When I was a lad my dad always told me: if you find you’ve got a talent in life, you’d be daft to waste it. Use it and better still, try to pass it on.
“The encouragement I have been given is tremendous, and I feel that soon I will have the confidence to do the "Guest spot" I have been promised by some drummie mates of mine in their Tribute Band” (Karen Kingswell)
Drumming is my passion. I’ve loved it for over 30 years and now I love helping other people discover a love of drumming too.
I don’t believe in a generic approach to teaching – I never have. For me, drumming is about total escapism but for you, it might be something different. That’s cool. Whatever motivates you to pick up those sticks is what we’ll focus on.
“Because Aid demonstrates new skills, I find it easy to move quickly through the individual programme he sets me. The lessons are personalised as he listens to what it is you want to develop.” (Michelle Comporte)
My lessons are completely about you. Maybe you just want to let your hair down and let off some steam? Or, maybe you’ve got serious ambitions to be in a band. That’s fine. I’ve got over 30 years of drumming experience to pass on. How you use it is totally up to you.
All of my students are different. They’re all individual characters (thank goodness!) They have different abilities, like different styles of music and range in ages from 7 to 63.
Some of my students simply want to improve their timing, rhythmic vocabulary and speed (especially the rock lovers amongst them!). Some are preparing for music college or want to pass their graded exams. Some of them, believe it or not, don’t have a specific reason. They simply love nothing more than the adrenalin rush of bashing out their favourite beats – it’s a great escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life!
Wherever you want to go I can help you get there. My lessons don’t come in ‘one size’ fits all. They’re tailored for you as an individual.
Everyone’s different and I’d like it to stay that way!
I’ve intentionally steered clear of this section reading like a CV because to me, drumming is my life, not just a job! And, at the end of the day, my lessons aren’t about the drumming I’ve done in the past; they’re about the kind of drummer you’d like to be in the future.
That said, it’s probably quite important for you to know at least a little bit about the experience I’ve had and, there’s plenty to tell. I’ve spent the best part of my life behind a drum kit playing most genres you could think of and with some of the best names in the business.
There’s an old saying: Those that can, do and those that can’t, teach.
You’ll be pleased to know it doesn’t apply to me. I definitely can and I still do!
I started drumming over three decades ago (when I was knee high to a hi-hat!). I joined my first band at the tender age of 14 and I’m still a working musician to this day. I couldn’t imagine having it any other way.
I’ve played all over the UK and abroad, appeared on a number of radio shows (including with the great John Peel on Radio 1); appeared on recordings with bands from each corner of the musical spectrum: from ‘The Beautiful South’ to ‘Everything But The Girl’; and even recently appeared on stage with the great Billy Cobham himself.
You don’t need much else to get started. I’ll provide use of a drum kit and some excellent books during your lesson. I’ll also provide something pretty important: patient guidance, support and most importantly, enjoyment.
I still get a tremendous kick out of drumming – it’s the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done, so, for me, there’s no reason why learning to play shouldn’t be fun too.
It doesn’t really matter how old you are or what experience you’ve had – if you’d like to learn, I’d love to be the one to teach you.
“Aid is also really patient which really helps when you’re feeling frustrated! (He lets you bash his cymbals really loudly!). I thoroughly enjoy my drumming lessons and recommend that everyone does it!'” (Michelle Comporte)
Your first lesson is absolutely free and there’s no obligation to sign up for further lessons!
If you like what you see after your free taster I charge £25 for a one hour lesson (about the cost of a couple of rounds at the bar, or a trip to the cinema these days!)
If you like the sound of me and you like the sound of drums even more what are you waiting for? Whether you’re learning the drums from scratch or just improving the skills you already have I’d love to hear from you so get in touch. I’m always available to answer any questions you may have and remember, your first lesson is absolutely free and without any obligation - so why not come along and see what we can do?
Give me a call on 07515 658990 or email me at aidy@drumaid.co.uk
Lessons are at my studio in Bitterne, Southampton. I'm just off Junction 7 of the M27 so I'm easy to get to from anywhere in Hampshire and the surrounding area, including Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Winchester, Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth.
Don't hesitate to give me a call on 07515 658990 or email me at aidy@drumaid.co.uk
Adrian Gill Drum Lessons and drum tuition. Copyright © 2009. All photographs © 2009 Brian Mould.