Drum lessons in Woking

Gemma is an experienced and busy instrumental teacher and examiner based in Surrey. With the experience of over 19 years teaching in 30+ schools behind her, she is highly regarded within her sector and feels just at home teaching adult 1-2-1 lessons, as a class of primary school children. Her philosophy revolves around the importance of teaching the fundamentals of ‘music’ through the chosen instrument, giving the student the creative ‘tools’ to be self-sufficient and expressive. Gemma has taught thousands of students to date, entering 350+ students into exams with 100% pass rate at merit or above. Gemma has high expectations of herself and all her students, and is pro-active within their education. Alongside teaching students their favourite songs, she promotes all styles of music and techniques to give students a well rounded music education to build upon. For example, a guitar student will learn how to: - Play a variety of styles of music from Rock and Pop to Classical and Jazz. - Master different techniques such as finger picking, plectrum picking, strumming styles and rest strokes. -Have a competent knowledge of reading notation and tab alongside chord and scale theory to enable creativity in improvising and song writing. Alongside numerous music qualifications including four ‘grade 8’ certificates, Gemma holds a BA (Hons) in Music from the University of Southampton with first class performing marks and a First Class Masters degree in ‘The Teaching Musician’ from the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire. This course focussed on the pedagogy, learning theories and current ‘best practices’ within the sector, and is the only course of its kind in the UK. Gemma has been and RSL examiner since 2017, regularly examining candidates in the UK and internationally. Alongside teaching, Gemma performs with acoustic duo ‘Whitney & Stilwell’ and Southampton Grad Band. Outside of music, Gemma is a keen traveller and cyclist, embarking on at least one big adventure each year and slowly making her way around the world! Qualifications: MA 'The Teaching Musician' Trinity Laban Conservatoire - Distinction, BA (hons) Music - The University of Southampton - 2:1, Grade 8 Drums - Distinction, Grade 8 Acoustic Guitar - Distinction, Grade 8 in both 'popular' and 'classical' music theory

Professional Drummer • Educator • Author • Examiner Philip Page has been a professional musician for over thirty years and an experienced drum teacher for more than twenty, having taught hundreds of students of all ages and abilities. He holds a Distinction in the RSL Level 6 Teaching Diploma and is an examiner and lead examiner with RSL Awards (Rockschool). As a performer, Philip has worked with a wide range of artists including Chris Rea, Andy Flanagan, and Mr E, and has featured on numerous recordings such as Seed’s debut single “Silver Lining” and their album “Midnight Walking” (AMG Records). Other credits include the “One Hope” album (ICC Records), live performances with Jazz Juice during the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, and work with The Mouth of Ghosts, whose debut single “When the Sun Sets” was chosen as one of BBC Introducing’s Songs of the Year. Philip currently performs across the UK with Bye Bye Baby Live, The Ukes of Hazzard, The Tim Kay Band, Discovered, and Mumfudden Suns, combining a busy performing schedule with a thriving teaching career in and around London, as well as at the Ash Bash Drum School in Bracknell. He is the creator of the Easy Drums learning system — a structured pathway for beginners featuring Easy Drums Workbook 1 and accompanying online materials, videos, and digital downloads available at www.ppstix.com/easydrums. His Easy Drums YouTube channel and social media series offer short, accessible lessons designed to help new drummers develop confidence, coordination, and musical understanding from their first groove onwards. Philip is also the author of The Drum Syllabus Series and The Linear Matrix, two innovative resources that explore technical and creative drumming concepts in depth. Alongside his educational work, he continues to compose, score, and record, including writing and performing the drum parts for the musical “Legend” by Edwin Pillans. With a reputation for clarity, encouragement, and musical insight, Philip’s teaching blends professional performance experience with a modern, structured approach to learning the drums — both in person and online

I’m Andy! A Drum Kit Tutor from Fleet, Hampshire. I started playing the drums when I was ten, after fortunately being offered lessons at school. I carried on those lessons throughout my whole schooling time alongside playing both drum kit and tuned percussion for the school brass band and musical show performances. After leaving school I played a whole range of percussion, including drum kit, for a UK Entertainment Championship brass band. Touring the UK and winning various competitions as well as studio recording. As well as tutoring, I rehearse and perform regularly with groups as well as session drumming in my own studio fully equipped with both electronic and acoustic kit.

Welcome to Realistic Music Academy, a vibrant and dynamic institution dedicated to fostering musical creativity for students of all ages and skill levels. Located in Epsom, we provide a range of specialist music tuition, from one-on-one lessons to group workshops, designed to cultivate your passion for music. Whether you're a budding rock star or an adult looking to enhance your musical journey, we offer personalised instruction to suit your unique needs. As an independent, family-run business, we blend professional musical education with a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our qualified and enthusiastic instructors have years of experience in the music industry and are passionate about helping students excel. We offer a variety of programs that cater to both beginners and advanced musicians in guitar, drums, bass, vocals, keyboards, ukulele, and music production. As a registered exam centre for Trinity Rock & Pop, we provide coaching for Trinity Rock & Pop grades, enabling students to gain official certification for their skills. Higher grades are also eligible for UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) points, supporting those applying to colleges and universities. Beyond individual lessons, our live rooms and fully equipped drum room offer excellent spaces for students to hone their craft, with regular opportunities to showcase their talents through performances and workshops within the local community. Join us at Realistic Music Academy, where we believe music should be accessible to everyone—because music is as powerful on a beach as it is in a stadium!

Music has been a major part of my life since I was 12 years old when I had my first drumming lesson. Throughout the years I have experienced, educated myself and pushed myself to become a better drummer and musician. My journey with drums started at a small school called Foundation Groove, founded by my drum tutor James De Lovell. There I learnt the basics of drumming which sparked my love for it. I was involved in lots of shows and drum clinics for all ages to learn, play and grow with other drummers and musicians. I was also studying music at my Secondary School and completed it at the CXC level. From there I then applied at the Barbados Community College (BCC) in Applied Arts Music. I gained great experience playing in multiple ensembles, each with their own style and genre of music. I was able to play at different cultural events such as the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) run by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Barbados and be a part of the Youth Pan Project Seniors. This gave me the opportunity to understand myself more and what it’s like to be a part of a band. The college opened my eyes more to the music industry and the challenges that come when pursuing to being a successful musician. Constant rehearsing, studying and practising to ensure you were ready to create and strive on your own. After my 2 years at BCC, I joined my first local band called Jenn and 166. A rock band. During my time with them, we won a competition against another popular band called Masala. Hosted by Chum FM Breakfast in Barbados, a Canadian radio station. We were chosen to open the concert for One Republic held at Holders House, Barbados. This gave me more insight into band progress, musicianship, exposure and experience on stage in front of thousands. I then took the opportunity to create my own band called Tranzishun (transition). With each band member specialized in different genres of music, we were able to take the multi-genre band across Barbados performing at various venues, restaurants, hotels and cultural events. We were also able to be the backing band for famous British R&B Artists, MBE Omar Lye-Fook, Don-E and Carol Thompson at the London Elite All White Party in Barbados. I later joined another band called Kalead and Kayaweh. A Reggae based band. We toured Jamaica for Reggae Month in February 2018. We attended multiple live radio sessions, interviews, live performances and collaborations. We also recorded with upcoming artists and met Dre Tosh (Peter Tosh’s grandson) at the Tuff Gong studio founded by Bob Marley in Kensington Jamaica. We were able to watch live performances by famous artists such as Luciano the Messenjah, Taurus Rilley and many others. Through all my experiences I was able to share my talent and my love for music with others. I was able to witness professionals and learn from them, I was able to connect to different artists and cultures and add to my own style of play. I love all genres of music and I’m very versatile because of my experiences. I have also taught younger children as a way to give back what I have learnt over the years. I enjoy the interaction and enthusiasm of the children I teach and will continue doing so. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Skills Teaching drums to children and young adults, whilst building student’s confidence and individuality on drums Competent communicator when teaching technical concepts to students and fellow musicians Strong desire to perform all pieces of music to the best of my abilities Planned practice sessions and a constant dedication to excellence to achieve my goals Goal-oriented mindset Good sight-reading ability Education England BMUS (HONS) in Popular Music Performance – Drums in Music, BIMM London, 2018 – Present Bridgetown, Saint Michael Associates Degree in Applied Arts – Music in MusicBarbados Community College, May 2015 Barbados Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in The Alexandra School, May 2013 Certifications Associates Degree in Applied Arts – Music The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music Grade 3 The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music Grade 5