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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 arm rests of his mother's precious sofa. Drumming went on to become Gary's sole lifetime occupation, beginning his professional career as both performer and educator in 1989.
Drumming has taken Gary throughout Europe to perform. He's played at extraordinarily memorable gigs—such as events hosted by the Renault Formula One team—and at the stunning Blenheim Palace. Gary performs at drum clinics and promotional sessions for The Zildjian Cymbal Company, who have endorsed him since 1994. He also enjoys a long-standing relationship with Sonor Drums. Performing highlights include working with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and at a family event for Ringo Starr.
Gary's students have included racing drivers, surgeons, artists, chefs, journalists, and accountants, as well as countless students at school and university. While many enjoy drumming just for fun, some have gained entry into institutions such as the Bristol Institute of Modern Music and the Academy of Contemporary Music. Others have played at Fairport's Cropredy Convention and the Cornbury Festival. In 2000, one of Gary's students reached the first-ever national final of Young Drummer Of The Year—the last 10 of more than 400 entrants.
Among Gary's many students is Christian Horner, Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, who turned to Gary to refine 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
Yes, proper grip and stick control matter. But Gary's focus is always on music first. It's 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 you actually want to play.
Discipline & Joy
Progress takes practice—there's no way around it. But lessons should be something you look forward to. Gary balances structured work with creative play, pushing you forward while keeping it 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, Academy of Contemporary Music, and other leading colleges
Performances at major UK festivals including Cropredy and Cornbury
Student reached top 10 in Young Drummer of the Year from over 400 entrants
Students now studying at conservatoires and performing professionally
Students performing in professional bands, orchestras, and session work
Consistently high exam results and outstanding performance achievements
Endorsed By
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.
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 better band member.
Real Progress & Enjoyment
Exam success. Music college offers. Festival performances. Or simply the joy of playing something you love. Gary's students achieve their goals—whatever those goals might be.
For Young Learners & Teens
Building solid fundamentals while keeping it fun and engaging. From first lesson onwards, 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. Many 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 (all boards, all levels)
- • 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
Preparing for auditions, conservatoire entry, or a professional career? Gary's been a working musician for over thirty years. He knows exactly 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
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
Contact Gary directly to arrange payment and delivery
"Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy learning to drum. This is going to be such an amazing journey!"
What's Covered
- ✓Technique, timing, and coordination
- ✓Reading notation and sight-reading
- ✓Styles across rock, jazz, funk, pop, 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 Cropredy, North Oxfordshire. High-quality drum kits, practice pads, and equipment provided. Comfortable, focused environment designed for learning.
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 session
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
There's something magical about watching a class of thirty students—some confident, some painfully shy—all lock into a rhythm together. Suddenly everyone's contributing, everyone's important, and everyone's having a genuinely good time. Teachers regularly tell Gary it's the highlight of their term. Works for any age group, from primary through to sixth form, and scales to any class size.
- • Builds coordination, focus, and motor skills
- • Confidence through creative expression and achievement
- • Teaches listening, collaboration, and group work
- • Links to music, PSHE, and wellbeing curriculum
Corporate Team Building
Forget trust falls and awkward icebreakers. Hand people drumsticks and watch what happens. Barriers come down. Departments that never speak start communicating. Someone from accounts discovers they've got rhythm. By the end of the session, your team has created something together, laughed a lot, and actually bonded. Gary's worked with everyone from small startups to major corporates—it works because rhythm is universal and drums are fun.
- • Genuine communication and collaboration practice
- • Memorable, engaging, and surprisingly effective
- • Completely inclusive—zero musical experience required
- • Perfect for away days, conferences, and celebrations
Community Groups
Youth clubs, care homes, community centres, festivals—drumming works everywhere because rhythm is universal. Gary's run sessions with groups of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and he tailors each one to fit. Sometimes it's gentle and therapeutic, other times high-energy and celebratory. Always inclusive, always uplifting, and always focused on bringing people together through music.
- • Social connection, wellbeing, and shared achievement
- • Stress relief and joy through rhythm and movement
- • Fully adaptable to any ability or accessibility need
- • Works for one-off events or ongoing programmes
How It Works
Get in Touch
Tell Gary about your group and what you're hoping to achieve
Custom Design
He tailors the session to your goals, space, and group dynamics
Everyone Participates
No observers. No musical experience needed. Just engagement.
Leave Energized
Groups finish smiling, connected, and often a bit surprised at themselves
Flexible packages for schools, corporates, and community groups
What Students Say
Real outcomes from real people.
My son started lessons at seven. Four years on, his confidence and discipline have grown remarkably. Gary's been brilliant with him.
— Sarah K.
Parent of Young StudentGet 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.