ROSTON RAMSUNDER

I am a drum tutor and music educator based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and I have been teaching for over 20 years. As an RSL Licentiate, awarded at Distinction level, I am passionate about high-quality music education and helping students grow in confidence, skill, and enjoyment of music. I started Groove Studios 15 years ago because I wanted to build something that would help students grow in confidence, musical ability, and overall enjoyment of music, while still keeping standards high. Over the years, I have taught students of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Some are complete beginners, some want to improve for school music or bands, some are preparing for exams or performances, and some simply want to learn because they love drums.

My teaching style is structured and encouraging, but never one-size-fits-all. I want students to feel comfortable, motivated, and proud of their progress, but I also believe in helping them aim high. My students jokingly call me “Mr 90%” because I am known for expecting a strong standard and bringing out the very best in each individual. That said, I believe high standards and enjoyment can absolutely go hand in hand. Lessons should be purposeful, but they should also be something students look forward to and a path to unlocking achievements they can be proud of.

I teach with a strong focus on building solid foundations. Good technique, timing, coordination, control, reading, listening, confidence, and musicality all matter. Build a strong foundation, and you can build a mansion. I want my students to understand not only what they are doing, but also why they are doing it, rather than simply copying patterns without thought. At the same time, I try to keep lessons practical, engaging, and relevant to the student in front of me. For some students, that might mean working towards RSL examinations. For others, it could mean preparing for performances, concerts, school events, talent shows, or Eisteddfods, including opportunities to enter through Groove Studios. I enjoy helping students work towards clear goals and seeing them flourish through that process.

One thing I always try to do is make learning drums feel accessible. A student does not necessarily need to own a drum kit before starting lessons. In many cases, all we really need in the beginning is a pair of sticks and a willingness to learn. There is so much that can be developed from the start through stick control, rhythm work, coordination exercises, and good basic habits. Of course, if a student already has a drum kit at home, that is fantastic too. Students will have access to both acoustic and electronic drums at our HQ, which helps me teach in a way that connects to the type of setup they are using in their own practice space. A trial lesson is available to all students at no charge, which can be a great way for new students to get started and feel comfortable before fully committing.

We live in the age of technology, and to dismiss it would be unwise. I believe in using technology in lessons to make learning more engaging, purposeful, and progress-driven. I am able to record high-quality audio and video, which means I can create clear demonstrations, play-throughs, and useful feedback for students. I find that this can make a big difference, especially when students need to revisit something after a lesson or hear and see a concept more clearly. When used properly, technology can really support learning and make lessons more interactive and effective.

At the heart of it all, I care about helping students become confident, capable, and well-rounded musicians. I want them to make real progress, but I also want them to enjoy the journey. Whether a student is taking their very first lesson, working towards an exam, preparing for an Eisteddfod, or simply wanting to become a better drummer, I aim to provide lessons that are personal, encouraging, challenging, and enjoyable.

Through Groove Studios, I continue to do what I love most: helping students grow, improve, and discover what they are capable of through music.