Working as a professional drummer in 2025
What first inspired you to become a drummer?
Inspiration can come in many forms. The first time I was inspired to play drums was in high school in 2002. While I knew that my uncle and cousin played the drums, I had never had the opportunity to play them myself. When I realized that I was the only person in the class who could perform the beat, I was instantly hooked. Over the years, my inspiration has continued to grow in different ways. For instance, ten years into my career, I discovered that my great-grandmother had also played the drums. Considering this was during the pre- and post-World War II era and that she was a woman playing the drums, I find that incredibly inspiring.
How did you get into teaching music to students?
I got into teaching out of necessity. I was looking for a way to start earning money from music. I had worked various jobs growing up and had grown tired of the typical 9-to-5 routine. I realized I could teach what I know and get paid for it. What started as a way to make a living quickly grew into a passion and eventually became a full-time career.
What methods do you use to plan out lessons?
I like to teach using a variety of resources. I use the Rockschool and Trinity syllabi as a guide since many of my students enjoy learning through the grading system. I also supplement lessons with my own material, drawing from previous tutors, my own YouTube videos, other drum books, and drum clinics I’ve attended. Additionally, I use Spotify to play along with songs during lessons.
My lessons are typically broken down into sections. I usually start with rudimental warm-ups, followed by exercises focused on technique, coordination, grooves, and other key elements. The lesson often ends with playing along to a song or learning a specific song part. I also give students something to work on for the next week or two, along with suggestions for drummers or videos they can check out.
How have you managed to get people engaged in what you are teaching them?
I’ve taught over 100 students, with thousands of hours of lessons. Many of my students have achieved Grade 8, and several have gone on to pursue higher education or play in their own bands. I believe I’ve engaged most of the people I’ve taught successfully. I’ve worked with students who have ADHD, Down syndrome, dyspraxia, and students of all ages, from 6 to 60+. I have a strong track record of student success, so I would say that I engage the majority of the people I teach.
What are some of the biggest difficulties you have faced so far when teaching a student, and how did you overcome these?
Teaching can present a variety of challenges. Some students are lethargic, while others are highly enthusiastic. One of the biggest challenges is teaching theory to students who struggle with numbers. As drummers, there comes a time when it’s important to understand the theory behind the music. While it’s not essential to learn theory, having a solid grasp of it makes learning much easier. I try to teach theory in a way that shows students how to read and write music visually, which helps them understand and engage more effectively.
Do you have any other advice?
My advice to aspiring musicians would be to practice as much as possible, even on the days when you don’t feel like it. Practice slowly, and always use a metronome. Study with the best tutors you can find and attend as many jam sessions as possible. Try to play in as many different band environments and musical genres as you can. If you get involved with management, make sure to have a contract in place. Even a basic contract will protect you if any issues arise, whether financial or creative.
To anyone looking to start teaching music, there are a few important things to consider. First, make sure you are thoroughly familiar with what you’re teaching. Teaching someone how to play an instrument will improve your own skills, but teaching and playing are two completely different things. Also, make sure you’re covered legally — you may want public liability insurance, and I recommend joining the Musicians’ Union.
I started with just one student and, over time, built my business. Advertise your services on as many free platforms as possible, such as local papers, forums, and flyers at local music spots. Set a competitive price — it’s okay to start by undercutting the competition, but eventually, you should charge appropriately for the value you’re providing. Remember, as a self-employed person, you don’t get holiday pay, pension benefits, or sick pay, so your rates should reflect that.
Teaching music is a specialized profession that requires dedication. Always maintain a positive attitude, be patient, and most importantly, remember that this is your job. Try to have fun and create lasting memories with your students. Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, and I am happy to do it for a living.
