Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Do I need any previous experience?
No.
Complete beginners are very welcome, and you don't need to know how to read music, hold a pair of sticks or practice effectively before you start- that's part of what you're here to learn!
Is there an age limit?
There is no fixed upper age limit. It's never too late to learn the drums, and adult learners are very welcome.
For younger students, regular one-to-one tuition generally works best from around age 10 upwards. Students younger than this are considered individually, as readiness for structured one-to-one tuition can vary considerably.
Junior and early-years workshops may also be available from time to time.
Do you teach adults?
Yes.
Adult students make up an important part of the practice. Whether you're starting from scratch, returning to something you enjoyed years ago or simply want to learn an instrument for yourself, lessons can be structured around your goals and available practice time.
I used to play but haven't played for years. Can I come back?
Absolutely.
Returning players often don't need to start completely from scratch. We'll establish where your playing currently is, identify what has been retained and what needs rebuilding, and work from there.
I'm self-taught and feel stuck. Can you help?
Yes. This is actually a common reason for starting lessons.
If you've reached a point where you're not sure what to practice next, feel like your progress has stalled or have developed technical or musical habits you're struggling to address, lessons can provide some structure and direction.
The aim is to understand where you are and work out what will help you move forward.
Do I need to own a drum kit before starting?
No.
Many students begin lessons before purchasing their own kit, and you can make good progress in the studio and with makeshift drums made out of whatever is available around your house while deciding what equipment is right for you.
However, regular access to a drum kit becomes increasingly important as you progress. Consistent practice between lessons makes a significant difference.
If you're unsure what to buy, I'm happy to offer advice on suitable starter options and different types of kit.
How Lessons Work
How often are lessons?
Lessons are fortnightly by default.
This is deliberate. The time between lessons gives you an opportunity to practice, consolidate what you've learned and work independently rather than simply moving from one lesson to the next.
More frequent tuition can be discussed where appropriate.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are available in:
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30 minutes: £25
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45 minutes: £35
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60 minutes: £45
The most appropriate length depends on the student's age, level, goals and requirements.
For students working towards more advanced goals, 45 or 60-minute lessons will generally allow more depth.
What happens in my first lesson?
The first lesson is about getting to know you and your playing.
We'll establish your current ability (if any), experience, interests and goals and begin working on something appropriate to your level.
For beginners, this may mean establishing the basic foundations of playing. For more experienced players, we'll spend more time assessing your current playing and identifying areas that could benefit from development.
You don't need to prepare anything in advance.
Do I have to bring anything?
You don't need to bring anything.
If you have existing music, exam material, practice notes or anything else you'd like to work on, you're welcome to bring it, but there is no requirement to do so.
Sticks, ear protection and all learning and practice resources are provided. You are welcome to bring any of your own equipment.
Can I choose what music I learn?
Yes.
Your interests are an important part of the teaching process. If there are particular songs or artists you want to play, they can often be incorporated into lessons.
That doesn't mean every lesson becomes a song-learning session. The aim is to use music you enjoy while continuing to develop the underlying skills that make you a better drummer.
Do you teach different styles?
Yes.
Lessons can cover a wide range of musical styles, and repertoire is selected according to the student's interests, goals and level.
The underlying skills of good drumming (timing, technique, coordination, musicality and control) can then be applied across different styles.
Do you follow a syllabus?
Not as a general rule.
There is a structured teaching framework behind the lessons, but students don't all follow an identical sequence of exercises or topics.
The content is adapted according to your current ability, goals, interests and areas for development.
So are lessons completely different every time?
No.
There is a balance between structure and flexibility.
We build on previous work, introduce new material where appropriate and revisit areas that need further development. The intention is that each lesson forms part of a longer-term progression rather than being an isolated session.
Practice & Progress
How much should I practice?
Consistency matters more than trying to practice for huge amounts of time.
For beginners, even 10-15 minutes of focused practice a day can be enough to establish useful habits and make progress.
As you advance, particularly if preparing for an examination, audition or performance, you may need longer or more focused practice sessions.
The important thing is that practice is purposeful rather than simply spending time hitting things.
What if I don't have much time to practice?
That's okay.
Part of the teaching process is learning how to make the most of the time you actually have.
If you have ten minutes, we can work out what would be most useful to spend those ten minutes on. If you have an hour, we can build a more substantial practice routine.
You aren't expected to have unlimited free time.
What is the Practice & Accountability Tracker?
Students receive a Practice & Accountability Tracker to support the work they do between lessons.
It provides a simple record of what you've practiced, what improved, what you found difficult and what you should focus on next.
It's designed to help make practice more purposeful and, over time, encourage students to become more independent in directing their own development.
Do you monitor practice?
Practice is discussed and reviewed as part of the teaching process, particularly for younger students.
The purpose isn't to police how many hours someone has practiced. It's to understand what is happening between lessons and make sure the student is getting the support they need to progress.
For younger students, parents and guardians can also help support consistent practice at home.
What happens if I haven't practiced?
Nothing dramatic.
Sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes motivation drops. Sometimes you simply don't have the time you expected to have.
The important thing is being honest about it and trying not to let it happen twice.
We'll look at what happened, work out what is realistic and adjust the plan where necessary. The purpose of accountability is to support progress, not make students feel guilty.
How quickly will I see progress?
Every student is different.
Beginners will often notice changes in coordination, timing and confidence within the first few weeks when lessons are supported by regular practice.
As you become more advanced, progress can become less immediately obvious. It may involve improving efficiency, musical decision-making, consistency, independence or tackling increasingly demanding material.
Progress is considered in the context of the individual rather than against a fixed timetable.
How do you know whether I'm actually progressing?
Progress is reviewed through your playing, practice, musical understanding, technical development, engagement and ability to work increasingly independently.
If something isn't working, we address it.
If you're ready to move forward, we do.
If you're struggling, we work out why rather than simply continuing with the same approach.
Exams & Further Study
Do you offer graded exams?
Yes.
RSL graded examinations are available for students who want to pursue a formal qualification.
Exams are optional and are treated as one part of a wider musical education rather than the sole purpose of tuition.
Do I have to take exams?
No.
There is no requirement to take graded examinations.
Some students enjoy having a formal goal to work towards, while others have no interest in qualifications at all. Both approaches are completely valid.
How do you prepare students for exams?
Exam preparation covers the technical, musical and theoretical requirements of the relevant grade.
Pieces are selected with the student's development in mind and worked on to an appropriate standard rather than rushed simply to meet an exam date.
The aim is to make sure the student actually understands and can perform the material, rather than simply memorising enough to get through an assessment.
Do you offer exam recording and submission?
Yes. RSL graded exams can be recorded and submitted in-house.
What if I want to prepare for university, an audition or professional study?
This can be built into the tuition.
Advanced students can work towards the specific technical, musical, theoretical and performance requirements relevant to their intended next step.
The exact approach will depend on the course, institution, audition or career path you're preparing for.
Inclusion & Additional Support Needs
Do you teach students with additional support needs?
Yes.
Lessons can be adapted for students with a wide range of additional support needs, learning differences and disabilities.
Experience includes supporting students with:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Dyspraxia
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
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Anxiety
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Physical disabilities
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Other learning differences and additional support needs
Adjustments may include changes to communication, resources, pacing, lesson structure or teaching approach.
Is the teaching environment inclusive?
Yes.
Every student is treated with respect and without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age or personal background.
The aim is to provide an environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, making mistakes and learning at a pace that works for them.
Can parents/guardians or carers stay during lessons?
Yes.
Parents/guardians and carers are welcome and encouraged to observe lessons.
This can be particularly useful for younger students or students who benefit from having a parent/guardian or carer involved in their learning.
Can lessons be recorded?
Session recordings can be provided upon advance request where appropriate.
Are you PVG registered?
Yes.
I am a registered member of the Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
I am also a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and have completed safeguarding and child protection training through the NSPCC and Children in Scotland.
Booking & Availability
How do I book a lesson?
Get in touch to discuss your goals, experience and availability.
If an appropriate regular slot is available, we'll arrange your initial lesson.
If your preferred time isn't currently available, you'll be added to the waiting list and contacted when a suitable space becomes available.
Do I get a regular lesson time?
Yes.
Lessons are normally scheduled on a regular basis so that tuition can develop as a continuing process.
What days are lessons available?
Lessons currently take place Thursday–Saturday at the Newbridge studio.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes.
A waiting list is maintained for high-demand lesson times.
If your preferred slot isn't available, you can still get in touch and we'll discuss what alternatives may be possible.
Do you offer group lessons?
Yes, but group tuition is available on request rather than as an open group class.
If you already have another student, friend or group you'd like to learn with, get in touch and we can discuss an appropriate format.
Is my first lesson free?
No.
Can lesson length be changed?
This can be discussed depending on availability and the student's requirements.
Different lesson lengths can be appropriate at different stages of a student's development.
Cancellations, Payments & Refunds
What is the cancellation policy?
Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled free of charge with at least 48 hours' notice.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the lesson will normally be charged at the full lesson rate, unless there is a genuine emergency.
What happens if I have an emergency?
Genuine emergencies are treated differently from ordinary late cancellations.
If something unexpected happens, get in touch as soon as possible. The aim is to be reasonable while maintaining a fair system for everyone.
Can I get a refund?
Advance payments for lessons are refundable within 30 days of purchase, minus the cost of any lessons already taken, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Refunds cannot be issued after this 30-day period.
Why do you have a cancellation policy?
Lesson availability is limited, particularly at popular times.
A late cancellation can mean that a lesson slot cannot reasonably be offered to another student. The 48-hour policy helps keep the system fair and predictable for everyone.
Studio & Equipment
Where are lessons held?
Lessons take place at:
Unit 2
2 Harvest Road
Newbridge
EH28 8AN
Do I need to bring my own sticks?
No requirement to bring anything is assumed for your first lesson.
If you already have your own sticks and prefer to use them, you're welcome to bring them.
Do I need my own drum kit at home?
Not immediately.
However, regular access to a kit is strongly recommended once you've started lessons, as consistent practice between sessions is an important part of progression.
If you're looking to buy your first kit, advice can be provided on suitable options for your needs and budget.
What Can I Expect From Tuition?
What makes your lessons different from simply learning songs?
Songs are useful, but they aren't the whole picture.
The aim is to develop the skills underneath the music: technique, timing, coordination, reading, musicality, creativity and the ability to practice effectively.
That means you're learning skills that can be transferred to the next song, the next style and eventually to your own playing.
Will you tell me what I need to work on?
Yes.
Each lesson should give you a clear idea of what you're working on and why.
The Practice & Accountability Tracker also helps keep that direction clear between lessons.
Will I eventually be able to practice without being told what to do?
That's the goal.
A major part of the teaching is developing independence.
Initially, you may need quite a lot of direction. As your understanding develops, you should increasingly be able to identify what needs work, choose an appropriate way to practise it and recognise whether you're improving.
What if something isn't working for me?
Tell me.
Teaching isn't about forcing everyone through the same process.
If an explanation isn't making sense, an exercise isn't helping or something simply isn't clicking, we'll look at why and try another approach.
Do I need to be serious about becoming a professional drummer?
Absolutely not.
You can learn simply because you enjoy music.
Some students want to become professional musicians. Others want to play in a band, pass an exam, learn their favourite songs, develop a new skill or simply have something enjoyable to work on.
The teaching framework is designed to support all of these goals.
Is tuition suitable if I only want to learn for fun?
Yes.
Having a structured approach doesn't mean you need professional ambitions.
The purpose of structure is to make sure your time is being used well and that you're actually progressing towards whatever your version of success looks like.
Still Have a Question?
If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, get in touch.
It's often easier to discuss individual circumstances directly, particularly when you're unsure which lesson length, approach or starting point would be most appropriate.
You don't need to have everything figured out before getting started, I look forward to hearing from you!