Drum Teacher Offering Drum Lessons For The South Of Hampshire!
A Life of Rhythm...
I started the drums at the age of 9 after watching a documentary on Led Zeppelin and falling in love with the idea of being in a band.
At the beginning I was self taught and spent most days behind the kit for at least an hour playing along to my favourite CD's and tapes. Boy, did I enjoy drumming!
When I was 15 I started to play in bands and have been in dozens since. Over the years I have experienced the following...
Performing on live cable TV in London as part of a battle of the bands contest.
Played many festivals as part of an Irish function band with crowds as big as 2000 people.
I have supported great acts such as WISHBONE ASH and a side project band that 'Rhino' the bassist from STATUS QUO set up.
Toured the UK with one of my more successful bands.
Recorded multiple albums with multiple bands, one of which was reviewed in Rock Magazine (we were given 7 out of 10...not bad, huh?).
Had songs played on local radio stations as well as "Radio One" thanks to Steve Lamacq.
I was interviewed on "Radio Solent" as a drum teacher explaining the positive affects playing drums has on your health.
Qualifications
From 2000 to 2003 I studied drum kit at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. During my time at ACM I studied under some of the UK's top drum teachers, as well as receiving drum lessons from MARK RICHARDSON (Skunk Anansie, Feeder), BILLY COBHAM (Jazz Fusion drummer/pioneer), ROD MORGENSTEIN (Dixie Dreggs), BILL BRUFORD (Yes, Genesis, Drumming GIANT), BOB ARMSTRONG (Famous British drum tutor) and CHAD SMITH (Red Hot Chilli Peppers).
I came out of ACM with a National Higher Diploma in drum performance as well as BA(Hons) Degree in music specifically for the drum kit.
In 2001 I successfully completed my Guildhall Grade 8 in drums, this was purely for fun.
Teaching Experience
I started teaching drums when I was 17, this was mainly for friends and a few paying neighbours but I soon discovered that I had a knack for teaching and getting the best out of pupils. In 1999 I successfully applied as a drum teacher at Clive's Music School in Southampton where I worked happily for a year.
It was in 2000 that I decided that I wanted to start my own drum teaching business and I haven't looked back since.
Since starting "Drum Ace" I have taught 100's of pupils of all ages and abilities. I now teach anything from 30-40 pupils a week and supply my services to several local primary and infant schools.
I am also proud to be a part time drum teacher at the "Academy Of Music And Sound" in Southampton where I teach 1st and 2nd year diploma classes the art of drumming.
In all my years of teaching drums I have been able to perfect my teaching skills and syllabus. This allows me to pass on my skills to you in an easy, fun and informative way while ensuring lessons are to the highest standard possible.
Testimonials
I am proud to show you the following testimonials.
"I have been playing for just over a year now and Rob has been my drum teacher since the beginning. I can honestly say that he has been the BEST! His lessons are always fun and so easy to pick up, I never thought that the drums could be this easy to learn." James Donahue 2008 - Southampton
"My first lesson with Rob was a really special moment for me and my playing. Within minutes he had spotted technique problems that had gone unnoticed and unchanged for years. After just a few lessons he had me playing faster, more accurately and more comfortably then I had ever hoped" David Green 2003 - Portsmouth
"Rob's lessons are really well structured, easy to follow, fun, inspirational and a real treat. Thank you Rob for helping me to become a much better drummer and for being such a great drum teacher!" Jenny Mansfield 2002 - Gosport
"I've always wanted to play the drums and at the age of 57 I decided, what the heck, let’s go for it. I'm really pleased I chose Rob to be my drum teacher as lessons with him are both easy to follow and TRULLY inspirational. It amazes me how much this guy knows and what dedicated passion he puts into his work. Thanks Rob, you're the best!" Geoffrey Abbot 2007 - Portsmouth
"Three words - FUN, CLEAR, BRILLIANT! I've had several drum teachers in the past and Rob is the best by far!" Lu Oliver 2006 - Fareham
"Rob is approachable and so easy to get along with. I have never sensed him get impatient with me and believe me when I tell you that I am a VERY difficult pupil! Thanks for sticking with me Rob, I wouldn't be the drummer I am now without you!" Mark Thompson 2008 - Fareham
"I have had drum lessons with Rob for over 6 years now. Not only are the lessons fun and easy to understand but the diversity of the lessons are truly great. We've covered Jazz, Metal, double bass drum as well as many other techniques. I hope to be learning with Rob for another 6 years, there's SO much to learn and Rob's the guy to teach it!" Anna Paige 2006 - Southampton
"I've had drum teachers in the past and thought they were good, that was until I found Rob. Just six months with Rob has taught me more than 6 years with my old drum teachers. Keep up the good work Rob!" Ben Loveday 2008 - Portsmouth
"Rob has taught me so much. Styles, practical playing advice and musical appreciation are all areas that Rob has encouraged me to improve on and his keen interest and depth of knowledge is really inspiring" Sam "The Egg" Upsher 2007 - Fareham