About Paul
Paul graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music, acheiving a BA (Hons) specialising in Drums and Percussion. He has over 20 years of live and recording experience under his belt, both with function bands and currently with up and coming "Joyous Indie-Pop" outfit ‘Alphabet Backwards’, as well as a host of other projects he is involved with inhouse studio recording for. Paul has over 12 years of teaching experience under his belt, both privately and peripatetically around schools in Surrey and since moving back to Oxford in 2011, has held a post tutoring drumkit at Magdalen College School, a prestigious, independent school for boys aged 7-18.
Paul is comfortable working with students from all walks of life, including the elderly, mentally handicapped or those with behavioural or emotional difficulties; his enthusiasm for teaching and love for the instrument is an encouragement to all of his students to achieve the very best they can. With this in mind, he is very capable of adapting his teaching style, syllabus and approach according to the needs or preference of each individual student.
"The most important thing for me is that my students enjoy the challenge of learning, it can be a pretty sticky uphill climb for everyone (especially themselves!) if they don't. With that in mind it is crucial that I am flexible in order to find out which practice methods work best for each particular student. I take a relaxed approach to teaching, as it is so important for the student to feel comfortable in their surroundings in order for them to stay relaxed and confident with new material. I am not an old taskmaster type, I am comparatively young and I am still learning everyday myself... For those seeking to gain intensive, expert lessons from somebody who has already completed their musical journey, it may be best to look elsewhere; but those wanting to enjoy lessons with a calm, no-pressure approach in a relaxed atmosphere, give me a call!"
Parent Feedback
"I would certainly commend Paul in his role of drum tutoring as his enthusiasm, hard work and trustworthiness are highly valued. He has an excellent work ethic and is diligent in the care of children ensuring that they are not only achieving but also happy whilst doing so. His calm approach is just one of his many attributes amongst patience and understanding. I would highly recommend Paul without any reservation."
- Tony Salmon, Surrey
"Paul has taught my autistic son how to drum since 2010.
He has built up an excellent rapport with him through his dedication and his calm disposition. He has created and used successfully his own method to teach according to my son's individual learning abilities. It has not always been an easy task for Paul but his enthusiasm, understanding and especially his patience has achieved excellent results."
- Suzannah Kelly, Surrey
"A big thank you goes to Paul for all his support and encouragement to my Son, Leith throughout his drum tuition over the past few years. Paul’s enthusiasm and commitment has made his lessons enjoyable and definitely helped to fire his passion for music. We’ll miss you Paul, and must insist that if you come back to our area to teach... contact us!"
- Sandy Rowe, Surrey
