Learn

For students who are already familiar with some basic patterns here are just a few examples of some rhythm section grooves. Please have a listen and download the play along track which has just the bass guitar part and click track as a guide. Listen to how the bass drum and the bass guitar work together.

Below are some common questions I get asked from students inquiring about drum lessons:

“Is there any age limit for taking up the drums?”
“Where are the lessons held?”
“How are lessons structured?”
“How much practice will I need?”
“How long will it take me to get good?”
“How much do the lessons cost?”
“How long are the lessons?”
“How often should I have lessons?”
“What equipment and books will I need?”
“How long will I need to take lessons?
“Do I prepare students for AMEB examinations?”

“Is there any age limit for taking up the drums?”
I teach students of all ages and I often have calls from people asking if they're too old to learn drums. The answer is you're never too old as long as you can move all four limbs! I am currently teaching students from age seven to seventy seven! and from novice to advanced.   Back to the Index

As far as younger students go from experience I've found that children under the age of seven don't generally respond well to lessons due in part to the physical challenges of reaching the foot pedals and sometimes difficulty in focusing on one thing for more than a couple of minutes. As always there are exceptions and if you're child is adamant they want to try then I'm happy for them to come along and give it a go. Children and adults with special needs are also welcome.

“Where are the lessons held?”
Lessons take place at my home studio in Avalon on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Click here to see a map Home visits can sometimes be organized at an extra charge. Please contact me to check.   Back to the Index

“How are lessons structured?”
This depends on the age and experience of the student. Typically in the first few weeks of lessons for a beginner the focus tends to be on developing correct technique (grip, foot pedals, striking the drum correctly) and posture, understanding rhythm and simple notation followed by learning some basic grooves (rock, pop, jazz) and sticking patterns (Rudiments). Of course school band and exam pieces will also be covered if required. As a student's skill level grows then the lessons become more tailored to the individuals interest and areas which require most work. All styles will be covered, with rock, jazz and latin independence being worked on, as well as applying the rudiments by learning to interpret a drum chart, playing with a click track, understanding song structure and developing a musical and sensitive approach to drumming, which is always popular with other musicians! Of course learning favourite songs and having fun with the instrument is important too.   Back to the Index

“How much practice will I need?”
For under 12's I recommend 15-30 minutes focused practice most days, by focused I mean practicing things we have been working on in the lessons rather than just having a bash, this is encouraged but should be done separately from practice time. For teens and adults, a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 2hrs per day, or more, depending on the levels of motivation and time available. It's important to practice regularly rather than long cramming sessions, for maximum development. For more on how to practice please see my practice tips page.   Back to the Index

“How long will it take me to get good?”
This is probably the most common question I get asked and one to which I don't have a clear answer. Everyone has different levels of natural ability, and a technique that one person might find difficult, another may find fairly simple to master, so this student will progress quicker, but as a very general guide I would expect most beginner students to be up and running with good basic technique (grip, posture etc.) and understanding rhythm and basic notation and playing some simple grooves such as basic rock, pop and jazz within the first six week period of lessons.   Back to the Index

“How much do the lessons cost?”
Please see my separate prices page.   Back to the Index

“How long are the lessons?”
30 minutes for under 12's and 45 minutes for over 12's and adults. This is just a guide and students are free to choose either of these lengths that they prefer.   Back to the Index

“How often should I have lessons?”
My timetables work on a weekly basis though fortnightly lessons can be organized as well. Special arrangements can be made for adults who can't get locked into a regular time each week.   Back to the Index

“What equipment and books will I need?”
No equipment is necessary for the first lesson. Within the first month a student should have a set of sticks(5a), a practice pad, a folder and notepad for music and a USB memory stick for media to take home. I recommend having access to a full drum kit (electronic or acoustic) to practice within the first 3 months of lessons for maximum development. All sheet music is provided. If a student decides to do AMEB examinations then the course book for this will need to be purchased separately.   Back to the Index

“How long will I need to take lessons?
As long as you feel you are getting the benefits from them and they are helping you progress towards your musical goals. Some students I have taught for years and others come for just a couple of months to get them started.   Back to the Index

“Do I prepare students for AMEB examinations?”
Yes. The AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Contemporary Popular
Music course provides goals and standards for the developing contemporary
musician. They consist of carefully graded printed material, backing recordings
and an assessment program that can lead  candidates from beginning to tertiary
entrance levels. Please see the AMEB site for more info. Examinations take place
October yearly. These are of course optional.   Back to the Index