The present invention is a system and methods for automating the tuning process for drums. The invention automatically applies tension across the batter heads of a drum. The invention consists of a plurality of electrical stepper motors each of which is connected to a gear reduction assembly and a rotating tension rod. The invention acts to exert a tensioning force on each attachment point around the circumference of the hoop(s) securing the batter head to the drum shell. An algorithm drives a microprocessor that monitors the current being used by each stepper motor assembly which is translated to torque. When the torque for each stepper motor assembly reaches a predetermined level, the tension holding the batter head and to the shell of the drum will be in tune.