DRUM LESSONS LEEDS
“Tom is an exceptionally patient drum teacher and is able to explain instructions clearly and succinctly. Whether you're starting out, or are a seasoned pro in the game, you need drum lessons with Tom Hawthorn!”
— Ben Glover, professional drummer, Derby, UK
DRUM LESSONS BY TOM HAWTHORN
About The Drum Lessons
✅ Tailored to each individual student
✅ Kirkstall, Leeds based music studio
✅ Industry standard equipment is used for the lessons
✅ Broad range of styles taught
✅ Library of play-along tracks and study books available
✅ Extensive rudimental drumming techniques taught
✅ Music theory / Sight reading / Stick technique taught
✅ Students can be recorded so they can hear and track their progress
✅ Students get to experience a real-world ‘recording session’
✅ Music Grades 1-8 preparation and guidance offered
✅ GCSE/A-Level performance and theory guidance offered
✅ Music college audition preparation and guidance offered
✅ Online lessons available for experienced drummers
About Tom
✅ 1st Class degree and a Masters in jazz performance
✅ Vast amount of real-world performing and recording experience
✅ 15 years private teaching experience with over 200 pupils
✅ Specialist SEND teaching experience
✅ Teaching mentor
✅ Musicians Union Member
✅ PLI Certified
✅ DBS checked
✅ Safeguarding trained
Drum Lesson Info
1-1 Tuition
Tom has been teaching the drums since he was fourteen years old and has taught well over 100 drummers from beginner to advanced level. He believes that no two pupils are the same and tailors his teaching to the needs of each drummer.
He teaches at his home studio in Kirkstall, Leeds, where he is able to offer lessons using industry-standard playing and recording equipment, giving pupils the ability to listen back to their own progress.
Making drumming fun and enjoyable is a big priority for Tom and he endeavours to structure his lessons around drumming styles that inspire each pupil and help them to reach their potential.
Tom specialises in Jazz (small group/big band), Rock, Pop, Funk, Blues, Motown/Soul & Hip-Hop, Rudimental snare drumming and drum technique but will happily teach and advise many other styles of music. Tom teaches music theory during the lessons, and all of his pupils will learn to read and understand music notation as well as playing by ear, as he believes both skills are equally important.
Tom is happy to teach grades, and favours the Trinity Rock and Pop grades for his drummers, but is also happy to teach Rockschool or any other grading exams pupils would like to study. Grades are not a requirement for Tom’s pupils, and sitting them is purely a choice of the pupil.
Tom is fully CRB checked and has received safeguarding training.
Tom is currently only taking pupils aged 11 upwards due to high demand.
“Excellent drum teacher with patience (needed with me) explains what to do clearly and decisively.” - Bob
“I was fully expecting that I'd want to try out a number of teachers to see who worked well for me, but following the first lesson, I knew this was unnecessary. Tom was ideal!” - Steven
‘Tom is a marvellous and encouraging teacher with an excellent studio setup. Highly recommended!’ - Hugh
FAQ’s
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No! Tom has everything covered in the Leeds based studio. You will learn to play on Tom’s professional gear, which will be set up so you can listen back to your playing (one of the best ways to learn). If you do have your own sticks or books then bring them along with you.
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Prices are listed at the bottom of the page. Recommendations for how long your lesson should be (30 mins, 45 mins or 1 hour) are based on your age and ability. After your first lesson, there is absolutely no obligation to continue, so it’s definitely worth having a go and seeing how you get on.
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You can start learning the drums from almost any age, although KS2 upwards is best for starting regular lessons, plus you're never too old to start!
Tom currently has a waiting list for younger learners and only has limited space in the week for school aged pupuils. Because of this Tom is only taking pupils aged 11 upwards at the minute.
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This is totally up to you! Tom is happy to help you work through graded exams but it is in no way requirement to study with Tom.
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Beginners will always benefit from consistent lessons, either weekly or every two weeks. More experienced drummers may prefer one-off sessions that are slightly longer in length.
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Drum lessons are tailored to each individual. Although all students will be given a good foundation of basic drumming principles and music theory, each student is unique, and so the lesson focus will be different for everyone. Tom loves to find out what it is that inspires each student so he can make sure the sessions are really enjoyable. Tom is here to help you achieve your drumming goals, but whatever they are, the most important thing is that you have loads of fun!
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Fill out the new pupil enquiry form and Tom will look at booking you in a trial lesson. From then you will be able to book your lessons online via an online booking link.
What Tom’s Pupils Say…
What Louis says…
“Tom is a brilliant drum teacher who focuses on all aspects of your drumming abilities! Over the past few months, I’ve had lessons in his very high-quality studio which allows you to not only play and listen back to recordings but also to focus on various techniques.
As I’m writing this mid pandemic, Tom offers drum tutoring over Zoom which is just as effective as in-person lessons! Regardless of what stage you are at in your drumming career, Tom can help you over Zoom with virtually any drumming related problem, whether that’s pad work or kit work.”
What Heather says…
“My son has been having lessons with Tom for about five years. He has dyslexia and Tom has always taught at my son’s pace and his encouraging and calm manner has helped my son overcome academic struggles. I have watched my son grow in confidence and he has played as a part of the school wind band, received a good GCSE music grade and is now writing his own music. Tom has always been supportive as a teacher and my son has enjoyed every lesson he has had. Thank you, Tom, for getting my son to believe in himself.”
What Rosie says…
“Tom’s genuine care for progression encourages hard work and his lessons opened up my ears to a wider range of music and styles. His lessons helped me to learn many new techniques, with simple ways to practice and ways to put them into use. It is safe to say that without Tom as a teacher, playing the drums wouldn’t have been half as good an experience!“
What Lewis says…
“I was surprised by how much can be achieved in a single lesson and this is largely due to Tom’s ability to read a student’s strengths and weaknesses in a short time and really hone in on developing those skills. His teaching technique and visual aids make it easy to comprehend the subjects you deal with and his passion for drumming rubs off on you leaving you inspired to practice. I would recommend Tom to any student of any ability!”
Lesson Pricing
30 minutes - £30
Great for beginners and younger pupils around primary school age who are looking for a weekly slot. This is a perfect length for building solid drumming foundations.
45 minute - £35
Ideal for pupils of secondary school age and upwards; having a bit more time to focus on the specific needs of each pupil will really help older pupils reach their potential.
60 minute - £40
Perfect for teenager and adult pupils who want to get the most out of the lesson. An hour lesson works well for pupils with specific questions and topics they want to work on. You can get a lot done in one hour!
120 minute - £75
Semi-professional and professional musicians may prefer to have longer, one-off lessons, where Tom can analyse areas for them to work on. Even longer sessions are available so so get in touch with Tom for a bespoke price.
To book a drum lesson, or to find out some more information about Tom’s drum teaching, just hit the button below.