FAQs
Richard answers your questions...
How much do lessons cost?
Why should I come to you for lessons?
Who do you teach?
Where do you teach?
What's the parking like?
When do you teach?
Do I need to be able to read music?
Can I take drum exams?
I've had lessons in the past with another teacher...
What can I expect from one-to-one tuition?
I need to cancel my lesson. How should I go about it?
I'd like to stop having lessons...
Can I book a lesson in advance?
What does your house look like?
You live on Tudor Road?
Are you a real doctor?
I want to buy a drum kit - what should I get?
How much do lessons cost?
For information on lesson prices, please enquire today!
Why should I come to you for lessons?
I'm passionate about drumming and find that teaching can be as rewarding as playing. I've taught all ages and abilities, and as a consequence I've developed methods of teaching that help individuals reach their full potential. I can quickly recognise strengths and weaknesses, and tackle them accordingly. Most importantly, my students ENJOY their lessons and those that take exams do very well, often achieving merits and distinctions - I have an excellent pass rate. Through my doctorial studies, I bring to the table a wealth of musical knowledge that you won't get elsewhere.
Who do you teach?
I am happy to teach men, women, boys and girls. Age is not usually an issue, although I prefer children to be 6 years or over. Parents are welcome to watch the lesson.
Where do you teach?
I teach from home on my own kit using volume reducing practise pads. This is necessary because I currently live in a terraced house along Tudor Road and don't wish to upset my neighbours! It also allows me to instruct pupils while they play without having to shout.
What's the parking like?
It depends on the time of day. Usually it's good before 7pm; you'll probably be able to park outside my house. Later on, there are fewer spaces but you should be able to park close by.
When do you teach?
Most weekday evenings and Saturdays. I try my best to find everyone a teaching slot that suits them. It is important that pupils arrive for their lessons on time. When pupils are late for their lessons it is not always possible to make up for lost time, especially if I have other pupils booked.
Do I need to be able to read music?
No - but all pupils are taught how to read music at their own pace.
Can I take drum exams?
Absolutely! Each year I enter students for the Trinity Guildhall drum kit exam. I'll help you along the way by teaching you how to play the pieces, preparing you for the aural exam, sight reading and improvisation. Since I started putting students forward for exams in Spring 2008 to the last exam session in Spring 2010 my students have notched up 13 distinctions, 8 merits and 1 pass between them.
I've had lessons in the past with another teacher...
No problem, but bear in mind my teaching methods will differ from your previous tutor's. When more experienced students start with me the first thing I do is assess their playing technique. Although everyone's technique is different, I believe bad habits should be addressed from the first lesson. If you've been playing for 15 years and your left hand is sloppy, rest assured, I will tell you! If your posture is lazy, I will tell you! If you play too loudly for a teaching situation, I will tell you. Ultimately, if you want to improve and go beyond what you are currently able to do, you may have to tweak a few things. I will show you how and providing you take the advice and practise you will see improvement within a few weeks.
What can I expect from one-to-one tuition?
Exactly that. I only teach one student at a time. You pay for an hour, I'm there for an hour. You get my undivided attention for the period you book with me. OK - I might leave the room to make you a cup of tea, but that's all.
I need to cancel my lesson. How should I go about it?
You may cancel your lesson at any time; however, cancellations made within 24 hours of the lesson must be paid in full. If you would like to reschedule your lesson you must let me know 24 hours in advance. Any later and it will be a cancellation.
See also, Terms and Conditions.
I'd like to stop having lessons...
Lessons may be terminated in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.
Can I book a lesson in advance?
If you wish to book a lesson or course of lessons several weeks in advance, payment must be made within 7 days of a start date being agreed. Bookings made in advance are non-refundable.
See also, Terms and Conditions.
What does your house look like?
The same as all the houses on Tudor Road! On my front windowsill you will see this. I know what you're thinking... bad window ornaments are also common along Tudor Road. I like to think mine is the worst. Oh and yes, I have since painted my windowsill.
You live on Tudor Road?
Nobody has actually asked me this but, yes, for far too long...
Are you a real doctor?
Yes - my thesis "Unpredictable Popular Music" is held in De Montfort University library. You can read a little about it here. I'm not a physician though, so if you come to me with your embarrassing illnesses I won't be able to do anything. Sorry.
I want to buy a drum kit - what should I get?
Brilliant! Because I get this question asked so frequently I've prepared a Beginner's Guide to Buying a Drum Kit.
If you have any questions not answered on these pages or would like to arrange a lesson, then please contact me.