Do I need to purchase a drum kit right away? Not necessarily. In fact, our founder didn’t have a drum kit for the first two years of his learning until his parents eventually caved in! We typically suggest considering the purchase of a drum kit after approximately three months of lessons.
I don’t have a drum kit. Can I still practise? Absolutely! While having a drum kit at home is beneficial for practicing, it’s not essential. There are various ways you can practice drumming without a kit. You can use practice pads, pillows, or even just your hands and feet to work on rhythm and coordination. Additionally, you can practice rudiments, stick control exercises, and timing drills without needing a full drum set. Our instructors can provide guidance on effective practice routines that don’t require a drum kit. So, even if you don’t have access to a drum kit, you can still make progress and improve your drumming skills.
What drumsticks do I need? Drumsticks (Size 7A, approx. £5).
Are the lessons individual or group? Both are available!
Individual (Schools) – 20 mins.
Group lessons (Schools) – 30 mins.
How much do lessons cost?
Effective from 1st April 2025
(Prices include VAT)
School Drum Lessons
30-minute group: £14 per lesson / £38.50 per month
20-minute solo: £20 per lesson / £55 per month
Discounts
Sibling Discount: 10% off for siblings
Loyalty Discount: 5% off for students enrolled in both drum and guitar lessons
We offer 33 lessons per academic year, all during term-time. To make budgeting easier for families, we spread the cost evenly over 12 months.
How many lessons are taught? There are 33 lessons per academic year, provided during term-time only. The costs are spread out and billed monthly over 12 months to make it easier for families.
What is the policy for missed lessons? Unless the teacher is absent, all missed lessons, unless due to teacher absence, will be charged. Unfortunately, lessons missed due to short-term illness, school events/trips, or last-minute absences cannot be refunded or rescheduled. This policy also applies to non-emergency school closures with less than 48 hours’ notice. Rescheduling lessons is challenging due to teacher availability and the complexity of coordinating timetables.
What happens if the teacher is unavailable? If a teacher is absent, we will provide a suitable cover teacher whenever possible. If this is not feasible, a free lesson will be credited.
How much notice period do we have to give if we want to discontinue lessons? One month’s notice is required to terminate lessons. This notice must be emailed to Alex at support@drumwithalex.com. This allows us to effectively manage our schedule and accommodate other students.
Do the lessons take place during school hours? Yes, lessons taught at your child’s school are conducted throughout the school day. Children may miss some of their regular lessons, but teachers are informed and aware of their absence.
How are the lessons timetabled? Timetables are subject to change each half term to minimise disruption. On occasion, lessons may extend into break or lunchtime to accommodate all students.
What drum book do I need? The Rockschool Method book is helpful for complete beginners. It costs around £15 and is available here.
It’s been 3 months – should I get my own drum kit? Honestly, yes. While you can still practise drums without a kit, nothing beats learning with your very own instrument. You might want to wait until you know drummings for you, but once you do – a kit’s a great investment. A new beginner acoustic drum kit costs around £199. Buying brand new or second hand are both fine.
Would I be better off with an electronic drum kit? Electronic kits are helpful. Their small and compact structure lets you practise in smaller spaces. Those reduced noise levels lets you tap those pads to your heart’s content and stay on your neighbour’s good sides! The built in metronome and kit sounds features help you hone your skill, explore different sounds and get the most out of this wonderful instrument.
What brands can you recommend for beginner drum kits? Roland, Yamaha or Alesis are brilliant for electronic kits. For an acoustic kit, you can’t go wrong with Pearl, Natal, Mapex, Tama, or Yamaha. Our favourite online shop is Gear4Music – they stock a wide range of equipment that considers drummers of all abilities. And the prices are even better!
What’s a good shop or site for drum gear? If you’re looking for a drum shop specialist, Graham Russell Drums in Fareham, Hampshire is the best place to go. It happens to be the UK’s biggest drum store. And drummer’s heaven. Seriously – it’s that good. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or just starting out, their lovely staff are itching to share their guidance and advice.
What do I need to look out for when buying a second hand kit? Before buying a second-hand kit, always make sure to check out its overall condition. Before you part with your cash, ask yourself: is there anything missing? Does it come with all the foot pedals? Does it include a stool? If you can, ask for advice from someone you know who has drum knowledge. Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great places to pick up decent second-hand kits.
How often should I practise? The frequency of practice depends on your goals and schedule. However, practicing a little bit every day is often more beneficial than longer sessions less frequently. Aim for consistency rather than quantity.
