School Drum Lessons

Hey Parents & Carers,

We’re so excited that you’re thinking about Drum With Alex for your child’s musical journey! We offer fun and engaging drum lessons for children as young as Year 1 (around 5 years old). Our goal is to spark a love for music, build confidence, and make sure your child has a blast while learning.

Student smiling while practicing on an electronic drum kit at home.

“Learning drums has really helped develop Henry’s focus and gives him the drive to keep working on something knowing that eventually he will get there. Thanks for everything you do, he loves drumming!”

Tilly Shale

Why Choose Drum With Alex?

Expert Tuition
Our amazing team of tutors is here to help your child reach their musical goals and enjoy those awesome “ah-ha” moments along the way. With tonnes of experience in different musical settings, we’re all about sharing our love for music and making sure your child gets top-notch instruction.

Drum With Alex tutor Steve Corrigan.
Student and teacher doing a rock on sign and hugging after an exam.

what your child will gain

Our lessons offer numerous benefits:

  1. Improved Focus and Concentration: Drumming sharpens attention and concentration, benefiting schoolwork and daily tasks.
  2. Boosted Confidence: Mastering new skills and performing builds self-esteem and a sense of achievement.
  3. Positive Role Models: Our tutors provide guidance and encouragement, helping develop life skills like perseverance.
  4. Enhanced Physical Skills: Drumming improves coordination and motor skills, with benefits extending beyond music.
  5. Creativity and Expression: Drumming offers a creative outlet for emotions and individuality through rhythm and improvisation.
  6. Rockschool Syllabus: We use this leading music education standard to teach famous songs your child will love.

Details About Our Drum Lessons

Prices

  • 30-minute group lessons: £12 per lesson (billed at £33 per month)
  • 20-minute individual lessons: £18 per lesson (billed at £49.50 per month)
  • Sibling Discount: 20% off for each additional sibling.

We offer 33 lessons per academic year, all during term-time. To make budgeting easier for families, we spread the cost evenly over 12 months.

Group of students and parents watching a performance at HMV store.
Drum With Alex tote bag and practice notebook.

Equipment

  • Drumsticks (Size 7A): Around £5 Buy Here
  • Rockschool Drums Method book: About £15 Buy Here

No need to worry about buying a drum kit right away – you don’t need one to get started! Plus, every student gets a free tote bag and practice notebook, and we provide all the equipment you’ll need during lessons.

timetables and progress reports

  • Timetable: Lessons are scheduled during school hours and rotate every half term. We’ll send you a weekly email reminder so you’re always in the loop.
  • Progress Reports: You’ll receive termly updates on your child’s progress at Christmas, Easter, and Summer. Plus, your child will have the chance to shine at school concerts and assemblies.
Students and parents standing with band members from Calling Planet Earth at the Reading Hexagon Theatre.
Alex Lewis smiling while teaching a taster drum lesson to children

FREE TASTER LESSON

Curious to see if drumming is your child’s thing? We offer a FREE, no-obligation taster lesson so they can try it out.

If you’re interested, sign up now at Drum With Alex to reserve your spot. We’ll be in touch to confirm availability.

Hurry – spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

School drum lessons FAQ

Do I need to purchase a drum kit right away?

Not necessarily. In fact, our founder didn’t have a drum kit for the first two years of his learning journey until his parents eventually caved in! We typically suggest considering the purchase of a drum kit after approximately three months of lessons.

I don’t have a drum kit. Can I still practise?

Absolutely! While having a drum kit at home is beneficial for practicing, it’s not essential. There are various ways you can practice drumming without a kit. You can use practice pads, pillows, or even just your hands and feet to work on rhythm and coordination. Additionally, you can practice rudiments, stick control exercises, and timing drills without needing a full drum set. Our instructors can provide guidance on effective practice routines that don’t require a drum kit. So, even if you don’t have access to a drum kit, you can still make progress and improve your drumming skills.

What drumsticks do I need?

Drumsticks (Size 7A, approx. £5).

Are the lessons individual or group?

Both are available!

Individual (Schools) – 20 mins.

Group lessons (Schools) – 30 mins.

How much do lessons cost?

30-minute group lessons: £12 per lesson (billed at £33 per month)
20-minute individual lessons: £18 per lesson (billed at £49.50 per month)

How many lessons are taught?

There are 33 lessons per academic year, provided during term-time only. The costs are spread out and billed monthly over 12 months to make it easier for families.

What is the policy for missed lessons?

Unless the teacher is absent, all missed lessons, unless due to teacher absence, will be charged. Unfortunately, lessons missed due to short-term illness, school events/trips, or last-minute absences cannot be refunded or rescheduled. This policy also applies to non-emergency school closures with less than 48 hours’ notice. Rescheduling lessons is challenging due to teacher availability and the complexity of coordinating timetables.

What happens if the teacher is unavailable?

If a teacher is absent, we will provide a suitable cover teacher whenever possible. If this is not feasible, a free lesson will be credited.

How much notice period do we have to give if we want to discontinue lessons?

One month’s notice is required to terminate lessons. This notice must be emailed to Alex at support@drumwithalex.com. This allows us to effectively manage our schedule and accommodate other students. 

Do the lessons take place during school hours?

Yes, lessons taught at your child’s school are conducted throughout the school day. Children may miss some of their regular lessons, but teachers are informed and aware of their absence.

How are the lessons timetabled?

Timetables are subject to change each half term to minimise disruption. On occasion, lessons may extend into break or lunchtime to accommodate all students.

What drum book do I need?

The Rockschool Method book is awesome for complete beginners. It costs around £15 and is available here.

It’s been 3 months – should I get my own drum kit?

Honestly, yes. While you can still practise drums without a kit, nothing beats learning with your very own instrument. You might want to wait until you know drummings for you, but once you do – a kit’s a great investment. A new beginner acoustic drum kit costs around £199. Buying brand new or second hand are both fine.

Would I be better off with an electronic drum kit?

Electronic kits are awesome. Their small and compact structure lets you practise in smaller spaces. Those reduced noise levels lets you tap those pads to your heart’s content and stay on your neighbour’s good sides! The built in metronome and kit sounds features help you hone your skill, explore different sounds and get the most out of this wonderful instrument.

What brands can you recommend for beginner drum kits?

Roland, Yamaha or Alesis are brilliant for electronic kits. For an acoustic kit, you can’t go wrong with Pearl, Natal, Mapex, Tama, or Yamaha. Our favourite online shop is Gear4Music – they stock a wide range of equipment that considers drummers of all abilities. And the prices are even better!

What’s a good shop or site for drum gear?

If you’re looking for a drum shop specialist, Graham Russell Drums in Fareham, Hampshire is the best place to go. It happens to be the UK’s biggest drum store. And drummer’s heaven. Seriously – it’s that good. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or just starting out, their lovely staff are itching to share their guidance and advice.

What do I need to look out for when buying a second hand kit?

Before buying a second-hand kit, always make sure to check out its overall condition. Before you part with your cash, ask yourself: is there anything missing? Does it come with all the foot pedals? Does it include a stool? If you can, ask for advice from someone you know who has drum knowledge. Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great places to pick up decent second-hand kits.

How often should I practise?

The frequency of practice depends on your goals and schedule. However, practicing a little bit every day is often more beneficial than longer sessions less frequently. Aim for consistency rather than quantity.