About

About

Hi! I’m James (most people call me Jay), a passionate drum tutor based in Stratford-upon-Avon, helping drummers of all ages discover the excitement, creativity and sheer joy of playing the drums.

My musical journey started in Chester, where I picked up my first pair of sticks at the age of 12 as part of a marching Scout Band. Marching was the perfect foundation — it drilled in timing, discipline and all the rudimental building blocks that shaped me into the drummer I am today. By 15, I was behind a full drum kit and completely hooked.

After moving to Stratford, I jumped straight into the local music scene, playing in various bands, winning a Battle of the Bands competition, and even landing a slot on the local radio station The Bear FM back in the day — an experience I’ll never forget!

I now teach drums both independently and through Top Of The Rock Music Tuition, working in schools as well as running my own drum school. I love making lessons fun, confidence-building and inspiring, whether you’re playing your very first beat or jamming along to your favourite tracks.

What I Teach

🎵 Stick grip & control

🎵 Bass pedal technique

🎵 Rudiments & sticking patterns

🎵 Theory of drumming

🎵 Reading drum music & note values

🎵 Independence, creativity & musicality

🎵 Grades up to Grade 5

My goal is to help you build great habits, play with confidence and develop your own unique style.

Why Learn With Me?

✔ Friendly, patient and enthusiastic tutor

✔ Fun, engaging lessons tailored to you

✔ Fully insured

✔ Enhanced DBS

✔ Member of the Musicians’ Union

If you’re ready to start your drumming journey — or level up your skills — I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message and let’s get drumming!

Jay

Location

22 Woodlands Road Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 0DH United Kingdom

Geolocation

52.2052116394043,-1.71176421642303

Instrument(s) Taught

Drums

Where do lessons take place?

Teacher's Location, Student's House, Online

Prices

30 minutes

£24.00

45 minutes

£30.00

60 minutes

£36.00

Other Lesson Prices

I have the use of Top Of The Rock Studios where I teach 60min lessons on a Sunday. If you were to select this option, if spaces available, these lessons are charged at £40 per/hr.

Discounted Introductory Lesson

Yes

Preferred Payment Currency

🇬🇧 Pound sterling (£ GBP)

Lessons Frequency

Weekly, Fortnightly, Flexible Schedule

Payment Plans

Pay-As-You-Go

Payment Methods

Cash, Online Bank Transfer

Contact

Get in Touch

Teacher Profile Enquiry

Lessons

Level(s) Taught

Beginner (up to Grade 5)

Youngest Age Taught

8

Class Sizes

One-to-One (Individual)

Graded Exam Preparation

RSL Awards (Rockschool)

Genres

Genres Taught

Blues, Country, Disco, Funk, Hip hop, Jazz, Pop, Reggae, Rock, Ska, Soul music

Sub-Genres Taught

Grunge, Hard Rock, Metal, Punk Rock

My Musical Inspirations

My musical influences are honestly too many to mention—I’ve always been drawn to high-energy, expressive and powerful music. I grew up listening to everything from Iron Maiden, Metallica and AC/DC to The Doors and Led Zeppelin, and I’ve got a massive love for Grunge, Metal, Heavy Metal, Heavy Rock and Classic Rock.

 

When it comes to drummers, the list is just as long. Some of the players who have had a huge impact on my style include Nicko McBrain, Phil Rudd, Mike Portnoy, Dave Grohl, Lars Ulrich, Stewart Copeland, Neil Peart and Danny Carey; and the list honestly goes on. Their creativity, technique and individuality continue to inspire the way I play and teach today.

Reviews

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Supported Learning

I support students with these SEN / Additional Access Requirements:

Autistic Spectrum / Neurodiverse, Moderate Learning Needs, Social, Emotional or Mental Health Related Requirements

Languages

Language(s) Spoken

English

Professionalism

Professional Affiliations

Musician’s Union

Please Note

Disclaimer and Feedback

MusicTeacher.com is not affiliated, nor endorses, any of the teachers listed on this page. Studying with a registered MusicTeacher.com teacher does not give a candidate any advantage or guarantee a better result in an examination.

If you have any feedback regarding any information provided then please feel free to contact us.

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  • Specialisations: Check if the teacher specializes in the instrument or musical genre you are interested in. Specialised teachers can offer more in-depth knowledge and techniques.
  • Location and Availability: Ensure the teacher’s location and schedule fit your needs. Consider the convenience of travel and the flexibility of lesson timings.
  • Communication: Assess the teacher’s communication skills. Clear and open communication is essential for effective learning and addressing any concerns promptly.

Socials

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ratamacuedrums

Profile

First Name

James

Last Name

Neve

Username

james-neve

GUID

6ecd9299-bb2b-4e49-b2eb-2141e1c06c4d

User nicename

james-neve

Moderation: Completed Annual Training Course

✅ Completed

Moderation: Applied for Teacher Certificate

⏳ Under Review

Moderation: Insurance Verification

✅ Verified

isMigratedRslAwardsTeacher

TRUE