Welcome to
Drum Lessons Bath
I'm Joe Bradley, and I’m happy to share the joy and power of drumming with students of all ages and skill levels. Drumming is not only a fantastic way to explore music but also a great way to build confidence, improve coordination, and have lots of fun!
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Lessons Tailored To You
Joe started at a young age and has been tutored by some of the UK's finest professional drummers such as James Hester (Cars on fire) Jason Bowld (Bullet for my Valentine, Pitchshifter, This is a menace, Bill Bailey) Dom Greensmith (Reef) Mark Whitlam (Freelance Jazz Drummer) Keiran Pepper (The Prodigy). Joe has extensive experience teaching privately and through various teaching companies for both 1-2-1 lessons and groups of up to 30 at a time.
Prices
£22.50 per 1/2 hour, £35.00 per hour
Drum Teacher
Joe BradleyLocation
Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5, UKGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my drum lessons, as well as book your first drum lesson.
Develop Your Drumming Skills
My lessons are designed to meet you where you are in your drumming experience, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years. Together, we’ll work on the skills you want to develop—be it mastering the basics, improving your timing, exploring new rhythms, or honing advanced techniques.
Not only will I help you build your technical abilities, but I’ll also show you how to express yourself creatively through drumming. We’ll explore a variety of styles and approaches so you can find what resonates with you and develop your own musical voice. With patience, encouragement, and a focus on providing practical, hands-on instruction, I’ll give you the tools and confidence you need to unlock your full potential behind the drum kit.
Prices:
£22.50 per 1/2 hour
£30.00 per 3/4 hour
£35.00 per hour
Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
Advice for New Students
Professional Drum Teacher in Bath
When new students join me for drum lessons in Bath, I aim to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that nurtures your passion for music. As a professional drum teacher, I begin with an informal chat during the first lesson to understand your musical journey so far, your learning style, and what you hope to achieve. Whether you're keen to play your favourite songs, improve your technique, or explore new musical genres, I tailor each session to meet your goals.
Learning the Drum Kit
For beginners, we'll start with the basics of the drum kit, focusing on proper posture and grip, as well as fundamental rhythms and techniques. With consistent weekly lessons, you'll be surprised at how quickly you progress. We’ll delve into different styles of music, giving you a well-rounded foundation that you can build upon.
Flexible Lesson Formats
I offer in-studio drum lessons and have experience helping those used to online tuition, allowing you to learn in a comfortable environment My Bath drum studio is centrally located, fully equipped, and ready for immersive music lessons. I provide high-quality in-person sessions which offer a better space to develop compared to online lessons. I can also incorporate elements from other instruments, if you already play something like the acoustic guitar as you switch to drums.
A Collaborative Learning Experience
I consider myself not just a drum tutor, but a partner in your learning journey. Each session is designed to be dynamic and interactive, ensuring that you remain engaged and motivated. I take pride in seeing my students grow and develop as musicians, and I am committed to helping you unleash your potential as a drummer. I work alongside other teachers in Bath to offer a comprehensive music education that caters to all interests and abilities.
Embrace the joy of playing music, and let's embark on this exciting path together.
Know Your Drum Kit
As a professional drummer and dedicated drum teacher in Bath, I believe it's essential for every drummer, whether a beginner or experienced, to intimately know the instrument they’re playing. Let’s break down the standard drum kit and its components, so you’re equipped with the knowledge needed to enhance your playing.
The Snare Drum
The snare drum is often considered the heart of the drum kit. It provides a sharp, staccato sound that cuts through the music, making it crucial in most styles of drumming. During our drum lessons in Bath, I focus on teaching students how to effectively use the snare to create dynamic rhythms and accents.
Bass Drum
The bass drum, or kick drum, is the largest part of the drum kit and produces a deep, resonant sound. It’s played using a pedal and is vital for maintaining the pulse and foundation of a rhythm. In our sessions, whether in my central Bath studio or through online tuition, we’ll explore exercises to groove and pulse utilizing the bass drum.
Hi-Hats
Hi-hats consist of two cymbals mounted on a stand and are played with a foot pedal. They offer a range of sounds depending on whether they are open, closed, or struck with drumsticks. I'll guide you through various hi-hat techniques that can add texture and rhythm to your play.
Toms and Floor Tom
Toms come in various sizes – often referred to as rack toms and floor toms. These drums contribute fills, rolls, and dynamic transitions within a piece. In our drum lessons, you'll learn how to incorporate the toms creatively to enhance your playing.
Ride and Crash Cymbals
These cymbals are indispensable for adding colour and emphasis in drumming. The ride cymbal provides a steady pattern, while the crash cymbal is used for explosive accents. You'll become adept at integrating these elements to bring your performance to life in your drum lessons.
Conclusion
Understanding the components of your drum kit is just the beginning of your journey. As your tutor, I’m here to foster your growth and help you unlock new skills. With the support of other experienced teachers in our network, we offer a well-rounded learning experience. Let's dive into the world of percussion and make every drum lesson in Bath an exciting endeavour.
Learn Drumming Techniques
As a professional drummer and dedicated teacher, I enjoy helping students discover the wide variety of drumming techniques that can elevate their playing. In our Bath drum lessons, you'll be introduced to these techniques in approachable and engaging ways.
Stick Control and Rudiments
We'll start by focusing on stick control, an essential skill for any drummer. I'll teach you various rudiments—the foundational patterns of drumming—that will improve your precision and speed. Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming and will arm you with the versatility needed for diverse musical styles.
Coordination and Independence
Drumming requires excellent coordination, as both hands and feet often have to play separate rhythms. My teaching methods emphasise exercises to develop your independence, ensuring you can tackle complex patterns with ease. You'll find that in a short space of time, you'll become more confident and capable on the drums.
Dynamics and Expressiveness
Learning to play with dynamics transforms a good drummer into a great one. As your teacher, I offer lessons that guide you through playing softly and loudly and everything in between, allowing you to express emotion through your music. Understanding dynamics is particularly vital when collaborating with other musicians, including more teachers and fellow students.
Essential Grooves and Rhythms
A core part of our lessons will include mastering essential grooves and rhythms. You'll learn how to lay down a solid backbeat and explore different genres to broaden your musicality. I ensure each session introduces new and interesting grooves, keeping your learning experience fresh and exciting.
Creative Improvisation
Lastly, improvisation is an invaluable skill for adding personal flair to your playing. Lessons will include opportunities to experiment with improvising on the drum kit, using all the techniques you've learned. With the guidance of experienced tutors and teachers in our network, I teach you how to incorporate improvisation effectively, turning each drumming session into a personalised performance.
Understanding these techniques empowers you as a drumming student. With my guidance and the support of fellow percussion teachers, your musical journey will be fulfilling and expansive, setting a strong foundation for your growth as a drummer. Let's make your lessons not only about learning but also about joy and exploration.

I can’t wait to help you discover the world of rhythm and drumming and see you grow as a drummer. No matter your age or experience, you have what it takes to make music and enjoy the process. I’m here to support you with a friendly, hands-on approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out and book your first session—I’d love to help you take that exciting first step!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, I teach beginners! My lessons are tailored to help new drummers build a solid foundation from the ground up.
For your first drum lesson, you'll need a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad. If you have access to a drum kit, that’s a bonus!
As a beginner, it's ideal to practice drums at least 15-30 minutes a day, and you can do this from your own home. Consistent practice helps develop rhythm and technique.
No, you don't need a drum kit to start lessons. A practice pad and drumsticks are enough to begin learning the basics. This is the same for those who offer online sessions as well. If you want to buy your own kit then please do check out Guitar Bitz Music Store located at 6 Quiet St, Bath BA1 2JS.
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.
Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5, UK Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.
Location
Teacher
Joe BradleyFind out more about my drum lessons and how to book your first session.
Contact Me