Robert James

Drum Studio Included – All levels – Can Travel to Students – Space for 2 more – Pro Drummer & Tutor – DBS – Study What Excites You – *Guarantee: Unhappy=No charge*

Achievements:
• Drummer for Major labels, Grammy-winning, & Grammy-nominated Artists, Adverts, Movies, & many others.
Performed at notable venues, including, but not limited to:
• Abbey Road Studios
• Ronnie Scott’s World-Famous Jazz Club +25x
• European Parliament
• Major UK festival

Availability:
• I work with a small number of students to ensure a high level of personal attention and the chance to give everyone 1 session a week. Currently, I have 2 more spaces available for times outside of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. I have more availability on weekends and during typical working hours.
*Students can have lessons as infrequently as they like.

Free Lesson/Bonus:• I’ll be offering the first 30 minutes for a short period.

Guarantee:• If you’re not happy with my services, no charge.Price:•

My prices will rise in June. When students start with me, their starting price will be fixed for 1 year.

Ethos:
• Help students reach their musical goals as fast and effortlessly as possible.
• I let the students guide the lesson and study what excites them!

Teaching Locations:
• My studio in Greenwich – SE3 7LX.
A professional recording studio, which I also use for teaching. My price includes the use of my studio – Without the lesson, this would cost +£35 an hour.• Lessen the stress, I’ll go to your address! (Please check travel costs below)• Rehearsal spaces near students’ homes to save them time travelling to me.• Students’ homes.• Online (Zoom)Qualifications• Masters Degree in Music Performance at ICMP, specialising in teaching (2022).• Peer Academic Mentorship Scheme, at ICMP. Mentor/teacher in drums. (2022).• Higher Diploma in Music Performance, at ICMP. Distinction (2021).• Grade 8, Rock School Drums (17 years old, 2013).• Qualified Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, RICS (2019).• BS in Asset Management and Appraisal at the University of Reading (2014-2017).Skills:• 20 years’ drumming experience.• Sight Reading/Reading Music.• Teach Grades 1-8 for the main exam boards.• Session Drumming (supporting artists).• Function Drumming (playing covers for events and weddings).• Creative Drumming (writing original drum parts).• Live and Studio Drumming (live performance and recording).• Music Production & Engineering.

Ethos & Methodology:
1. Help students reach their drumming goals as fast and effortlessly as possible.Learning the drums can be painful and slow. I understand learners’ challenges, so I aim to make your musical journey smooth and enjoyable.I appreciate that students often have busy and stressful lives outside of drumming, and lessons should be a time of relaxation, learning, and enjoyment.With flexible scheduling and travel options, I can bring drum lessons to you, saving you time and effort.After each session, you’ll receive a personalised lesson summary with custom sheet music, helpful resources, and clear practice goals. I also provide ongoing support between lessons, so you’re never left stuck or unsure of what to do next.
2. I let the student guide the lesson and study what excites them.Music is most powerful when it excites you. Too many students lose motivation because they’re forced to study material they don’t connect with.My approach is different: I encourage students to guide the direction of their lessons, focusing on the songs, styles, and skills that inspire them.While I ensure strong foundations in technique, I balance this with making real music from day one. This keeps lessons engaging, enjoyable, and personally meaningful — so you stay motivated and see faster progress.
3. Find your voice.This phrase can seem cliche and often lacks substance when used.I was proficient at copying others in my early years of learning the instrument. However, I struggled to be creative, take initiative, and think for myself.This is similar to someone who can regurgitate/imitate a phrase in a conversation (like a parrot) but cannot express their own opinion and think for themselves.My goal as a teacher is to help the students imitate other musicians, assimilate their ideas, and innovate to find their unique voices.