Availability
Currently I am almost packed to the rafters in the peak-time spots (after 3:15pm) but there may be one or two spots available, so it's worth getting a word in sooner rather than later! If you are available for lessons during a weekday in early afternoon or morning, then things are usually much easier to organise, also there is a small discount for lessons running in off-peak times. it's definitely worth noting in your email if this option would suit you. I teach on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Please note: Unfortunately I am unable to offer tuition on Weekends.
The best way to contact me is via email, please message me and we can sort out any queries you may have. I will get back to you as and when I can.
Much appreciated, thank you.
Lesson Rates
From September 2022 onwards rates for lessons as follows:
PEAK TIMES (3:15pm Onwards)
£45.00 / 60 minute lesson
£37.50 / 45 minute lesson
£30.00 / 30 minute lesson
OFF-PEAK TIMES (Before 3:10pm)
£42.00 / 60 minute lesson
£36.00 / 45 minute lesson
£30.00 / 30 minute lesson
Please note: Due to my busy schedule, rearragements or cancellations of regular or prearranged appointments (excluding taster lessons) must be made in writing with at least 48 hours notice (txt/email). If you are unable to provide this notice, I ask that you continue payment for your scheduled appointment.
For definitive cancellation of a weekly or fortnightly regular lesson slot: I ask for a full month's advance warning of this decision please, if this is not given, the missed lessons will need to be accounted for and will be charged in full.
Trial Lessons
I offer a discounted, ONE-OFF trial lesson for new starters. Price depends on the time allocation - £15 for 30 mins, £20 for 45 mins, £25 for a full hour.
These sessions are to get to know each other and for me to understand the student's targets and ability. It is important to note that for a trial lesson to go ahead without full charge, the prospective student MUST be able to organise a REGULAR time with me beforehand - either WEEKLY or FORTNIGHTLY which they will be able to slot into should they wish to continue after the first lesson... however I must add that there are no strings attached to continue.
Please note that any lessons given as gifts to the prospective student, monthly spots or experience day type packages (which are sometimes requested) are not eligable for a free trial and must be paid in full before the lesson. Unfortunately these lessons can not not take place unless they have been paid for in advance. Please do email me if there are any queries on this.
In a trial lesson, beginners will be learning the different parts of the drumkit, how to count in common time, hold sticks correctly and some of the basic fundamental strokes required to play the drums with good technique, some may even work on three-way co-ordination and learn to build their first drum groove. Experienced players will be expected to show me the sort of thing they have covered before and hopefully have an idea of what they want to get out of our lessons. It may be a good idea to bring any relevant books or sheet music if applicable, which would help me to understand how far the student has taken their studies already, in order to pave a way forwards in future lessons.
What do lessons involve?
Personalised Drum Lesson
I am well aware that everybody learns differently and that people want to learn different things in their drum lessons: a specific song, drum fill or groove that you've heard somewhere, or maybe you want to learn to read music or a certain technique. If the student wants to bring ideas along for me to help with I am more than happy to do so, alternatively I can give ideas on areas which could be good to look at and base lessons around them.
Learn Drum Grades in drum lessons
There are a few different exam boards these days for taking grades, some take a more traditional approach, whilst others have a more contemporary slant. I understand that grades are for some people and not others; we will discuss this on your trial lesson.
Have Fun
I like to keep lessons as fun and relaxed as possible whilst still keeping them focused and beneficial. There is no pressure on time scale in terms of progress, everybody learns at their own pace. I will always do my best to adapt my tuition to suit each individual in a way that they can feel encouraged and grow in confidence.
Record Your Drumming
I have the ability to record students playing on the kit and then making this into a CD (if you bring one!) This can be a great tool to monitor progress (the microphones don't lie!) It can also be a nice thing to be able to show friends and family.
Learn Drum Grooves and Fills
Thinking up, and playing killer sounding grooves and drum fills takes hard work and an understanding of the music you are playing. You will learn how to create your own stickings, adapt drum rudiments and other techniques to develop your own creativity. You will also learn when to and when not to use these drum fills and play with taste and musicality.
Technique Training
Hand and foot technique in drumming is often overlooked but is very important. Not only can it help avoid short and long term injury, with a bit of practice it will actually make your playing easier and sound better. Technique is looked at alongside all the material we study, helping you to avoid picking up bad habits if you are starting out, or looking at fixing any bad habits you might already have, to take your playing to the next level.
Reading Music
Written music for drums is very similar to that of any other instrument and equally important. Learning to read music for drums is an extremely useful skill to have. To be able to read and write new patterns and fills is extremely useful because it enables you to learn at your own pace from drumming books or websites, write your own drum charts, remember songs and much more. Your understanding of the instrument and the theory behind it will become so much clearer.
Learn New Styles
For any drummer, being able to adapt and play to suit the style or song they need is something that takes time and understanding. Listening to, and having a good understanding of different styles of music really helps with this. Students are given all the help they need to develop their understanding of new music, patterns and feels that make up the different musical styles or genres, as well as exercises that will help build the confidence and flow to sound proficient in their playing. It will also enhance the styles of music you already play, giving you new ideas and new sounds.
Playing With A Band
For many of us learning to play the drums, our hard work pays off by playing in a band - after all, what good is rhythm without melody? Performing in front of an audience or just as a bit of fun with friends is your chance show the world what you have been spending all that time learning! It is therefore important to know our role within a band and what our job is. Are we playing too loudly or too quietly? Is the song the right speed? Should I play a drum fill? Should I count the song in? Having an understanding of your role within your band will help you become the best drummer you can be. Preparations can be made for most of the hurdles that you will come across in a live performance; from warming up before the show, to battling nerves or playing with good stage presence - pretty much everything but sweating under the hot stage lights!
