WHERE DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE?

At my studio near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

If you live within a 25-mile radius of Banbury, I can also teach you at your home. Cost for home lessons is negotiable, and will include my time and travel expenses.

HOW LONG ARE LESSONS?

Lessons last 1 hour. If you are travelling from a distance, you may wish to have a two-hour (or three-hour) lesson - so that you have plenty of ideas to take home and practise.

HOW FREQUENT ARE LESSONS?

Lessons can be weekly, fortnightly (on going lessons) or a course of lessons (any number to suit you but paid in advance).

DO I NEED MY OWN DRUM KIT?

No. You'll be learning on the highest-quality kit, provided by the biggest names in percussion. You will need a tutor book, practice pad and drum sticks - all of which are available to purchase, either through me at lessons or direct from this web site. If I need you to bring anything else to a lesson, I'll let you know in advance.

Of course, if you ask me to teach you at your home, you will need your own kit!

WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU TEACH?

Currently, I have students - male and female - aged between 5 and 67. You're never too young or old to start learning!

WHAT THINGS COULD I LEARN FROM YOU?

Rudiments, co-ordination, music theory, independence, all music styles, techniques, vocabulary, and much more. Lessons are very much tailored to you - and what you wish to achieve. Some drummers just want to play in their music room on their own; others want to be a top pro musician! Either way, your wishes and desires in what you want to achieve are of great importance to me.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU AS MY TEACHER?

I have 27 years' experience (and patience!) playing and teaching drums and percussion. I have toured extensively both in the UK and Europe. I have written tutorials for the music press, written my own tutor books, and produced a drum tuition DVD. Performances include working with great musicians such as Snowy White (ex Thin Lizzy), The Real Thing, Screaming Lord Sutch, The Boogie Brothers, members of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (playing in the presence of Ringo Starr at his sister-in-law's wedding) and a performance at Blenheim Palace, home of The Duke of Marlborough. I have performed at drum events with many of the top drummers listed below.

My pupils have gone on to play at the Cropredy Festival (supporting Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, 10cc); the Cornbury Festival (supporting The Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Texas); T.F.I. Friday with Chris Evans; and the finals of Young Drummer Of The Year 2002.

My teaching methods are endorsed by the following world-class drummers and companies: Dave Mattacks (Elton John, Paul McCartney, Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention); Mark Mondesir (Courtney Pine, Jeff Beck, David Bowie); Chuck Silverman (Latin expert, Author, Educator, Performer from the USA); Paul Francis (Steve Harley, Jack Bruce, The Drifters, Maggie Bell); Neal Wilkinson (Ultravox, Paul McCartney, Average White Band); Zildjian Cymbals; Premier Drums; Protection Racket Cases; Aquarian Drumheads; Real Feel Practice Pads; and Pro.Mark drumsticks. I also play bass guitar, and can accompany students when needed. My relaxed approach and lively sense of humour mean that lessons are always informative and fun! I am registered with the National Association of Percussion Teachers, Musician's Union and have been vetted as a teacher by the Criminal Records Bureau.

WHAT LEVELS OF ABILITY DO YOU TEACH?

I teach all levels - from beginners to advanced drummers.

HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?

This depends on whether you come to my studio, or if I have to travel to you. Please e-mail me for a quote. You can pay by cash, or cheque with a banker's card. Lessons must be booked and paid for in advance. I offer a discount for block bookings of 10 or more lessons.

CAN I TRY BEFORE I BUY?

Yes. I offer a FREE (30-minute) introductory lesson, so that you can see if you'll have Fun When You Drum.

CAN ANYONE PLAY THE DRUMS?

Yes. Most people perceive that playing drums is easy! Well, the basics probably are - but, at a higher level, the drumkit is one of the hardest instruments to master. However, with good tuition and hard work, you can build on your knowledge and performance within a short space of time. Always remember that, whatever level you are, you never stop learning. That applies to the world's top pro drummers too!

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING TO LESSONS?

You can bring your own drumsticks, if you wish, and a box file with music paper, blank CDs or tapes, Post-it notes, a pencil or fountain pen (I recommend either of these for writing music, rather than a ball-point), tutor books and anything else that you feel you need to bring. Everything else is supplied.

DO YOU SELL AND SUPPLY DRUM EQUIPMENT?

Yes. I sell and supply anything to do with drums and percussion. I give my students great prices, including a 10% discount on most items. You can choose from a wide range at my teaching studio, so you (or your parents) have no need to travel distances to obtain what you need. All larger items can be delivered and set up FREE of charge within a 25-mile radius of Banbury. I am open (by appointment) much longer hours than any music shop - and on hand for help, advice and repairs too! So if you are looking for anything from a pair of drumsticks to a pro drum kit just get in touch. All larger purchases carry a Fun When You Drum extended guarantee (ask for details).

[If you lose or forget anything before your lessons, then don't panic, I can lend you a replacement.]

HOW MUCH AM I EXPECTED TO PRACTISE?

Ideally, for 20 minutes every day. It's much better to practise more often, than to try and cram in hours on the day before your next lesson. (And I can always tell!) You must make up your own practice regime, based on what you're aiming to achieve.

MY PARENTS OR NEIGHBOURS WON'T LIKE ME PLAYING DRUMS AT HOME. IS THERE A SOLUTION?

No problem! There are many practice drum sets, or practice pads that can be placed onto your drums and cymbals. These reduce the volume by up to 85%. I'll be happy to demonstrate how quiet they are!

If you wish to purchase any of these items, you only have to ask.

DO YOU HAVE FACILITIES FOR ME TO PRACTICE AT YOUR STUDIO?

Yes! Please e-mail or call me for availability and current prices.

DO YOU SELL VOUCHERS FOR LESSONS AND EQUIPMENT?

Yes. To buy a present for the drummer in your life, please e-mail or call me. You can purchase vouchers for up to any amount.

DO YOU RUN WORKSHOPS AND MASTER CLASSES WITH WORLD CLASS DRUMMERS?

Yes! I host workshops 2-3 times a year with some of the world's greatest drummers. No other tutor in the local area has the contacts that I have within the music industry, so I use them to organise great drumming events exclusively for my pupils and their social circle.

(See my events page for more information).

If this list hasn't answered all that you need to know, please e-mail me. I check my incoming e-mails very regularly, and promise you a swift response.