Drum Lessons
I offer one-on-one drum lessons at South Street Studios in Ipswich.
My lessons cater to all ages, skill levels and musical styles. And importantly, they are fun! I believe that learning should be a positive and engaging experience, not a painful one.
Each lesson is customised to fit the student’s abilities, needs, and goals. Depending on the student’s experience, topics may include:
Fundamentals: Stick grip, basic strokes
Rhythms: Drum beats, fills
Advanced Techniques: Soloing, linear drumming, polyrhythms
Health: Technique, posture and injury prevention
Coordination: Exercises for better timing and control
Musicality: Song learning, analysing drum parts
Creativity: Improvisation, creative drumming
Styles: Playing in diverse musical genres
Reading Music: Drum notation, sight-reading
Performance: Playing live, studio recording techniques
Equipment: Drum kit setup, tuning, maintenance
I've been playing drums for 25 years, and teaching drumming for 17 years. As well as teaching privately at South Street Studios, I'm the in-house drum tutor at Colchester High School.
From 6-year-olds, drummers who've played at Latitude and Glastonbury, to drummers well into their senior years... I've taught them all!
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