Drum lessons in Brighton and Hove.
Private 1-to-1 drum lessons from a dedicated studio in Portslade. For absolute beginners, returning players, grade students, and everyone in between.
Most people arrive with the same three worries. Here's the honest version.
“I don't have any rhythm.
Honestly? Almost everyone says that in their first lesson. Rhythm isn't a talent you have or don't have. It's a skill we build, one groove at a time.
“I'm too old to start.
You're not. I've taught teenagers, retirees, and everyone between. What matters is showing up and enjoying the process. The drums don't care how old you are.
“I'm not musical.
You don't need to read music to start, and you don't need a musical background. If you can nod your head to a song, you've got more going on than you think.
Private drum lessons built around you, not a syllabus.
Three things I commit to, regardless of where you're starting from.
Grading available
Working toward a Rockschool or Trinity grade? I'll build the syllabus into your weekly lessons, Grade 1 through Grade 8.
Content production
Want to record a track, a cover, or a video for your channel? We'll track drums in the studio and shape it into something you're proud to share.
Personalised curriculum
No two plans look the same. Your favourite music, your goals, your pace. The curriculum is built around you and rebuilt as you grow.
Hi, I'm James.
I've been teaching drums privately in Brighton and Hove for over ten years, currently out of a dedicated studio in Portslade. Before teaching, I was educated at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, and I spent years playing live and in the studio, which is where most of my perspective on the kit comes from. Drums are my craft and my job.
The thing I care about most is meeting you where you are. If you're a complete beginner, we go slow and build real foundations. If you're returning after years off, we shake off the rust and pick up where your taste has grown to. If you're already playing in bands, we sharpen the edges.
Every student gets their own plan. No boilerplate, no cookie-cutter syllabus. Just real progress, set to music you actually want to play.
“James has taught my son for many years. My son adores him and can't wait for his lesson every week. He manages to make the lessons fun but keeps them productive. He's guided and mentored my son through buying his first electric kit, acoustic kit, and through the grading process. He's reliable, punctual, and just a really great person.”
Competitive pricing, with discounts for committing.
Pay as you go, or book a block for a better rate. Lessons are governed by the terms we agree at booking.
A full hour lets us warm up, work through new material, and leave time to play something all the way through.
Focused and high-tempo. Good for younger students, anyone easing back in, or when life is busy.
Common questions.
If something isn't covered here, get in touch and I'll answer you directly!
Let's sort your first lesson.
Tell me a little about what you're hoping to do, and I'll get back to you within a day or two to find a slot that works.