1-2-1 Drum Lessons
I'm conducting a limited number of private lessons both in person from the Oxygen Room in Birmingham and online via Skype & Zoom.

My studio has all the equipment needed to deliver the highest quality drum education and is fully equipt with multiple cameras to stream high quality video and audio.

So, as long as your internet connection is good you can receive the same high standard of teaching albeit at a distance that you would from a private, one to one lesson with me.

In Person
In-person lessons are available from my studio at the Oxygen Rooms in Birmingham.
Online
Online lessons are available via Skype or Zoom.
How do I book a lessons?
If you wish to book a lesson click the green box below. This will open a new email in your choosen email program.

Please provide as much information in your message so I can build up a good picture of where you're at in your playing, i.e. how old you are, how long you've been playing, your influences and what your drumming/musical goals are.

My Students - Here's what they say...
Henry Appleby
London, England
Darren is one of the most interesting, intelligent, and passionate teachers I have come across in over 10 years of studying.
He never fails to deliver lessons/lectures that are not only informative but also inspiring and really make you want to go and play. This for me sets Darren above previous tutors I've had because he goes the extra mile and breathes life into topics that could be dull.
Tom Needham
London, England
I had lessons with Darren both privately and at the ICMP in London and found his teaching both hugely informative, beneficial and very inspiring! After having just a few private lessons I found my playing improved very quickly. I would recommend his teaching to anyone looking to improve! Thanks a lot Daz!
Andy Hill
Haddenham, England
Self-taught and having played for almost 30 years I decided I needed to think about learning to play the drums from first principles.
Darren, probably unwisely, agreed to the challenge of deconstructing and rebuilding my approach to drumming on every level and we've been working together for six years now with remarkable results.

If you want to get the most from your technique, build a foundation for greater creativity on the set and become a better musician, then Darren's your man.

A great teacher, a great mentor and a great drummer.

And a damned fine chap.

How do I book a lesson?
If you wish to book a lesson click the green box below. This will open a new email in your choosen email program.

Please provide as much information in your message so I can build up a good picture of where you're at in your playing, i.e. how old you are, how long you've been playing, your influences and what your drumming/musical goals are.

My Teaching Approach
The most important role of a drummer is to provide a solid time feel. Many timing issues can be traced to a weak technical foundation. Improving your technique will result in a higher level of consistency with both time keeping and dynamics and help you to execute your musical ideas with poise and control. This is an extremely important part of playing any instrument effectively and allows you to concentrate on listening and reacting, which is were the real music is made.

Acquiring instrumental vocabulary is another aspect of learning and instrument that is essential in helping us to communicate musically regardless of what genre you're performing in. There a whole host of ways to approach and achieve this. Having an effective and organised practice method is at the key to achieving this and will help your build on your successes as you improve.

I tend to emphasis a musical approach to my lessons, prescribing fun, yet practical exercises to help each student reach their maximum potential, regardless of their ability level.
With each lesson you get...
If you a current student or have purchased any of my online programs you'll get access to my monthly online Q & A accessible via your unique login on this site.
A video recording of your online lessons (via Zoom or Skype).
Subjects Taught
  • Advanced hand & foot techniques.
  • Advanced time keeping and the development of pulse.
  • Linear drumming.
  • Coordination.
  • Styles: Rock, Funk, Jazz, Brazilian/Cuban.
  • Advanced techniques such as the down-up/Moeller technique.
  • Reading music.
  • Playing to tracks and working with a click.
  • Maximising your practice time.
  • Developing a professional attitude.
  • Multi-media production - Mixing Drums for Video and Social Media
How much do lessons cost?
My lessons cost £45 (GBP) per hour, this includes all lessons notes, optional online video recording (via Zoom) and supplementary audio files.

Payments are made via bank transfer (BACS) or Paypal.

How do I book a lesson?
If you wish to book a lesson click the green box below. This will open a new email in your choosen email program.

Please provide as much information in your message so I can build up a good picture of where you're at in your playing, i.e. how old you are, how long you've been playing, your influences and what your drumming/musical goals are.

My Students - Here's what they say...
Alberto Voglino
London, England
I had the pleasure of having Darren as my teacher for two years and the knowledge and skill I have gained from his teaching has been priceless. His delivery is always clear, the content of the lessons deeply prepared and detailed where necassary. His drumming is impeccable and there's always something new to learn from him. I would suggest him to anyone wanting to take their drumming to the next level.
Tom Goddard
Iver, England
I began having lessons with Darren when I decided that my reading needed improvement, since working regularly with Darren I have now secured a big band gig every Thursday and my reading has improved dramatically. Now Darren is dragging me kicking and screaming through the Moeller technique, It just goes to show that you can teach an old dog (50) new tricks.
Callum Sharp
Buckingham, England
The best lessons I've ever had! Darren really is an all-round teacher, concentrating highly on technique and 'real world' playing, not just concentrating from a book. The best drummer/teacher I've ever met!
Chus Gancedo
Torrelavega, Spain

Concise, clear and practical. Darren is an accomplished drummer and a great teacher. He communicates clearly and is able to get the best out of every student that he works with regardless of ability level. Other than his teaching and musical abilities, his infectiously positive attitude is one of his biggest assets. Highly recommended!!!!

Huw Beynon
London, England
I've been playing drums for the past 13 years, and in that time no one has pushed my playing boundaries more than Darren. In his lessons and through watching him play, I've learnt some of the most important things about playing drums both in live and studio situations, and have gained invaluable knowledge which will no doubt be vital in my future career in the music industry. Darren is, in both my and other tutee's opinion, one of the best tutors that this country has to offer.
Emanuele Amatruda
London, England

Darren is for sure the best drum teacher I've ever had. His way of teaching is straight forward and clear. He's never boring, and a great motivator, always pushing me to the edge of my abilities to improve not only my vocabulary but my mindset. Darren is a fabulous drummer with great technique and able to play comfortably in any style. His vast knowledge in all aspects of drumming make him the perfect teacher! What a legend!

How do I book a lesson?
If you wish to book a lesson click the green box below. This will open a new email in your choosen email program.

Please provide as much information in your message so I can build up a good picture of where you're at in your playing, i.e. how old you are, how long you've been playing, your influences and what your drumming/musical goals are.