Drummer on Stage

Welcome to

Drum Lessons Barking

I'm Robert James, and I’m an experienced drum teacher dedicated to helping students of all skill levels find their rhythm and achieve their musical goals. Whether you’ve never picked up a drumstick before or you’re looking to refine your technique, my lessons are carefully tailored to suit your unique needs and aspirations.


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Robert James - Professional Drum Teacher

Drum Lessons Barking Teacher - Robert James
My Mission

Lessons Tailored To You

Masters graduate and professional drummer - Reduce students' time and effort by travelling to them - Teach all levels - Enhanced DBS certificate Availability:- I have a limited number of students and have space for 1 more Free Lesson/Bonus:- I'll be offering the first lesson free for a short period Guarantee:- If you can't play along to your favourite music after the first lesson, I won't charge my travelling fees (money back) Ethos:- Help students reach their musical goals as fast and effortless as possible- I let the students guide the lesson and study what excites them Achievements:- Performed at

Prices

£35.00 per 1/2 hour, £39.00 per hour

Drum Teacher

Robert James

Location

Humber Rd, London SE3 7EG, UK
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Get in touch to find out more.

Find out more about my drum lessons, as well as book your first drum lesson.

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(Average score: 5/5)
Home & Instrument Page Enquiry
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Student Advice

A Supportive Learning Space

My teaching space is designed to promote creativity and comfort, equipped with quality instruments and resources that enhance your learning experience. From the basics of rhythm to advanced improvisation and composition.

As your drum tutor I’m committed to providing each student with the guidance and support they need to grow. With a focus on listening and playing, my lessons are perfect for anyone in East London looking to explore their passion for drums. Let's embark on this musical journey together!

Prices:


£35.00 per 1/2 hour
£37.00 per 3/4 hour
£39.00 per hour

Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.

Advice for New Students

Professional Drum Teacher in Barking

As a passionate drum teacher, my goal is to create a welcoming environment where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive. In Barking, I offer tailored drum lessons that cater to beginners and advanced players alike. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refine your skills, my teaching methods are designed to help you achieve your musical potential.

Personalised Approach

When you take drum lessons with me, we first have a friendly chat about your musical interests, whether it’s rock, jazz, reggae, or any other genre that inspires you. This connection helps me customise your lessons to include your favourite songs and playing styles. My aim is not only to teach you how to play the drum kit but also to develop your understanding of music theory, rhythm, and the deeper elements of musical composition.

Fun and Engaging Lessons

I believe that learning should be fun! Each session is crafted to keep you engaged and motivated, whether you're a child eager to discover the world of drumming or an adult interested in picking it up as a hobby. We’ll practice songs you love while incorporating various styles and techniques, allowing you to become a confident drummer who can jam with other musicians, be it in a rock band or a jazz ensemble.

Know Your Way Around the Drum Kit

As your drum tutor, I’m excited to help you understand the various components of a drum kit, which is essential for developing your musical skills. Each part serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall sound you produce. Let’s dive into the components that make up a typical drum kit!

Bass Drum

The bass drum is the heart of the drum kit, producing a deep, resonant sound that lays the foundation for rhythm. Played using a foot pedal, it provides the core beat, allowing drummers to anchor the other instruments in any musical genre—from rock to funk. In my drum lessons, I focus on teaching students how to use the bass drum effectively, which is crucial for creating solid grooves.

Snare Drum

Next, we have the snare drum, known for its sharp, crisp sound. This drum is played with sticks and is essential for keeping time and adding accents. Whether you're playing in a pop band or exploring world music, mastering the snare drum's techniques enhances your ability to play exciting rhythms. During lessons, I often ask my drum students to experiment with different dynamics on the snare to understand its importance in musical composition.

Toms

The toms come in different sizes and add depth and texture to your playing. They are usually tuned to different pitches, allowing for melodic beats that can complement the bass and snare. As we progress through your music lessons, I teach how to incorporate tom fills and rolls to make your drumming more engaging, regardless of your preferred musical genre.

Hi-Hat

The hi-hat cymbals control the rhythm and add another layer of sound to your drumming. Played with a foot pedal and sticks, they can create everything from a steady pulse to intricate patterns. I encourage my drummers to listen closely to various styles of music, as the hi-hat often carries the groove in many popular songs, from rock to jazz.

Cymbals

Finally, the cymbals, including crash, ride, and splash, add color and texture to your performances. They are crucial for marking transitions in music and enhancing the overall sound. As a teacher in Barking, I show my students how to explore different cymbal techniques, helping them become confident drummers ready to play with others in East London and beyond.

Conclusion

Together, these elements of the drum kit form a powerful tool for expression in music. By taking drum lessons with me, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate each component to suit your style and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an adult looking to further your skills, I’m here to guide you on your journey to becoming an adept drummer, ready to tackle any genre from Latin to funk. I love teaching drums and offer drum lessons to students of all age groups. Let’s make music together!

Further Your Music Education with Technique Work

As your dedicated drum tutor, I'm eager to introduce you to a variety of techniques that will enhance your drumming skills, regardless of your age or experience level. My drum lessons focus on building a solid foundation in rhythm and sound while allowing you to explore different musical genres. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:

Groove and Timing

Understanding groove and timing is essential for any aspiring drummer. During our drumming lessons, I will guide you in developing a strong sense of rhythm, ensuring that you can play in time with other musicians. We will delve into various exercises that strengthen your timing, which is a crucial skill for any professional drummer. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, our sessions will help you feel confident with the beat.

Stick Control and Dynamics

Effective stick control is a core technique I teach to all my students. This skill not only allows you to produce different sound levels, but it also enhances your overall musical expression. I will introduce you to various stick techniques, such as rudiments, that can be applied across multiple genres of popular music. By focusing on dynamics, you’ll learn how to add excitement and expression to your drumming, whether you prefer rock, jazz, or any other style.

Improvisation

As you advance in your drumming lessons, I will encourage you to explore improvisation. This is a vital skill for any musician, allowing you to express your creativity and adapt to various musical scenarios. Whether you’re playing with a band or in a solo context, being able to improvise will broaden your musical capabilities. We will practise different improvisation techniques, enabling you to craft your unique style while performing alongside others.

Music Theory

Having a solid grasp of music theory is invaluable for any drummer. During our drum lessons, I emphasise the importance of understanding how rhythms function within different musical contexts. This theoretical knowledge not only enhances your ability to read sheet music but also aids in your improvisational skills. As we progress, I will ensure that you’re equipped with the necessary tools to recognise various rhythms, so you can feel at ease performing in diverse settings.

Engagement with Popular Genres

Whether I'm teaching children, beginners, or adults in East London, my lessons are designed to cater to a wide range of musical genres. I encourage you to bring in your favourite pieces, so you can learn techniques that are relevant to the styles you love. Engaging with popular music helps make our lessons enjoyable and relatable, allowing you to stay motivated as you progress on your musical journey.

By focusing on these techniques, I aim to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for all my students. This approach ensures that you develop a well-rounded skill set as a drummer, preparing you to make an impact in any musical context you choose. Let’s dive into these exciting aspects of drumming together!

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Drum Lessons Barking Teacher - Robert James
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I can help you to

My approach to teaching is always student-focused. I take the time to understand your musical interests, strengths, and areas for growth, crafting each lesson around what inspires you most. Whether you’re aiming to play professionally, join a band, or pick up a fun new hobby, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll explore the techniques, styles, and rhythms that make drumming such an exciting and rewarding skill to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's never too late to start learning drums! Regardless of age, anyone can begin their drumming journey and progress at their own pace. More teachers these days teach students of all age groups.

While mastering drums in three months might be ambitious, significant progress is definitely achievable with consistent practice and dedication.

The time it takes to learn drums varies for each individual. With regular practice and quality instruction, many beginners can start playing basic beats within a few weeks to a few months.

As a beginner, essential drum kit accessories include drumsticks, a practice pad, a metronome, and possibly ear protection. These items will help you develop proper technique and rhythm while minimising noise. If you want to buy your own drum kit then please do check out PMT Romford located at 10-14 Eastern Ave E, Romford RM1 4DR.

If you enjoy rhythm and want a fun, physical way to express music, drumming might be right for you. Try a few lessons to see if it sparks your passion.

Still have questions? Get in touch

Humber Rd, London SE3 7EG, UK
Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.

Location

Humber Rd, London SE3 7EG, UK
Teacher
Robert James
Ready to start?

Find out more about my drum lessons and how to book your first session.

Contact Me

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