Drums/Percussion

Lessons you can take:

We offer drum kit/percussion lessons through our small group/individual tuition scheme (school dependant).

When to start:

From school years 4 - 5. Many pupils don't start to play the drum kit until secondary school but the earlier the better.

Costs:

Hire:

Schools can hire a drum kit from us for £26.90 per term, plus VAT where applicable. Pupils can hire a percussion 'starter pack' (containing a pair of drum sticks, pair of beaters, glockenspiel and practice pad) for £13.70 per term. Find out more about hiring from us.

Buy:

New drum kits of playable quality start from about £300. Electronic kits are also available - starting from about £500. Buying second-hand offers good value, but always seek your teacher's advice before you buy.

Other:

Very few. Drumsticks cost about £7 a pair and pupils having lessons in school will have access to a drum kit. The purchase of a 'practice pad' is recommended in order to develop technique - these cost around £10.

Pros/cons:

Pros:

Playing the drum kit is great fun and it features in many different styles of music: rock, jazz, funk, reggae, soul, R&B, indie and pop to name but a few.

Cons:

Practise can be a problematic because of the volume. However 'practice-pads' are available (practise on them is very beneficial) and practice on an electronic kit is virtually silent.

GM 'Get Playing' Video Series

Snare - How to hold your sticks

Snare - How to use your sticks

Snare - Single stroke exercises

Xylophone - Your first notes