Teaching

In Person and Online

We offer in-person drum lessons at our specialist studio near Uckfield and Heathfield, East Sussex, and online drum tuition wherever you are.

In-person and online lessons are available 10am-9pm on weekdays, and 9am-5pm on weekends.

We offer 30 minute and 60 minute lessons to suit your schedule and goals.

Your Tutors

Your drum lessons will be tailored to your individual needs, and you’ll always work at a pace that’s right for you. Together with your tutor you’ll set achievable goals and track your development in progress sheets so you can see how far you’ve come.

Mike and Jacob are both registered and insured members of the Musician’s Union and hold enhanced DBS checks.

Mike

Jacob

Over the years I’ve taught adults and children, including those with a range of SEN. My lessons are engaging, supportive, and always tailored to each student.

Our Process

Drumming Lessons for all Ages and Abilities

We teach all ages and abilities, with current students ranging from 6 to over 60!

So whether you’re looking for drum lessons for beginners, or advanced drum tuition, our expert drumming instructors will meet you at your level and help you reach your goals at your own pace.

The Studio: Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Joy

Our teaching is a blend of theory and hands-on practice. The studio is equipped with two professional level acoustic drum kits, so you’ll play along with your tutor during lessons.

This setup offers personalised one-to-one drum tuition, whilst also capturing the fun, freedom, and energy of collaborating with another musician – after all, the drummer is the heartbeat of the band.

We also use a PA system so students can drum along to backing tracks and their favourite songs, making the lessons personalised and engaging.

The Teaching Style: Find Your Rhythm

Tutors Mike and Jacob are both experienced drummers with decades of teaching behind them.

They’ve developed a teaching style that emphasises personal development and enjoyment of the learning process.

Drumming is fun, uplifting, and lively, so lessons should be too.

Hi, I'm Mike.

When I was nine years old Jim Henson discovered an amazing drummer called Animal and put him centre stage in a wicked band. I was hooked. I became obsessed with learning to play the drums, picking up the sticks at every opportunity. I started with the school brass band, before moving onto playing a full kit when I was 13.

At 14, I joined my first band. Within a few years we’d played at Glastonbury Festival twice, as well as clubs and venues nationwide. The sound we created was a mixture of psychedelic ska and punk rock. It was a real buzz writing and producing our own songs – a single even made it to a playlist in the States. I then moved to a Blues band that became a bit of a local legend, playing at university venues and parties purely for fun.

After that, I formed a band with two Digeridoo players, a keyboard player, a bassist and a DJ. Our music was described as “Tribal Ambient Dub,” but whatever it was labelled, people loved to dance to it. The music was improvised and would take on a life of its own, metamorphosising into an exciting and electric mix.

I’ve now taught drums for over two decades, passing on my love and passion for drumming to fellow enthusiasts. For me, the best part of playing the drums is connecting with other musicians, both my pupils in the studio, and bandmates and friends. Amazing things happen when musicians collaborate, feeding off each other’s creative input and working together to make people want to get up and dance – which is what drumming is all about. There’s no better feeling than helping someone else discover the joy and passion of drumming for themselves.

Hi, I'm Jacob.

I joined my first band at the age of 14, and I’ve been drumming, gigging, and making music ever since. I love playing live, feeding off the energy of my bandmates and the audience – whilst keeping my playing sharp and my teaching fresh. Alongside my performing experience, I have a strong educational background in music and teaching, with a degree in Commercial Music from the University of Chichester, and a PGCE (Cert Ed) from the University of Brighton.

Over the years I’ve taught adults and children, including those with a range of SEN. My lessons are engaging, supportive, and always tailored to each student. Whether we’re breaking down technique, learning songs, or experimenting with rhythms, my goal is to ensure every student grows in both skill and confidence through enjoying the collaborative fun of making music.

Satisfied Customers

What Our Clients Are
Saying About Us

"I've been going to Mike for drum lessons for a fair while now. In all that time, not only has Mike supported, guided and overseen (what I at least think is) great improvement in my playing, and appreciation of the drums, but I reckon my interest and enthusiasm continues undiminished - I look forward to, and enjoy our sessions, more than ever! This latter point pays tribute to Mike's manner, teaching style, character, and his friendly, genial nature.

So, Mike, let's keep those drum rolls rolling!"

- David W - Student

"Mike has taught both my son and I on different occasions over the past six years. He has always been clear, kind, patient and really supportive. He uses a highly structured approach which is very effective at moving students through the fundamental and increasingly complex technique while also leaving room for learning ‘real’ songs in accordance with his students’ preferences. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone— from the complete beginner to more experienced drummers wanting to improve."

- Jinan - Student and Parent

"We have been using Mike as our school drum teacher for two months now and the students are all very happy with his teaching style and methods. All the students are making great progress. The students love his outward going friendly and encouraging style. They all cannot wait for their next lesson."

- Peter H - School Principal

Mike is an exceptional drum teacher. His passion for playing comes through in his teaching and our ten year old son loves his lessons with him. He has a relaxed and friendly approach and makes it fun, which makes such a difference. We have tried a drum teacher at school (easier logistics) but had to stop as our son doesn’t like being taught by anyone else, so we quickly returned to Mike. Every lesson my son tells me how much he loves it and what a great teacher Mike is.

- Alanna G - Parent

Our experience with The Drum Studio has been absolutely brilliant from day one. Mike and Jacob have been teaching our 8 year old son for just over a year now and he’s still just as excited for every lesson. They are fantastic drum teachers (real role models, patient, inspiring, and incredibly knowledgeable).

Both Mike and Jacob have a wonderful way with students, striking that perfect balance between encouragement and challenge. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their teaching is exceptional, and they clearly put their hearts into the studio.

It’s rare to find teachers who are not only experts in their craft but who also genuinely care about their pupils’ progress and confidence. Mike and Jacob do exactly that, with warmth, humour, and true dedication.

Thank you to The Drum Studio!

- Mel S - Parent

"My son enjoyed his lessons so much with Mike that I decided to book some for myself! I found him to be patient and so knowledgeable, he had a great way of explaining things and really built my confidence. J had been having lessons elsewhere and wasn’t progressing or really having fun, we made the move to the drum studio and have never looked back. For a teenager that doesn’t want to do much else he certainly enjoys his lessons and always comes out enthusiastic. J gets to play a wide range of music genres and Mike made a real effort to tap into music that he liked from the get go which was wonderful. I was able to witness J’s progress recently and I was blown away at how far he has come. I’m confident that this is something J will want to stick at now he’s built such a great foundation. Thanks Mike!"

- Lynsey - Student and Parent