Drum Lessons Edinburgh

Professional Drum Teacher in Edinburgh

Hi! I'm passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities learn to play the drums with confidence and joy. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, my drum lessons are designed to suit your needs. Based in Edinburgh, I offer flexible, fun, and tailored drum tuition, helping you achieve your musical goals.

Flexible and Tailored Drum Lessons

My lessons typically run for half an hour to one hour, giving you plenty of time to develop your technique, learn new songs, and focus on aspects of drumming that inspire you. The learning experience is completely tailored—whether you'd like to explore jazz, popular music, or rock, I'm here to guide you. If you're in Morningside or other local Edinburgh areas, these sessions are a great place to start or continue your drumming journey. Prefer to learn from home? I also provide online tuition, making it easy to get started no matter your schedule.

For Beginners and Experienced Players Alike

It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the drum kit, want to learn different genres, or are looking to master the technicalities of percussion—you’re in the right place. Children and adult students are all welcome, and I take a personalised and patient approach to ensure your confidence grows as you progress. If you’ve been inspired by your favourite musicians or songs, we can break them down and make them achievable. My goal is to make playing the drums rewarding and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Choose My Drum Tuition?

What sets me apart as a drum teacher? With years of experience in Edinburgh and beyond, I’ve had the privilege of working with students from all backgrounds. Whether you're pursuing grades, performing live, or simply playing for fun, I’ll help you focus on technique, timing, and musicality. My lessons also explore connections between the drums, guitar, piano, and general musicianship, giving students a well-rounded foundation in music.

Learn to Play. Love to Play.

From focusing on songs you love to exploring the structure and feel of different genres, my drum lessons are designed to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to join a school band at Morningside school, play live in Edinburgh, or simply have fun at home, I’ll support you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a learning experience that inspires you to keep playing music.

Know Your Way Around the Drum Kit

When you first sit down at a drum kit, it might feel like there’s a lot to take in, but don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything step by step. Whether you’re completely new to drumming, looking for an experienced drum teacher, or you’re a student wanting to explore different genres, understanding the parts of the drum kit is essential to learning to play.

The Snare Drum

At the heart of every drum kit is the snare drum. With its crisp, punchy sound, the snare is a key element in most styles of music, from rock and pop to jazz and funk. It’s positioned right in front of you and is one of the first drums I’ll teach you to play. Many beginners—and even experienced players—love the snare for its versatility when exploring different genres during drum lessons.

The Bass Drum (or Kick Drum)

The bass drum is the deepest sound in the drum kit, played with a foot pedal. It sets the foundation for the rhythm and keeps everything steady. It’s a vital part of playing music and is often where we start working on dynamic control and timing in lessons. Whether your goal is to join a school band, play rock gigs in Edinburgh, or just enjoy playing drums at home, mastering the bass drum is a must.

The Hi-Hat

To the left of the drum kit, you’ll find the hi-hat—a set of two cymbals that you can play using both your hand and foot. The hi-hat adds rhythm and texture to your playing and is crucial when learning to play acoustic genres. It’s one of my favourite parts to teach because of its versatility, and it’s a game-changer as soon as you really get the feel of it.

Tom-Toms

Tom-toms come in various sizes and are positioned around the drum kit, offering a range of tones to enhance your drumminh. These drums often add flair to fills and give you the freedom to experiment with your creativity. During our lessons, I’ll guide you through how to incorporate the toms into songs, whether you’re playing gentle percussion or rocking out with an acoustic groove.

The Ride and Crash Cymbals

These cymbals bring energy and dynamics to your drumming. The ride has a steady, shimmering sound often used in jazz or softer moments, while the crash delivers dramatic accents perfect for rock and pop. No matter what genre you’re drawn to, learning how to use cymbals effectively is a key part of our music lessons.

Bringing It All Together

Once you’re familiar with each component, we’ll start combining them to create rhythms and grooves. My approach to drum teaching ensures that every session is interactive and tailored to what excites you about playing music. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, I’ll help you build confidence with the drum kit.

Learning the drums is about more than just technique—it’s about having fun and expressing yourself through music. I teach people of all ages, from children in Morningside to adults from across the UK, helping them discover the joy of drumming. If you’re ready to learn to play and explore what a great drum teacher can offer, I’d love to share my passion for percussion with you. Together, we can make music that inspires!

Genres & Styles Recommended by Drum Tutors

When it comes to drum lessons, one of the things I love to share with my students is the sheer variety of genres you can explore. The drum kit is such a versatile instrument, and whether you’re drawn to rock, jazz, funk, or something completely unique, there’s a style of drumming out there for everyone. As a drum teacher, I tailor each lesson to your interests, so you can play music that truly excites you while building confidence behind the kit.

Rock and Pop

Rock and pop are some of the most popular styles for learning the drums. These genres are great for beginners and advanced players alike because they focus on strong rhythms and dynamic energy. Whether you want to master the iconic beats of classic rock or explore modern pop sounds, I’ll help you break down the parts of the drum kit and understand how they come together to drive a song forward.

Jazz and Funk

For those looking to challenge themselves on the drum kit and develop a more intricate sound, jazz and funk open up a world of creativity. These styles focus on complex rhythms, improvisation, and musical expression. During our lessons, I’ll guide you through techniques like syncopation and dynamic phrasing, helping you discover the confidence and freedom to experiment behind the drums.

Classical Percussion and Beyond

If you’re interested in classical music, percussion offers a fascinating and diverse path to explore. From orchestral timpani to snare drum passages, more classical percussion connects you to centuries of musical tradition. Many students in the UK also enjoy tying their drumming with other instruments like the guitar, expanding their musical horizons as they progress through different grades and styles.