DRUM LESSONS

DRUM KIT TUITION SINCE 2004

DBS CHECKED ENHANCED CERTIFICATE

HOME STUDIO WITH HIGH QUALITY DRUMS AND CYMBALS

REGISTERED TRINITY ROCK & POP DIGITAL EXAM CENTRE

Whether you are a complete beginner or advanced player, I can offer drum lessons from my home studio to help you reach your drumming goals. With over 20 years teaching experience, I have collected many resources and developed teaching methods which have helped many pupils gain the confidence to play in a band, learn to read drum music and even start to work as professional musicians themselves.

(I love it when that happens!)

SERVICES OFFERED

1 to 1 lessons at my home studio
1 to 1 online lessons (via zoom)
Visiting drum kit tuning/maintenance

STUDIO LOCATION

Links to drum lesson timetables/online folders for existing pupils:

MANOR HOUSE

PRIOR'S FIELD

SALESIAN

PRIVATE PUPILS

RESOURCES

This section of the site contains links to useful resources for pupils to use. As well as links to an online metronome and my archive of song transcriptions, there are numerous videos demonstrating different elements of the Rockschool and Trinity drum kit grades. Clicking on a book below will open a YouTube playlist containing links to all the videos associated with that grade.

New content is being added all the time - please get in touch with requests if you would like to see a particular track or subject covered.

BEGINNER DRUM LESSONS

SONG TRANSCRIPTIONS

ONLINE METRONOME

TRINITY ROCK & POP SYLLABUS:

INITIAL GRADE

GRADE 1

GRADE 2

GRADE 3

GRADE 4

GRADE 5

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

ROCKSCHOOL DRUM SYLLABUS:

DEBUT GRADE

GRADE 1

GRADE 2

GRADE 3

GRADE 4

GRADE 5

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

SAMPLE WORKSHEET

How do I book a lesson?

Most of my teaching takes place in schools, but I do have a few slots available for private pupils at my home studio. Please get in touch via the contact link at the top of the page if you are interested in having some lessons, or even if you just want some advice about drum kits - I can hopefully point you in the right direction.

What do the lessons cover?

Lessons are tailored towards the needs and personal goals of each individual student. Whether you want to learn for fun or you're aiming to work in the music industry, you'll be given well presented relevant material to work through, which has been carefully put together based on years of playing and teaching experience. I will always cover the basics with everyone, i.e. stick (and foot) technique, co-ordination exercises, groove/timing development - but style/genre studies are more aimed at matching your interests and favourite music.

What do I need?

A pair of sticks and a willingness to practise! It is definitely beneficial to have your own set of drums to practise on, although it is not practical in every home (check with the neighbours first!). Electronic drums are a good space saving and noise free solution and a practice pad (which is essential for any serious drummer) is a great way of developing your technique as well as being relatively inexpensive and portable. I am happy to assist you in purchasing a set of drums and can recommend some places to look.

Can I take drum kit exams?

I primarily use the Trinity Rock and Pop drum syllabus as a framework pupils who are keen to take drum exams. My home studio is registered as a Trinity Digital exam centre, meaning that I can deal with the exam entry process on behalf of students. Drum exams can either be done face to face with an examiner (externally), or by submitting an exam video which can be done from my home studio.

Teaching posts:

I currently hold drum kit teaching posts at the following schools/colleges:

Manor House School - Bookham, Surrey
Prior's field School - Nr Godalming, Surrey
Salesian College - Farnborough, Hampshire

WHAT THE PUPILS SAY:

"Having never picked up a drum stick before, Jon has taught me everything I know from basic grooves to complicated fills and has helped me achieve a distinction in my grade 8 exam. Jon is a very talented musician himself and makes an excellent teacher which seems to come effortlessly to him. I always look forward to my lessons with him."

- Nick Ratcliffe