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Q-Can any one have drum lessons?
A-Anyone can learn to play the drums.

Q-Do I need experience?
A-All you need is a desire to play and be willing to learn.

Q-Is there a minimum/maximum age?
A-I teach students of all ages and there is no upper age limit. Children younger than eight often find the coordination and concentration difficult, but everyone is different and and I would consider teaching a younger child if they are particularly keen.

Q-What do you expect from your students?
A-I expect students to attend all lessons as arranged punctually and ready to learn. They should complete any home work I set and commit some free time to practising.

Q-How much do I need to practice?
A-All students need to practice to enable them to progress, how much depends on each students drumming goals and how soon they want to reach them. Daily practice is the best but I'd suggest at least 3 x 20 minutes a week.

Q-Do I need to have a lesson every week?
A-I have found that students benefit most from regular weekly lessons.

Q-How long do the lessons last?
A-The lessons usually last an hour, but some students prefer 30 minute lessons, particularly younger students or those with limited time to practice between lessons.

Q-Do I need to buy a drumkit?
A-To get the most from the lessons students need to practice (and something to practice with.) A pair of drumsticks and a practice pad is sufficient for a beginner. As students progress they will need to practice on a drumkit. I can advise students (and their parents!) on the options available to suit them, their budget, and their neighbours!

Q-Will I learn to read music?
A-All my students learn to read & write music and drum notation. It is not difficult and by introducing music notation in the first lesson it becomes a natural and useful part of learning and playing music alongside playing by ear and improvising.

Q-Why is learning to read music important?
A-First of all it helps you recall what we were doing in our last lesson when you sit down to practice! It also means you can write down your own ideas so you won't forget them. (Handy when you come up with a great drum fill whilst at work/school!) Most importantly it is the written language of music and learning and understanding it opens up the whole world of written music to you.

Q-What else do the lessons involve?
A-The lessons are structured around you and what you want to learn. All lessons will involve one or more of the following: Grip and stroke, foot technique, coordination, timekeeping, reading &
writing music and drum notation, musical styles, rudiments & exercises, groove and feel, expression and improvisation, aural perception, playing in a band, history of music, music structure & arrangement, and drumkit tuning & maintenance.

Q-Do you teach students with special needs?
A-I have taught students with special needs and welcome the opportunity to do so. I would be happy to dicuss your requirements with you to see how the lessons could meet your needs. Unfortunately my studio is not currently wheelchair accessible but please get in touch as I'm hoping to remedy this in the near future.

If you have any more questions about my lessons, studio, exams or anything else you can contact me at