Frequently-Asked Questions...
How much are lessons?
DrumLab’s lesson fees are very competitive and there are a number different structures. Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes duration and start at £20 including all hardcopy or online printed and audio materials. For more details, go to 'Lesson Fees & Options' in the top menu 🥁
Do I need a Drum Set?
Not initially. Especially for a start-up student, as it’s always good to cover some orientation work within the studio environment firstly to establish an ‘affinity’ with the instrument before buying one. It also encourages students to focus a little more or on some important foundation rhythmic theory and technique on a practice pad at home prior to purchasing a full kit. Eventually of course, your own kit will be essential... and fun 🥁
What age do I need to be to start playing Drums?
Initially, the DrumLab was not accepting students below 12 years, but in the past year, students as young as 7 years have come along and knocked it out of the park!
Unfortunately, any child younger than about 7 will have a physical problem just reaching the pedals - but can still have lessons at home on their own mini gear! 🥁
HOW LONG ARE THE LESSONS?
DrumLab sessions are 30, 45 and 60 minutes in duration, though people travelling a long way can attend 90 minutes sessions twice monthly to save on travel time and costs.
Many more advanced drum students looking to hone certain skills will block-book sessions at DrumLab to focus on particular aspects of their playing, perhaps with a view to attending an audition or starting to play professionally 🥁
What about this Corona Virus?
DrumLab UK has teaching all students exclusively online during the pandemic but as restrictions begin to ease, strict observation and social distancing is maintained in physical lessons. Both drum sets are at opposite ends of the studio with the PC workstation and audio in-between and entrance / exit guidelines are practiced 🥁
Can I have Online lessons?
You most certainly can! As the recent lockdown due to Covid-19 has proven, lessons through the Zoom platform from the studio to you (with some added audio enhancements) have proven tremendously successful and in some cases the now-preferred method for students at home due to practicality and efficiency. The DrumLab UK studio also hosts a number of online students from USA, UAE, France, Japan, Germany, China, Iran and South Korea!
Of course, you don't get to indulge in the particularly good Henley Village / DrumLab hot chocolate and tea that way 🙂
How long should I attend lessons?
That's the eternal question, and of course the answer is, for as long as you are learning something useful on the instrument and having a great time doing it.
As very rough guideline for somebody starting out on the big adventure of playing drums, to play to a standard of reasonable proficiency and adequate knowledge and with the requisite amount of time to practice a little, look at between 3 to 6 months. By then, you’ll be hooked and never want to stop learning 🥁
What courses and exams are on offer?
Although it is far from essential to do exams, once a certain level of proficiency is reached it is always a fantastic testament to your skills to hold that lovely silver-guilded document in your hands! Many terrific drummers don't want to do exams though and it certainly does allow for a lot more variety from lesson to lesson, as well as, a more bespoke programme. Should you require to sit drum kit exams, DrumLab caters for every one of the most popular and accredited drum kit syllabuses in England. These are generally held quarterly at conveniently-located exam centres in most major hubs 🥁
What do I need to bring to lessons and what do I receive?
Just yourself, preferably some clothes, and your sticks – if you prefer your own. You will receive printed and audio material on a weekly basis, and you are required to bring that work to each lesson in a categorised file as you accumulate study material. For online lessons, all practice studies and audio are uploaded to your own DrumLab DropBox folder 🥁
Do I get To play ‘real’ Music and my favourite tracks?
Absolutely, yes. Aside from studying with specially constructed music tracks in various styles, part of the reward of learning to play an instrument properly is the joy of finally realising your dream of playing and even recording a studio quality track of your favourite songs - perfectly - and a whole lot more besides 🥁
How Do I Get Started?
You can call me on 07709 714517 or email me at info@drumlab.co.uk or click through to the Contacts page to discuss your requirements and arrange a lesson virtually or in person at the studio 🥁
I'd like to attend a lesson. Where is DrumLab in Henley?
The studio is conveniently located in the Henley Village complex just off the main Reading Road a few blocks before the Tesco Roundabout:
Newtown Road RG9 1HG 🥁