Drummer on Stage

Welcome to

Drum Lessons Derby

I'm Tom Wardle, and I take pride in offering a warm and welcoming environment, where students feel comfortable to express themselves and progress at their own pace. By fostering both technical ability and artistic growth, I strive to create well-rounded drummers who are ready to shine in any musical setting.


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Tom Wardle - Professional Drum Teacher

Drum Lessons Derby Teacher - Tom Wardle
My Mission

Lessons Tailored To You

Welcome to East Midlands Drum Tuition, a place to learn, have fun and develop as a drummer. My name is Tom Wardle (Ba Hons Music and Qualified Teacher, QTS qualification) and I have been teaching for 20 years. As well as teaching drums, I am also a qualified classroom music teacher so you can be confident that your lessons will be professional and taught by an experienced and qualified teacher. ​ Learn in ways that suit you I offer high quality drum tuition for all ages and abilities.

Prices

£20 per 1/2 hour, £40 per hour

Drum Teacher

Tom Wardle

Location

East Leake, Loughborough LE12, 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

Become a Proficient Drummer with Me

My teaching approach is tailored to suit your individual needs and goals. We’ll cover everything from proper hand technique and stick control to reading drum notation and playing your favorite songs. I believe in making lessons fun and dynamic, ensuring you stay motivated and excited to learn.

What sets my lessons apart is the focus on building not only technical skills but also creativity and musical expression. Drumming is an art form, and I encourage my students to explore their own voice behind the kit. We’ll work on improvisation, developing your musical ear, and understanding how to play as part of a band or ensemble.

Prices:


£20 per 1/2 hour
£30 per 3/4 hour
£40 per hour

Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.

Advice for New Students

Acoustic Drum Lessons in Derby

If you're looking for drum lessons in Derby, you're in the right place! Whether you're a complete beginner or a more advanced student looking to refine your skills, my lessons are designed to ensure you feel completely comfortable while having fun. I teach students of all ages and abilities, offering a personalised approach to help you achieve your drumming goals.

A Flexible Approach for Every Drummer

For beginners, I focus on establishing the fundamental parts of drumming with easy-to-follow, tailor-made exercises. Whether learning basic technique or starting with fun songs, I aim to build your confidence and ensure a solid foundation. For those who are more advanced, we’ll explore different styles, work on playing in time with bands, and even incorporate music technology, depending on your interests. Drumming theory is included where necessary, but it’s always practical and engaging.

How Lessons Are Structured

Lessons are generally available in half-hour or hour-long slots, in order to create the perfect environment to support your learning. Many students find a pay-as-you-go system works perfectly for their schedule. My full tuition cost is competitively priced, and I always strive to offer great value.

During our time together, I tailor each session specifically to you—whether it's learning new techniques, understanding all the equipment, or focusing on specific songs and genres you love. If you're working with other musicians or in small groups, I can help you prepare to play confidently in those settings as well.

Why Choose Me as Your Teacher?

With a strong drumming background and experience playing in different bands, I understand what it takes to grow as a drummer. I’ve taught students from all walks of life, and I thrive on helping others discover their potential. I pride myself on going the extra mile to make learning drums an enjoyable and rewarding experience here at drum lessons Derby. People often tell me it’s my approachable style that helps students recognise their abilities and stay motivated.

Book Your First Lesson Today

Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, drum lessons with me will give you the skills and confidence to enjoy playing drums in any style. Feel free to reach out via email to discuss availability or ask any questions. I’d love to welcome you to the studio to start your lessons today!

Learn All Styles in Your Music Lessons

No matter where you are in your drumming journey—whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience under your belt—my drum lessons in Derby are tailored to make you feel completely comfortable while having fun. I offer personalised lessons designed to build your skills and confidence in a range of fantastic styles.

Rock and Pop

Rock and pop are incredibly versatile genres and a great place to start, especially for first-time drummers. From the high-energy beats of rock classics to the catchy rhythms of pop hits, I'll teach you how to play songs that get everyone tapping their feet. These styles are perfect for students of all abilities looking to play along with their favourite bands.

Jazz and Blues

For those wanting to add a touch of sophistication to their playing, jazz and blues offer a unique challenge. We’ll break down the foundational grooves and explore the improvisational side of these timeless genres. My teaching ensures that even beginners can approach jazz and blues with confidence while learning the theory behind these styles.

Funk and R&B

If you’re looking to develop your groove and feel, funk and R&B are fantastic styles to explore. Together, we’ll focus on locking in the rhythm and mastering syncopated beats that are the hallmark of these genres. These lessons are especially fun whilst helping you establish a solid understanding of timing and dynamics.

Metal and Punk

For drummers who love high-energy playing, metal and punk lessons will focus on faster tempos, double bass technique, and aggressive fills. These styles are exhilarating to play and great for building stamina and precision.

Tailored Lessons for Every Student

My goal as a teacher is to ensure that every student feels completely comfortable no matter their starting point. Lessons cost are affordable, and I’ll work with you to make each hour lesson engaging and tailored to your learning goals. From your very first lesson, I'll encourage you to explore new styles, try songs you've always wanted to play, and develop your abilities in a welcoming and creative environment.

Techniques On The Drum Kit

When you join my drum lessons in Derby, you’ll discover a variety of fantastic techniques that will help you feel confident and comfortable behind the drum kit. I aim to teach every student, no matter their age or experience, the skills they need to play with ease across different styles and genres. Whether you're just starting out or refining your craft, there's always something new to learn here in Derby.

Stick Techniques and Control

Getting the right touch with the drumsticks is fundamental. We'll cover techniques like the matched grip and traditional grip, ensuring that you can adapt to any style or band you want to play with. These approaches will set the foundation for dynamic playing and controlling the sound of each hit. Mastering stick control will give you the confidence to play effortlessly, whether it’s a rock ballad or a jazz rhythm.

Essential Drum Rudiments

Drum rudiments are the building blocks of any great drummer. I’ll guide you through the basics like single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles, along with more advanced techniques like flams and drags. From the playful music of local bands to the powerful beats in arena rock, understanding rudiments will elevate your playing across all styles covered in the lessons.

Footwork and Pedal Precision

Drumming isn’t just about your hands—it’s about syncing your whole body. I’ll help you refine your footwork and teach you how to use the bass drum pedal with precision. Whether you’re tapping along to a funk groove or driving a heavy metal track, your foot will become an essential extension of your drumming style.

Playing Across Genres and Styles

One of the best parts of learning the drums is exploring the wide range of genres involved. From pop to punk, funk to metal, I’ll help you tackle the styles you’ve always wanted to play. No matter your musical tastes, we’ll tailor each lesson to fit your goals and make you feel like a confident drummer in any setting.

Developing Your Own Voice on the Drums

I believe every drummer has their own unique style waiting to be discovered. My teaching approach focuses on helping you develop your own voice on the drum kit. By learning a mix of techniques and applying them to your favourite songs, you’ll not only grow as a musician but also enjoy every step of the process.

I’d love to welcome you and show you how drumming can be both fun and fulfilling way to experience music. Email me today to get started and see why so many drummers near Rollerworld have trusted me as their teacher! Together, we’ll make incredible strides in your drumming skills, and you'll leave every lesson feeling inspired and ready to play. I can't wait to help you towards drums playing a huge part in your life. Get in touch today for more information and I will get back to you as soon as possible with a welcome email.

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Drum Lessons Derby Teacher - Tom Wardle
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I can help you to

If you’ve always dreamed of playing the drums, I’m here to help you turn that dream into reality. I’m passionate about sharing my love for drumming with students of all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginners to those looking to refine advanced techniques. Whether you’re aiming to learn your first beat or master complex rhythms, my goal is to make every lesson engaging, personalised, and effective. Together, we'll create a strong foundation for your drumming skills that you can build on for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 and a fantastic teacher.

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 Rattle & Drum located at 77-81 Osmaston Rd, Derby DE1 2JH.

Drum lessons can start as early as 6 years old, depending on the child's coordination and interest.

Yes, drum lessons are worth it for adults, offering a fun and effective way to develop rhythm, coordination, and musical skills.

Still have questions? Get in touch

East Leake, Loughborough LE12, UK
Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.

Location

East Leake, Loughborough LE12, UK
Teacher
Tom Wardle
Ready to start?

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

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