Q. Where are lessons taught?
A. I teach in a professional music teaching studio at Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff. This space is unrivaled anywhere in South Wales and offers the very best in music tuition facilities, including two top quality acoustic drum kits, DW SmartPractice exercise pads, an in-house PA system for playback and accompaniment, an extensive DVD and music syllabus library, and a sound-proof waiting/viewing area for parents and sponsors. For further information, see the drum teaching studio page.
Q. Is the first lesson really free?
A. The trial lesson is genuinely 100% free, with no obligation to make additional bookings. The offer is open to people who are genuinely considering taking lessons, and who would like to find out more before they commit to a regular booking. Trial lessons last up to one hour depending on the student's age and needs. This offer does not apply to gift packages or one-off lessons, and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. To find out more, view the trial drum lesson blog entry.
Q. How much does a drum lesson cost?
A. Your first lesson is absolutely free. For full details of current prices, visit the Drum Lesson Prices page.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. At your second lesson, you will be given a folder to bring along to all subsequent lessons. You will also need a pair of good quality drum sticks and something to write with. Very young students need only bring drumsticks and a responsible parent/chauffeur. You are also advised to bring hearing protection to all lessons.
Q. What if I need to cancel a lesson?
A. To cancel a lesson, simply let me know by telephone with at least 24 hours notice. This allows me time to offer the lesson time to other students. Lessons missed or cancelled at less than 24 hours notice are still charged at the full rate, except in cases of genuine illness.
Q. Do I need to own a drum kit?
A. While it certainly helps to own any instrument you wish to learn, it is not essential that you own a drum kit from day one. In the short-medium term, a practice pad can allow for effective 'homework' and practice. You can also rent practice spaces by the hour. To find out more read the Advice for Beginners article.
Q. How often should I have drum lessons?
A. I recommend that student have lessons on a weekly or fortnightly basis. To find out more about beginning lessons, read the Advice for Beginners article.
Q. Can/should I take Grade exams?
A. Students can opt to take grade exams from the Rockschool syllabus, grades 1-8. To find out more, read the drum grades blog entry.
Q. Can parents stay during lessons?
A. I advise parents of young students to remain in the studio during drum lessons, maintaining a low-key presence wherever possible. A full pupil protection document, offering information and advice for parents, is included in the eBrochure.
Q. What are your qualifications?
A. My background is in education, having studied to PhD level and taught to post-graduate degree level. For my first degree, I attained first-class BA Honours with distinction. While completing my post-graduate studies, I taught as a lecturer at Warwick University for four years, before moving to Cardiff and becoming a freelance professional drummer in 2008. I have a Rockschool Grade Eight Certificate with Distinction, the highest level attainable, and teach drums from beginner to advanced levels.
As a session musician, I have performed with some of Cardiff's best musicians including Charlotte Church, Jonathan Powell, Sion Russell Jones and Colum Regan, not to mention international touring artists Christine Collister and Davy Knowles. As a drum teacher, I work hard to maintain the 100% pass rate earned by my graded students to date. To find out more about my background, download the eBrochure or contact me.
As a session musician, I have performed with some of Cardiff's best musicians including Charlotte Church, Jonathan Powell, Sion Russell Jones and Colum Regan, not to mention international touring artists Christine Collister and Davy Knowles. As a drum teacher, I work hard to maintain the 100% pass rate earned by my graded students to date. To find out more about my background, download the eBrochure or contact me.
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