Welcome to
Drum Lessons Brighton
I'm Sam Barnes, an experienced drum teacher with extensive knowledge, and I’ll show you how to craft your own unique grooves and fills. No matter your age or skill level, my goal is to inspire and empower you to keep growing as a drummer.
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Lessons Tailored To You
Become the drummer you want to be. My drum tuition is bespoke to your needs & goals. I am here to help you every step of the way as you gain more confidence as a performer, develop your musical vocabulary, explore new concepts & techniques, build a strong foundation of the basics, prepare for an audition or exam, or learn how to play your favourite songs. Lessons are delivered in a fun & relaxed environment on professional equipment using a wide variety of resources accessible through an online student portal.
Prices
£20.00 per 1/2 hour, £35.00 per hour
Drum Teacher
Sam BarnesLocation
Elder Pl, New England St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GH, UKGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my drum lessons, as well as book your first drum lesson.
Discover New Drumming Skills
One popular technique we might explore is the Moeller method, which focuses on efficiency and fluidity in your drumming. Perfect for improving speed and dynamics, this approach can help you play with greater expression while reducing strain on your wrists and arms. Together, we’ll break down the movements step by step so you can master its foundations and apply them to your favorite rhythms and songs.
Another exciting area to discover is polyrhythms. These challenging yet fascinating rhythms are a fantastic way to improve coordination and develop a deeper understanding of timing. Don’t worry if it sounds complex—I’ll guide you through the learning process, using clear examples and practical exercises to help you unlock the magic of playing different rhythms simultaneously.
More Drum Teachers Near Me
Discover more local drum teachers, who share a passion for teaching. Explore their profiles below to find the perfect fit for you:

Pat Garvey
~1.2 miles (1.9 km) away
Hello, my name is Pat Garvey. I'm a Brighton based drum teacher and career mentor. My career as a professional drummer over the past 27 years led me - in 2007/2008 - to discovering a passion for education. Since then I've developed my own private teaching studio, completed a masters degree in learning and teaching, PGCert and PTTLS qualifications, and been involved in educational projects all over the world.
Location:
New England House, New England St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GH, UK
Lesson Prices:
£25 per 1/2 hour, £40 – £60 per hour

Sean-Lee Duncan
~1.9 miles (3.1 km) away
Hi, my name is Sean-Lee. I'm a professional multi-instrumentalist, qualified educator, and grade examiner based in Brighton with over two decades of experience. I offer high-quality lessons across various styles and genres for a select number of students. Following a consultation, lesson plans are tailored for students of any age to support the achievement of their musical aspirations. I aim to create a sense of excitement in every lesson whilst ensuring that students build a strong foundation in technique, music theory, and aural skills. The journey of mastering an instrument should be an exhilarating experience that stems from personal passion.
Location:
Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2LP, UK
Lesson Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £35.00 per hour
Advice for New Students
Private Drum Lessons in Brighton
Welcome to my drum studio in Brighton! As an experienced drum tutor, I'm thrilled to guide you on your musical journey. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, drum lessons Brighton are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Professional Musicianship and Teaching Approach
With years of experience as a professional drummer, I bring real-world expertise to my teaching. I believe in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students can explore their passion for drumming. Together, we'll work on building a solid foundation of techniques needed to excel on the drums, from proper hand and foot coordination to developing a strong sense of rhythm.
Personalised Lessons for All Ages and Levels
My drum lessons cater to students of all ages, from children to adults. Whether you're just starting out or want to take your drumming skills to the next level, I design personalised lesson plans to meet your specific needs and musical interests. From learning to play your favourite songs to exploring different genres and styles, we'll cover all aspects of drumming to help you become a well-rounded musician.
Fun and Engaging Teaching Style
Every drum lesson should be enjoyable and exciting. That's why I strive to make each lesson fun and engaging, incorporating interactive exercises, drumming games, and creative techniques to keep you motivated and inspired. Together, we'll explore different ways of learning, from reading sheet music to playing along with recordings and backing tracks.
Exam Preparation and Performance Opportunities
For those interested in pursuing drum grades, I can guide you through the exam preparation process, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared. Additionally, I provide performance opportunities, including band sessions and recording sessions, to help you apply your skills in a real-world setting.
If you're ready to embark on a musical journey filled with rhythm, groove, and success, send me a message today to book your first drum lesson. I offer a free half-hour trial lesson, so you can experience my teaching style and see if we're a good fit. Let's unleash your drumming potential and make music together in the vibrant city of Brighton!
Know Your Drum Kit
As a drum teacher with years of experience, I believe in giving my students a comprehensive understanding of their instrument. So, let's dive into the different parts of a drum kit and what they are used for:
Bass Drum
The bass drum, also known as the kick drum, is the largest drum in the set. It provides the foundation of the rhythm and is played by pressing a foot pedal. The bass drum produces a deep, booming sound that adds power and impact to your drumming.
Snare Drum
The snare drum is the centrepiece of the kit and is placed between your legs. It has a distinctive sound characterised by its sharp, cracking tone. The snare drum is played with drumsticks or brushes, and it is used to create accents, fills, and intricate rhythms.
Tom-Toms
Tom-toms are mounted on the drum kit and come in various sizes. They produce different pitches and are used for melodic fills and rhythmic patterns. Playing the toms can add depth and texture to your drumming.
Hi-Hat
The hi-hat consists of two cymbals that are mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal. It produces crisp and rhythmic sounds when struck together or opened and closed with the foot pedal. The hi-hat is essential for creating dynamic grooves and adding subtle accents to your playing.
Cymbals
Cymbals come in various sizes and types, including ride cymbals, crash cymbals, and splash cymbals. Each cymbal produces a distinct sound and is used to create accents, crashes, and sustained sounds. They add excitement and energy to your drumming.
Understanding the different parts of your drum kit is essential for developing your drumming skills and exploring a wide range of musical styles. I'll guide you in utilizing each component to create captivating grooves, explosive fills, and expressive rhythms. Together, we'll unlock your drumming potential and make music that resonates with your unique style and personality.
If you're ready to embark on this exciting musical journey, don't hesitate to message me. I offer drum lessons in Brighton for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a beginner itching to learn the basics or an experienced drummer looking to refine your techniques, I'm here to help. Let's make learning the drums a fun and rewarding experience, right here in the vibrant city of Brighton!
The Differences Between In-person Drum Lessons and Online Lessons
As a passionate drummer and experienced drum teacher, I firmly believe in the immense value of in-person drum lessons. While online drum lessons have their merits, there’s something special about the dynamic and personalized experience of learning in person. Here are a few reasons why I believe in-person drum lessons can provide the best results when it comes to your musical journey.
Connection and Personalised Guidance
In-person drum lessons offer a unique opportunity to establish a personal connection with your drum teacher. Being physically present allows for effective communication, immediate feedback, and tailored guidance based on your individual needs and goals. We can work together to develop a curriculum that aligns with your drumming aspirations, focusing on specific techniques, genres, or drumming styles that inspire you.
Hands-On Learning and Real-Time Support
Learning drums is a tactile experience, and in-person lessons provide the advantage of hands-on learning. I can demonstrate proper technique, guide you through challenging rhythms, and provide real-time corrections to refine your drumming skills. This interactive and immediate support is invaluable in helping you overcome obstacles, master new techniques, and progress efficiently.
Building Confidence and Musicality
Playing drums is not just about hitting the right beats; it’s about developing your musicality and understanding the nuances of rhythm. In-person drum lessons allow us to explore musical expression together, learning how to groove, improvise, and adapt to different musical styles and band dynamics. The personalised guidance and encouragement I provide during our lessons will boost your confidence and nurture your passion for drumming.
Tailored Learning Experience
In-person drum lessons allow me to adapt and modify the lesson plan on the spot. I can optimise the learning pace to suit your progress, ensuring that the material covered is appropriate and challenging enough to keep you engaged, but not overwhelming. Whether you're new to the drums or seeking to refine your skills, I will tailor each lesson to meet your specific needs, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective.
Let's Drum Together!
If you're ready to embark on an exciting drumming journey, I invite you to join me for in-person drum lessons. Together, we'll explore different drumming techniques, styles, and genres, and work towards achieving your drumming goals. Feel free to contact me to discuss your musical aspirations, schedule your first music lesson, or simply ask any questions you may have. I love teaching students of all levels and ages how to play drums and like to maximise enjoyment from the first lesson. Let's make some rhythmic magic happen!

Learning to drum is an exciting journey, and I believe that exploring new techniques is one of the most rewarding aspects. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, introducing fresh methods can open up new creative possibilities. I tailor each lesson to match your style and abilities, ensuring you’re always progressing at a pace that feels comfortable and encouraging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drum tutors recommend it takes about 3 to 6 months to learn basic drumming skills, while mastering more advanced techniques can take 1 to 2 years with regular practice.
The first thing to learn on drums is how to hold drumsticks, basic drum beats, and maintaining steady rhythm. You'll need a good teacher to help guide you with some music lessons though.
Start learning drums with a practice pad, a drum set, or lessons from an instructor to build a strong foundation.
No, you can start with a practice pad to learn basic skills, but a drum kit is recommended as you progress. If you're looking to buy your own kit then please do check out GAK located at 76-81 North Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1YD.
Drum lessons can start as early as 6 years old, depending on the child's coordination and interest.
Elder Pl, New England St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GH, UK Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.
Location
Teacher
Sam BarnesFind out more about my drum lessons and how to book your first session.
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