Project Based Learning

Students are assigned a personalised course of study.

Each term we work on projects that result in making a recording of what we’ve learned.

Projects are geared towards building the skills needed for musical performance.

There’s a big focus on self expression in our lessons, which allows students to find their own voice on the drums.

Goals

For each project there are Basic, Intermediate and Advanced goals.

Choose the goal that suits you.

Books

We use a selection of drum books in our lessons as part of the courses.

These core books were chosen specifically to help you develop the skills you need for each course.

Hard copies can be purchased from our shop, and digital copies can be purchased from Rockschool, Trinity or Hudson Music.

Hard copies are ordered by me, once a term.

When you make a purchase in our shop, you will receive your book at the start of the new term.

Equipment

This is a list of the equipment recommended for home practice:

1. Drum kit

   Either acoustic or electric.

   There are low volume options for acoustic kits such as mute pads, mesh heads and low volume cymbals.

   You don’t need a drum kit to get started but you should look at buying one after a few months of lessons.

2. Drumsticks

   5A is a good starting size, or 7A for younger kids.

3. Practice Pad

   For working on technique and practicing when you can’t play on a drum kit.

4. Books

   Digital or paper (see above).

5. iPad (or computer) with headphones

   Download these apps:

   • Tempo

   • Rockschool Learning Platform

   • Hudson Music

Practice

How often should I practice?

For best results, make practice a part of your daily routine. Aim for 6 days a week.

I personally use a habit tracker called Streaks and a practice app called Andante.

How long should I practice for?

I recommend that you practice for 10 minutes a day, multiplied by your level.

For example, if you’re on Level 1, you should practice for 10 minutes a day.

If you’re on Level 3, you should practice for 30 minutes a day.

What is the difference between practice and playing?

Practice is when you are working on new material that you haven’t mastered yet.

It requires focus and clarity on what you are trying to achieve.

Playing is having fun on your instrument.

This could be jamming along to your favourite songs, improvising and playing things that you’ve already mastered.

Each practice session should contain some practice time and some playing time.

What should I practice in each session?

1. Exercises that have been assigned to you in your lesson. These can often be practiced on a pad.

2. New material such as a difficult section of a song that you’re learning, new beat or fill.

3. Play something you enjoy to end each session.

Learning Pace

Everyone learns at their own pace and everyone has different commitments.

If you play sport, have a lot of homework or just don’t have much spare time, you can choose a learning pace that suits you.