play.py

@@ -1836,6 +1836,8 @@ def render_score(score):
     # Named parts — each rendered to own buffer for per-part effects
     _pending_sidechain = []
     for part in score.parts.values():
+        if part.is_drums:
+            continue  # drums are rendered separately via _drum_hits
         if part.notes:
             part_buf = numpy.zeros(total_samples, dtype=numpy.float32)
             synth_fn = _resolve_synth(part.synth)
@@ -1989,6 +1991,16 @@ def render_score(score):
         panned = _pan_to_stereo(mono_hit, pan)
         drum_stereo[start:start + hit_len] += panned
 
+    # Apply drum Part effects through the same pipeline as any other Part
+    drums_part = score.parts.get("drums")
+    if drums_part:
+        has_drum_fx = (drums_part.lowpass > 0 or drums_part.delay_mix > 0
+                       or drums_part.reverb_mix > 0 or drums_part.distortion_mix > 0
+                       or drums_part.chorus_mix > 0)
+        if has_drum_fx:
+            for ch in range(2):
+                drum_stereo[:, ch] = _apply_part_effects(drum_stereo[:, ch], drums_part)
+
     # Apply sidechain compression to parts that request it
     for part, part_buf in _pending_sidechain:
         part_buf = _apply_sidechain(
@@ -2001,7 +2013,7 @@ def render_score(score):
     if score.notes:
         stereo_buf += _pan_to_stereo(buf, 0.0)
 
-    # Drums: stereo panned
+    # Drums: stereo panned (with effects already applied)
     stereo_buf += drum_stereo
 
     # Master bus compressor/limiter (per channel)

pytheory/rhythm.py

@@ -1399,6 +1399,8 @@ class Part:
         self.pan = pan
         self.spread = spread
         self.notes: list[Note] = []
+        self._drum_hits: list[_Hit] = []
+        self._drum_pattern_beats: float = 0.0
         self._automation: list[tuple[float, dict]] = []  # (beat, {param: value})
 
     def add(self, tone_or_string, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *, velocity: int = 100) -> "Part":
@@ -1690,12 +1692,21 @@ class Part:
 
         return self
 
+    @property
+    def is_drums(self) -> bool:
+        """True if this part contains drum hits."""
+        return len(self._drum_hits) > 0
+
     @property
     def total_beats(self) -> float:
-        return sum(n.beats for n in self.notes)
+        note_beats = sum(n.beats for n in self.notes)
+        if self._drum_hits:
+            drum_beats = self._drum_pattern_beats
+            return max(note_beats, drum_beats)
+        return note_beats
 
     def __len__(self):
-        return len(self.notes)
+        return len(self.notes) + len(self._drum_hits)
 
     def __iter__(self):
         return iter(self.notes)
@@ -1786,12 +1797,63 @@ class Score:
         self._drum_humanize = drum_humanize
         self.notes: list[Note] = []
         self.parts: dict[str, Part] = {}
-        self._drum_hits: list[_Hit] = []
-        self._drum_pattern_beats: float = 0.0
         self._tempo_changes: list[tuple[float, int]] = []
         self._sections: dict[str, Section] = {}
         self._current_section: Optional[Section] = None
 
+    def _ensure_drums_part(self) -> Part:
+        """Get or create the drums Part."""
+        if "drums" not in self.parts:
+            self.parts["drums"] = Part("drums", synth="sine", volume=0.7)
+        return self.parts["drums"]
+
+    @property
+    def _drum_hits(self) -> list:
+        """Proxy: drum hits live on the drums Part."""
+        return self._ensure_drums_part()._drum_hits
+
+    @property
+    def _drum_pattern_beats(self) -> float:
+        """Proxy: drum pattern beats live on the drums Part."""
+        return self._ensure_drums_part()._drum_pattern_beats
+
+    @_drum_pattern_beats.setter
+    def _drum_pattern_beats(self, value: float):
+        self._ensure_drums_part()._drum_pattern_beats = value
+
+    @property
+    def drum_effects(self) -> dict:
+        """Proxy: drum effects are just the drums Part's effect settings."""
+        p = self._ensure_drums_part()
+        return {
+            "reverb_mix": p.reverb_mix, "reverb_decay": p.reverb_decay,
+            "reverb_type": p.reverb_type,
+            "delay_mix": p.delay_mix, "delay_time": p.delay_time,
+            "delay_feedback": p.delay_feedback,
+            "lowpass": p.lowpass, "lowpass_q": p.lowpass_q,
+            "distortion_mix": p.distortion_mix,
+            "distortion_drive": p.distortion_drive,
+            "chorus_mix": p.chorus_mix,
+        }
+
+    def set_drum_effects(self, **kwargs) -> "Score":
+        """Set effects on the drum bus.
+
+        The drums Part is a real Part — set effects the same way
+        you would on any other part.
+
+        Example::
+
+            score.set_drum_effects(reverb=0.2, reverb_type="plate")
+        """
+        p = self._ensure_drums_part()
+        param_map = {"reverb": "reverb_mix", "delay": "delay_mix",
+                     "distortion": "distortion_mix", "chorus": "chorus_mix"}
+        for k, v in kwargs.items():
+            attr = param_map.get(k, k)
+            setattr(p, attr, v)
+        return self
+
     def part(self, name: str, *, synth: str = "sine",
              envelope: str = "piano", volume: float = 0.5,
              reverb: float = 0.0, reverb_decay: float = 1.0,
@@ -1904,6 +1966,7 @@ class Score:
         fill_pattern = Pattern.fill(name)
         return self.add_pattern(fill_pattern, repeats=1)
 
+
     def drums(self, preset: str, repeats: int = 4, fill: str = None,
               fill_every: int = None) -> "Score":
         """Add a drum pattern by preset name, with optional auto-fills.