Drum Lessons
I offer one-to-one drum lessons in Ipswich at South Street Studios.
My lessons are suitable for all ages, skill levels and musical styles. They are relaxed, structured and enjoyable. I believe learning should be positive and engaging, not stressful or overwhelming.
Each lesson is tailored to the individual. What we work on depends on the student’s ability, experience and goals. Lessons are suitable for beginners through to advanced players, including both children and adults.
Lessons may cover the following areas:
Fundamentals – stick grip and basic strokes
Technique – control, speed and efficiency
Coordination – timing and independence
Rhythms – drum beats and fills
Reading music – drum notation and sight-reading
Musicality – learning songs and analysing drum parts
Styles – playing across different genres
Practice methods – how to practise effectively and make progress
Creativity – improvisation and creative playing
Advanced techniques – soloing, linear drumming and polyrhythms
Performance – playing live and basic studio skills
Equipment – kit setup, tuning and maintenance
Health – posture, technique and injury prevention
I’ve been playing drums for 26 years and teaching for 18. Alongside private drum lessons at South Street Studios in Ipswich, I’m also the in-house drum tutor at Colchester High School.
My students range from 6-year-olds to advanced players. I've taught drummers who have gone on to perform at festivals such as Latitude and toured internationally, as well as adults learning the drums for the first time later in life.
For answers to commonly asked questions, visit the Drum Lesson FAQ. If you’d like to book a lesson, get in touch!
Ross has been a fantastic drum teacher for my daughter over the past 18 months. He has a relaxed manor and tailors the lesson to suit her. My daughter has improved considerably and has gained in confidence, as well as improving her drumming ability. Annabel enjoys her lessons, always looking forward to learning new techniques. I cannot recommend Ross enough if you are thinking of learning the drums.
"My ten year old daughter has wanted to learn the drums for some time and after a lot of research I decided that Ross Farley was the tutor I would like to teach her. My daughter was very nervous prior to the lesson but within minutes of meeting Ross she was completely at ease. Ross is knowledgeable, chatty and more importantly a great teacher who takes time with his students! He tailors his lessons to suit the students requirements and the style of drumming that they would like to learn. My daughter left with a smile on her face, saying how much she enjoyed the lesson and couldn't wait for next time."
"My daughter started drumming with Ross last year. She is 9 years old and loves learning with Ross. He is patient encouraging and funny. A great guy and a great teacher."
"Regardless of age or ability Ross is the perfect choice of a drum tutor, I entered his class at the age of 22 with literally zero co-ordination believing I could be the first student to prove impossible to teach. I could not have been more WRONG, Ross has been calm and patient with me, and has a extremely great way of finding different teaching methods if it appears one way is not clicking with me. I have always left his lessons with a smile on my face excited for the next lesson. I would definitely recommend Ross in a heartbeat."
"My daughter has been having lessons with Ross for only 7 months but in that short space of time she has improved considerably. Ross has a very relaxed, friendly approach which makes lessons fun. He is very reliable and flexible around booking lessons which makes it easier around working parents."
"Ross has been a fantastic drum tutor. He is very talented and enthusiastic, and he has a great teaching style. My son has loved his lessons and has looked forward to them every week. He has got a lot out of the lessons - knowledge of drum notation, understanding of rhythm, technique and love of percussion."
"Known Ross for many years and he has driven me to become better and practice harder after every lesson. I often recommend him to friends as he is very good as his job!"
"Very Highly recommended, If you need a tutor that has the patience of a saint stays calm and has limitless enthusiasm it is Ross. He teaches you at your pace but keeps you constantly learning new things, he gives you confidence in yourself and your abilities in not just drumming but good musicianship skills. Best drum tutor around and at a very competitive price."
"I have worked with Ross for five years. You will not find anyone else with the enthusiasm or expertise of this gentleman."
"Ross has been tutoring my 17 year old son since he was 12. He has been more than an inspirational teacher, becoming a friend and mentor. He has also given good general life skills advice and we are proud to recommend him without reservation. Initially he had lessons at school but now enjoys Punch Studios. Five stars."
"Ross has been teaching drums to my son for around 6 years. We started with lessons in Rushmere Hall Primary School, then moved to lessons at my home. Ross has a brilliant personality for teaching. He has great rapport -very calm, positive, and brings fun to the lesson as well as attention to detail. Very talented drummer, and enthusiastic about sharing his skills. Steafan loves his lessons! Thanks very much, Ross!"
"Ross has been amazing!! Obviously remarkably talented at drumming he also possesses the gifts of patience, humour and a friendly manner. My daughter has been drumming with Ross for a few years and not only has it built her self confidence and esteem it has also improved her maths surprisingly!! Thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend Ross as a drum tutor!!"
"I've been to several drum tutors and I can definitively say Ross is the best. He's very kind, gives clear instruction, he understands and helps the students to push themselves."
"Thanks so much. My son is really enjoying your drum lessons. It's the only thing he looks forward too at school. Thanks so much for everything. You're a star!!!"
He is an excellent drumming teacher and great with children. I would thoroughly recommend Ross to anyone interested in taking up drumming!
— Edward on Facebook