Teaching

I teach both in public and private schools, as well as giving individual lessons. My qualifications are, Grade Eight Drum kit (Guildhall), Grade Eight Snare drum (Guildhall), Grade Three piano and Grade Eight Music Theory, (Associated Board).

Every pupil is different, and especially in individual lessons, I try to tailor the material towards that. There are certain essentials; grip, posture, reading, rudiments, co-ordination and execution (The overall balance of each cymbal/drum against each other). To be relaxed whilst playing is very important, (I was a very tense student!), and so time is spent on working WITH the sticks. I never found reading easy, but without it, you are at a big disadvantage. Once this is covered and the reading is up to scratch, then favourite bands/drummers can be looked at, that was certainly the reason I started!

I have taken and passed pupils form grade one to eight, and I believe taking an exam is a useful exercise. I always give pupils the choice, but an exam is like an audition, and the higher grades are useful for university points. Every other instrument takes exams, why not drummers? I understand you want to play the beats & rhythms you hear; with technique and the other essentials you can walk where you want in the drum universe. Please understand the freedom and skill comes from DISCIPLINE!

It is also a very important quality to listen to different styles, and understand what makes each style distinctive. For a musician, big ears are a must! These days I listen to a lot of non- drum music, which can give you clues on how to approach your instrument in a different way, form and structure must be understood. Study for myself consists of going through articles in magazines, the occasional book, and piano .There is ALWAYS something new to learn in music.

You can contact me on telephone 01273-565635

E-mail guy99@btopenworld.com