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Drum Lessons & Workshops in North Oxfordshire
with Gary Marshall - Professional Drum Teacher in North Oxfordshire
With over 30 years of professional experience, Gary Marshall helps students of all ages develop confidence, creativity, and real musical skill through expert drum tuition.
From the first beat to the main stage - every drummer starts somewhere.
First lesson is free. No obligation.
Trusted by students, schools, and professional musicians across Oxfordshire.
From Stage to Studio
Drums were a passion from Gary's early childhood. He received his first full drum kit aged 15 to prevent any further wear and tear on the armrests of his mother's precious sofa.
Drumming became his sole lifetime occupation. Beginning as both performer and educator in 1989, he has performed throughout Europe at venues including Blenheim Palace and events hosted by the Renault Formula One team.
Gary has been endorsed by The Zildjian Cymbal Company since 1994. He performs at their drum clinics and promotional sessions, and maintains a long-standing relationship with Sonor Drums.
Performing highlights include sessions with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a family event for Ringo Starr.
His students range from hobbyists to professionals. They include racing drivers, surgeons, artists, chefs, journalists, and accountants.
Some students pursue music professionally, gaining entry to leading institutions or performing at major UK festivals. Others simply enjoy the creative outlet and confidence that comes from learning a new skill.
Among Gary's students is Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing Formula One, who studied with Gary to develop his drumming skills.
Recognition
Zildjian 30th Anniversary Certificate
In recognition of being a valued artist in the Zildjian Family, Gary received this special certificate commemorating 30 years of partnership with The Zildjian Cymbal Company.
This honour reflects decades of dedication to drumming excellence and Gary's longstanding relationship with one of the most prestigious names in percussion.
How Gary Teaches
Technique & Musicality
Proper grip and stick control matter. Gary's focus is always on music first. It is about feel, timing, dynamics, and expression. Learning to make the drums speak, not just sound.
Reading & Rhythm
Being able to read music opens doors to exam success, band work, and musical freedom. Gary makes notation accessible and relevant, connecting theory to the songs students actually want to play.
Discipline & Joy
Progress takes practice. There is no way around it. Lessons should be something students look forward to. Gary balances structured work with creative play, pushing students forward while keeping lessons enjoyable.
Learning Can Be Fun
A lighthearted illustration capturing Gary's philosophy that learning should be enjoyable, no matter your age.
Where Students Go
Students accepted to BIMM Institute (British and Irish Modern Music Institute), Academy of Contemporary Music, and other leading UK music colleges
Students reached the top 10 in Young Drummer of the Year from over 400 entrants
Students performing in professional bands and session work
Performances at major UK festivals including Cropredy and Cornbury
Former students now working as professional musicians
Proud to use and endorse
Drum Lessons
After decades of performing and teaching, Gary knows that great drumming isn't just about technique. It's about confidence, musical understanding, and genuine enjoyment.
Whether you're seven or seventy, complete beginner or advanced player, lessons are tailored to you and what you want to achieve.
Some students want exam success. Others just want to play their favourite songs or join a band. A few are preparing for music college or professional work. All are welcome, and every lesson is shaped around the individual.
What You'll Actually Gain
Confidence & Coordination
Shy students find their voice. Uncoordinated students discover rhythm they didn't know they had. The discipline and focus you build at the kit carries into everything else you do.
Musical Understanding
Better timing and feel. Improved reading and sight-reading. An understanding of how music works that makes you a better player and a stronger band member.
Real Progress & Enjoyment
Exam success. Music college offers. Festival performances. Or simply the joy of playing something you love. Gary's students work towards their goals, whatever those goals might be.
For Young Learners & Teens
Building solid fundamentals while keeping it fun and engaging. Gary knows how to nurture young talent without pressure or boredom. His students develop discipline, coordination, and genuine confidence, skills that help in every area of life. Some have gone on to music colleges, festivals, and professional performance. Parents often comment on how drumming has transformed their child's focus and self-belief.
- • Patient, encouraging approach that builds confidence
- • Exam preparation
- • Balance of technical work and songs they enjoy
- • Guidance on performance and next steps
For Adult Returners & Beginners
Maybe you played years ago and life got in the way. Or maybe you've always wanted to try but never had the chance. Either way, you're welcome here. Gary works with plenty of adults, some looking for stress relief, others wanting to finally join that band, a few just enjoying the creative outlet. No judgment, no rush. Within weeks you'll remember (or discover) why drumming feels so good. It's excellent therapy, and you might surprise yourself with how quickly it comes back.
- • Relaxed, adult-focused teaching style
- • Flexible goals and realistic pacing
- • Play the music you actually want to play
- • Band-ready skills and practical musicianship
For Serious Students
If you're preparing for auditions or a professional career, Gary has been a working musician for over thirty years. He knows what examiners, tutors, and bandleaders are looking for, because he's worked with them all. Expect honest feedback, structured practice plans, and real-world preparation. His students have gone on to BIMM, ACM, and professional performance careers. If you're serious about drumming, this is where you need to be.
- • Advanced technique, reading, and musicianship
- • Audition preparation and portfolio development
- • Industry insight and professional mentorship
- • Performance psychology and career guidance
So much of how far I've come is down to Gary's dedication, approach, determination and pure enthusiasm for the instrument.
Lesson Options & Pricing
Flexible options for beginners, adult returners, and serious students.
Pay-as-you-go
Most students start here
Tailored 1-to-1 tuition focused on your goals
Perfect for flexible scheduling or trying out lessons without long-term commitment.
Book a free intro lesson to get started →Lesson Packs
Notes:
Ideal for committed students, graded exam pathways, or ongoing tuition. Contact Gary to discuss options.
Give the Gift of Rhythm
Know someone who'd love to learn drums? A Fun When You Drum lesson voucher is a creative, inspired gift that lasts far beyond the wrapping paper.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Birthdays, Christmas, graduations, retirement, or just because
Beautiful Digital Voucher
Professional voucher delivered via email with your personal message
12 Months Validity
Plenty of time to schedule and enjoy the lessons
All vouchers are arranged personally by Gary to ensure the right fit for the student and schedule.
Custom amounts available on request
"Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy learning to drum. This is going to be such an amazing journey!"
Lessons must be scheduled within 12 months.
Drum lesson gift vouchers available across North Oxfordshire.
What's Covered
- ✓Technique, timing, and coordination
- ✓Reading notation and sight reading
- ✓Styles including rock, jazz, funk, pop, and blues
- ✓Exam preparation (all boards and levels)
- ✓Improvisation and creative expression
- ✓Playing to a click
- ✓Band skills: listening, dynamics, arrangement
- ✓Set work, performance pieces, and repertoire
The Details
Location
Professional teaching studio in North Oxfordshire. High-quality drum kits, practice pads, and equipment provided. Comfortable, focused environment designed for learning.
Serving students across North Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
Approach
Every student is different. Lessons are tailored to your goals, pace, and learning style.
Structured when you need it.
Flexible when life gets busy.
Always supportive.
First Lesson Free
Intro sessions are complimentary. Come meet Gary, try the kit, and see if it's a good fit. No pressure. No obligation.
Get in touch to discuss your goals and arrange your first drum lesson.
Fun When You Drum! Workshops
Rhythm brings people together in ways that surprise everyone. Gary's workshops aren't lectures. They're hands-on experiences where shy students find their voice, colleagues discover they can actually communicate, and groups leave energised, smiling, and connected. No musical experience required. Just turn up and drum.
Schools & Education
Watching thirty students, confident and shy alike, lock into rhythm together is genuinely special. Everyone contributes, everyone matters, and everyone has fun. Teachers regularly say it's the highlight of their term. Works for any age, from primary through to sixth form.
- • Develops coordination, focus, and motor skills
- • Builds confidence through creative expression
- • Strengthens listening, teamwork, and collaboration
- • Connects to music, PSHE, and wellbeing goals
Corporate Team Building
Hand people drumsticks and barriers come down. Departments that never speak start communicating. By session's end, your team has created something together, laughed properly, and bonded for real. Works because rhythm is universal and drums are fun.
- • Strengthens communication and real collaboration
- • Creates memorable, engaging team experiences
- • Fully inclusive, zero musical experience required
- • Ideal for away days, conferences, and celebrations
Community Groups
Drumming works everywhere because rhythm is universal. Gary runs sessions for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, tailoring each one to fit. Sometimes gentle and therapeutic, other times high-energy and celebratory. Always inclusive, uplifting, and focused on bringing people together.
- • Strengthens social connection and wellbeing
- • Delivers stress relief and joy through rhythm
- • Fully adaptable to any ability or accessibility need
- • Works for one-off events or ongoing programmes
How It Works
Get in Touch
Share your group details and what you'd like to achieve
Custom Design
Gary designs the session around your needs and space
Everyone Participates
Everyone joins in. No experience needed, just participation.
Leave Energised
Your group leaves smiling, connected, and genuinely energised.
Suitable for schools, businesses, and community groups of any size
What Students & Professionals Say
Real outcomes and real endorsements.
Professional Endorsements
Good grooving, very solid, great stuff. Listen to this man. Gary knows what he's talking about.
Dave Mattacks
Paul McCartney / George Harrison / Elton John / XTC / Jethro Tull / Fairport Convention
Gary, your students are in safe hands studying with you.
Neal Wilkinson
Van Morrison / Joan Armatrading / James Morrison / Paul McCartney / Touring & Recording Artist
Student Testimonials
Started learning with Fun When You Drum aged 10 without a clue what I was doing. Gary's enthusiasm, patience and extensive knowledge laid the foundation for me to embark on a career as a professional musician. I'll always be grateful for Gary's approach and effort, and couldn't recommend him highly enough.
— Joe Nicklin
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about drum lessons in Banbury and North Oxfordshire
Do I need my own drum kit to start lessons?
No. Gary's teaching studio is equipped with professional drum kits and practice pads. You can start learning without any equipment at home. As you progress, Gary will advise on what to practice with and when it makes sense to invest in your own kit or practice pad.
What areas does Gary Marshall cover in Oxfordshire?
Gary teaches from his professional studio in North Oxfordshire, easily accessible from Banbury, Cropredy, Brackley, Chipping Norton, and surrounding villages. Students travel from across Oxfordshire and neighbouring areas for lessons.
Is the first lesson really free?
Yes. Intro lessons are complimentary with no obligation to continue. This gives you and Gary a chance to meet, discuss your goals, try the drums, and see if it's a good fit. No pressure, no commitment required.
What ages do you teach?
Gary teaches all ages, from young children to adults. Whether you're seven or seventy, complete beginner or returning player, you're welcome. Lessons are tailored to suit your age, ability, and goals.
Can you help with exam preparation?
Absolutely. Gary has extensive experience preparing students for drum exams across all boards and levels. Many students have achieved distinction grades and gone on to music colleges including BIMM and ACM.
How much do drum lessons cost in Banbury?
One hour lessons are £50, and half hour lessons are £25. Your first intro lesson is free. Lesson packs are available by enquiry for committed students. All lessons are 1-to-1 and tailored to your specific goals.
Are drum workshops available for schools and groups?
Yes. Gary runs Fun When You Drum workshops for schools, businesses, and community groups of all sizes. Sessions are fully inclusive, require no musical experience, and are tailored to your group and objectives. Contact Gary to discuss your requirements.
What makes Gary Marshall different from other drum teachers?
Gary is a professional working musician with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. He's been endorsed by Zildjian Cymbals since 1994 and has worked with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. His students have achieved music college placements, festival performances, and professional careers. Gary teaches from real-world experience, not just textbooks.
Get In Touch
Questions? Ready to book? Gary responds personally to every enquiry, usually within 24 hours.
Contact Information
Personal Response
No automated replies or assistants. Gary reads and responds to every message himself. Whether you're curious about lessons, planning a workshop, or just have questions, reach out.