www.drumstyle.co.uk

Welcome to DRUMSTYLE DRUM KIT TUITION EXMOUTH (est 1989) incorporating the associated business EXMOUTH DRUM KIT TUITION (EXMOUTH DRUM SCHOOL).

Tel: 01395 275839 (9am-8.30pm Monday to Saturday).
Email: (non urgent messages) via the "contact" button.

DRUMSTYLE was founded by professional drummer, tutor and drumming author JIM FERRIS in 1989 and offers individual drum kit lessons at a studio located in EXMOUTH, East Devon, U.K.
Former pupils have worked with (amongst others);
KYLIE MINOGUE, GIRLS ALOUD, SIR TOM JONES, LEONA LEWIS, JAMES BLUNT, OLLY MURS, HURTS, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, JLS, PIXIE LOTT, THE SATURDAYS, two appearances on the ROYAL VARIETY SHOW, WEMBLEY STADIUM, one has toured CHINA, another has appeared at GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL. Others have appeared on RADIO ONE and RADIO TWO sessions.
Jim also has a 100% PUPIL PASS RECORD for NATIONAL DRUM KIT EXAMINATIONS, all but two passed at "MERIT","HONOURS" or "HIGH HONOURS"/ "DISTINCTION" levels. Also, four pupils (out of a total of four entered) have previously won through to the semi final stages of "The U.K. Young Drummer of the Year" competition. Each year an average of 400 young drummers from all across the U.K. compete for the title.

***SEE JIM TEACHING ON YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLO2FI3ip9U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0HKGXlTMVY&feature=related

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

***WHERE EXACTLY IS THE TEACHING STUDIO?
It is located in the Woodbury Park area of EXMOUTH adjacent to the edge of Woodbury Common and is only 15 minutes drive from EXETER motorway services via the village of Woodbury.
The full address is listed at the very bottom of the web page.

***MAP DIRECTIONS TO THE TEACHING STUDIO;
http://www.aardvarkmap.net/mape/8HI9BJT2


***HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
£14.00. The fee is based on nationally recommended rates for professional tuition.
Lessons are 30 minutes in length and are always given on a one to one basis using an Alesis DM8 Pro electronic drum kit which features real drum heads and is played through a Roland PM10 amplifier/speaker system.
Lessons are taken weekly with approximately 12 weeks of holiday built into each calendar year. The holiday dates are timed loosely around the Exmouth Community College school holidays.

***WHEN DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE?
Lessons are available five days a week, Monday to Thursday (afternoons and evenings) and then also on Saturday mornings.

***I'VE ALREADY READ YOUR WEBSITE AND THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR FORMER PUPILS IS IMPRESSIVE BUT A LITTLE INTIMIDATING.
Please do not be put off at all. Absolute beginners are very very welcome and I do not expect everybody to be aiming to be a top professional player either. Everyone is different and some people only want to be good enough to play along to c.d.'s on their own at home and not even to get into a local band. That is perfectly fine with me, I only ask that all of my pupils take full advantage of their lessons by practising adequately each week so as to ensure good steady progress.

*** IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE THAT YOU ARE PREPARED TO TEACH?
Pupils need to be at least TEN years of age to commence their tuition.
The minimum age of ten years has been set to ensure that a young drum student does not embark on tuition before they have physically and mentally developed enough to take full advantage of their lessons.

Please note that Jim is fully "enhanced disclosure C.R.B checked" and approved to work within the Devon County Council Schools Service. The most recent approval certificate is dated 29/09/2010.

*** DO YOU TEACH GIRLS / LADIES?
Of course I do. I understand that the drum kit is still seen as a male dominated instrument but I can tell you that some of my most successful pupils have been female.

***COULD I BE TOO OLD TO START TUITION?
It is unlikely, pupils have started in their fifties and even sixties though it is true to say that adults should try to be confident that they can spare the time to practise regularly between lessons, before they commence the tuition. Adults do sometimes struggle to find enough practice time each week.

***I'M LEFT HANDED, DOES THAT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE?
The answer to that is both yes and no. A good proportion of my most succesful pupils are left handed, BUT they are all taught on a right handed kit set up, as right handed players. There are two reasons for this, firstly it would be impractical to rearrange the kit for one lesson and secondly, like many drum teachers, I think it is in the interests of the pupil to be able to get on anybody's kit and play. You will not be able to do that if you can only play with the kit set left handed.
In over 20 years as a professional tutor I cannot remember one left handed pupil who has failed, or been severely hindered by, having to play the kit right handed.

***HOW MUCH PRACTISE TIME WOULD I NEED TO FIND EACH WEEK?
I ask my pupils to be prepared to practise a minimum of four times a week for twenty minutes per occasion, on the work I have set for them. However it will not always take that long to achieve the work set for you. Of course though, the more time you regularly spend practising, the quicker you will improve.

***CAN I JUST HAVE ONE LESSON TO SEE IF I LIKE IT?
Most definitely, that is the preferred way although it will not be possible to tell if you will succeed after just one lesson (or two or three for that matter). Your chances of success with the instrument will be largely down to how much you practise and how well you absorb the advice given to you during the lessons.
PLEASE NOTE that if you do have a one off "try out" lesson, it is NOT a free lesson.

*** DO YOU DO "ONE OFF" LESSONS FOR BIRTHDAY/CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?
Sorry no, not unless the intention is to go on and have further regular tuition, subject to the pupil enjoying the first lesson of course.

***WILL I LEARN HOW TO READ DRUM MUSIC?
Yes you will. Many new pupils fear this part, but they quickly gain their confidence when they realise it is nowhere near as difficult to master as they thought it would be. Being able to read drum music will give you many advantages.

***WILL I HAVE TO TAKE DRUMMING EXAMS?
No, but each tutor book does have two summary pieces at the end which checks that you have understood and can cope with, the contents of the book and pupils are issued with a certificate when they have succesfully completed each level. Pupils who reach the end of the Level Four tutor book should be able to cope with a Grade 8 external examination if they wished to do so.

***DOES JIM PREPARE PUPILS FOR EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS?
Yes. If you do wish to take an external examination, Jim is very happy to prepare you for the widely respected "Rock School" syllabus.
Jim has a 100% pupil pass rate maintained over many years of entering pupils for national examinations. All but two pupils have passed at the enhanced "merit", "honours" or "high honours"/"distinction" levels.

***PLAYING A DRUM KIT IN THE HOUSE WILL BE VERY NOISY WON'T IT?
It does not have to be. A drum kit and its cymbals can easily be fitted with sound reducing practice pads and dampers which considerably reduce the level of sound produced. It would cost you around £40 to fit out the whole kit.
Alternatively there are electronic drum kits of course. These are becoming evermore popular for home practise as they can be played through headphones, making them almost silent to others.

***ARE DRUM KITS EXPENSIVE TO BUY?
A reasonable starter level acoustic kit with very basic quality cymbals and also sound deadening pads, can be purchased new for aproximately £275. Professional drummers would pay upwards of £2,000 for their kit so £275 is very modest in comparison.
Electronic kits start at around £250 for beginner models that are of a (just about) acceptable quality.

***HOW SOON WOULD I NEED TO OWN MY OWN KIT?
Assuming you do not have good access to one at a school or wherever, it is recommended that you get your own kit within a month or so of commencing your tuition. You cannot take full advantage of the tuition if you do not have a kit to practise on between lessons. Jim is happy to advise pupils / parents on a suitable purchase.

*** DO PUPILS TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TO ATTEND LESSONS?
I have to say that I do try to discourage that. Experience tells me that if pupils live more than 15 miles away, the travelling will eventually become a problem for them.

***TELL ME MORE ABOUT JIM FERRIS.
Jim was born in Coventry in 1955 and studied drumming for five years at the Coventry School of Music http://www.coventrycorpsofdrums.org.uk before embarking on commercial ventures at the age of fifteen. In 1970 he appeared at The Royal Albert Hall in London as a percussionist in the highest level of the finals of the World Brass Band Championships. It was suggested at the time that he was probably the youngest percussionist to have ever appeared at that level of competition. Jim again played at the Royal Albert Hall in the 90's.
During his playing career he has performed in many genres of music from Marching Band to Brass Bands to Rock Bands to Big Band Jazz and nearly everything in between. Jim has worked in theatres, cabaret clubs, seaside shows, open air stadium concerts, performed live and pre recorded radio broadcasts as well as freelance recording session work at studios in London, Coventry and the West Country. Jim has played for many t.v. personalities appearing at live shows in the South West and was the "1st call" drummer for A.J.'s JAZZ BIG BAND for 20 years, playing on four of the bands albums, two of them recorded in the bands hey day when the much respected founder and band leader Alan J. Hempstead was still in command.
All of this experience, gained over many years, leaves him ideally experienced to teach drumming to others.

***HOW DO I KNOW JIM FERRIS IS A GOOD TEACHER THOUGH?
Jim has taught drumming since he was eighteen years of age. He turned it into a full time professional career in the autumn of 1989. Jim taught drumming at schools across Devon and Somerset for many years including leading independant schools Blundells @ Tiverton and Queens College @ Taunton (where he was the tutor of drum kit for nineteen years).
Many new pupils are referred to him by local drummers, music teachers, present and former pupils. Jim has taught the children of many established local semi professional drummers, other professional musicians and music teachers, as well as teaching drumming to other music teachers themselves. He also taught drumming to the son of a Duke and Duchess for a while, but for the sake of confidentiality won't say who he was !!
In 1994 he began writing a series of tutor books named "The Mere Mortals Guide To Drumming". The tutor books now consist of four levels (plus a double pedals book) and all pupils are taught from these books. Pupils who succesfully reach the end of Level Four, often go on to take Grade 8 national examinations.
As detailed above, Jims pupils have consistantly achieved "merit", "honours" and "high honours"/ "distinction" passes in national music examinations right up to grade 8 "passed with high honours". Former pupil Mark Pusey is now a leading London session drummer with many t.v. appearances and recordings to his credit.
Four pupils (out of four entered) have won through to the semi final stage of the annual "U.K. Young Drummer of the Year Competition".

*** IS JIM WILLING TO GIVE FREE ADVICE?
In a word YES, he is very happy to help you if he can, send an email with details of your question. The FACEBOOK page; "drumstyle exmouth" is also used to pass on hints and tips to people new to drumming. Why not add the page to yours, as a friend?

***PAST AND PRESENT PUPILS INCLUDE;

**Mark Pusey....London sessions, KYLIE MINOGUE, GIRLS ALOUD, SIR TOM JONES, JAMES BLUNT, LEONA LEWIS, HURTS, OLLY MURS, THE SATURDAYS, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, EMINEM, JOHN BARROWMAN, PIXIE LOTT, B.B.C.'s T.O.T.P's plus many many other t.v. and artist video appearances and also Radio One live sessions, http://www.markpusey.co.uk

**Sarah Morgan....(grade 8 with honours) drummer for ROSIE and the GOLDBUG. Support band to the CYNDI LAUPER European Tour, Oct. & Nov. 2008.

**Matt Gillard....drummer for CAMBION http://video.metalonrock.tv/wizzfest/yourselftoblame.html

**Matt Freer....drummer for RESONATE, Radio One interview and sessions, LockJaw (indie) Records.

**James Bennetts....awarded "high honours" passes in both Grade 6 and 8 drum kit examinations. James toured China with a band in the autumn of 2006.

**Stuart Archer....drummer for "Picture Books in Winter" Glastonbury 2008 appearance and Radio 1 http://www.myspace.com/picturebooksinwinter

**Stuart Martin.... kit drummer for highly successful functions band "LIMITED COMPANY" http://www.limitedcompanyband.co.uk. Stuart was awarded a Grade 6 qualification with "honours".

**Ben Mc Cabe....semi finalist in the "U.K. Young Drummer of the Year Competition". Ben was also awarded an "honours" pass at Grade 8.

**George Woodward....semi finalist "U.K. Young Drummer of the Year 2009". George was also awarded a Grade 8 in 2009 at the age of 16.

**Drew McGilchrist....semi finalist "U.K. Young Drummer of the Year 2009". Drew has also, since the completion of his lessons, been awarded a Grade 8 "passed with distinction".

**James Keefe (aged only 15) was awarded an "honours" pass @ Grade 8 drum kit.

**Pete Darke..... went on to succesfully study for a degree in music and is currently drumming on cruise ships sailing out of the U.S.A and travelling the world!

**Lewis Phillips.....passed Grade 6 drum kit "with distinction" (2010) and Grade 8 drum kit "passed with high merit" (2011).

**Josh Pooley.....passed Grade 6 drum kit "with distinction" (2011)

**James Fuke.... semi finalist "U.K. Young Drummer of the Year" 2010 and 2011.

*Plus many more potential stars of the future!

*** PRESENT AND FORMER PUPILS HAVE ASSOCIATION WITH THE FOLLOWING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS:
* Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (senior and junior bands)
* West Exe College Big Band
* City of Exeter Railway Band.
* Queens College Taunton (junior, middle and senior school bands).
* Blundells School Tiverton (jazz band).
* Sidmouth Town Band (senior and junior bands)
* Sidmouth Community College Band.
* East Devon Wind Band.
* Lympstone Junior Band.
* Exeter Childrens Orchestra.
* Exeter College Big Band.
* Exmouth Town Band.
* Taunton Concert Band.
* Tiverton Town Band.
* Exmouth Community College Jazz Band (senior and junior bands).
* Exeter Battle Of The Bands winners (2002) "Nookie".
* Exeter Battle of The Bands winners (2004) "Supenik".
* Many other Battle of the Bands winners (2005 to the present day).
* Many local working Pop and Rock Bands....... far too many to list here!
* Plus other school bands and orchestras across Devon and Somerset.

***TO BOOK A LESSON OR TO ASK FURTHER QUESTIONS;
Please telephone 01395 275839 between 9am and 8.30pm Mondays to Fridays or 9am till 5pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, email non urgent messages via the "contact" button.

***IS JIM AVAILABLE TO PLAY WITH BANDS?
Yes indeed, there seems to be an assumption that I am always busy but there are plenty of dates available that I am willing and keen to play with bands. Please get in touch with details.

*** JOIN US ON FACEBOOK.
Search: "Drumstyle Exmouth" and recommend us to your drumming friends as well!

***OTHER USEFUL LINKS.
http://www.exmouthdrumschool.co.uk Drum kit tuition in Exmouth and Exeter.
http://www.futuredrumstars.co.uk Beginners help site provided by Jim Ferris
http://www.theexmouthmusicshop.co.uk Music shop in Exmouth
http://www.psstmusic.co.uk Music shop in Exmouth
http://www.professionaldrumteachersguild.com
http://www.drumdeal.co.uk Buy and sell drums
http://www.drumspace.co.uk Online drum shop
http://www.musiclodge.co.uk Online drum shop
http://www.grahamrusselldrums.com Online drum shop
http://www.guideeuro.net Europe web directory


*SEE VERY BOTTOM OF WEB PAGE FOR FULL CONTACT DETAILS*


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