Learn Drums at The Song School
Find your rhythm.
Drums are the heartbeat of any band — and there's nothing quite like the feeling of sitting behind a kit. We coach drums the way young people learn best: strong foundations, lots of playing together, and supportive music tech (like simple beat-building tools) that makes practice feel achievable. Alongside learning the fundamentals, young people will build the skills that modern drummers actually use: rock-solid timing, playing with others, and using simple tools to practise, create and stay motivated.
It’s still The Song School: warm, inclusive, confidence-building — with a structure that works brilliantly for neurodivergent young people too.
What They'll Learn
In our drum sessions, participants will:
Get to know the kit - understanding each part and how it all fits together
Build rhythm and timing - the real foundation of great drumming
Develop coordination, technique and control - step-by-step at their pace
Learn grooves and patterns that show up in real songs
Play together - listening, taking turns, leading and following
Use supportive tech to level up practice and support composition/songwriting - e.g. playing along with loops / building simple beats to drum to (No prior tech experience needed — we keep it simple and musical.)
Grow confidence, communication and teamwork in a friendly group environment
Join a band - when they're ready, we encourage drummers to join one of our house bands and learn to play as part of a group
All experience levels - complete beginners to improvers.
How It Works
Weekly session — A predictable, supportive weekly session designed to help participants progress fast - without pressure.
What to expect
Clear routines and calm facilitation
Small steps, lots of repetition (in a good way)
Clear roles and “what happens next” signposting
A welcoming space for neurodivergent young people
Why we coach drums this way
A lot of young people love drums, but traditional lessons can sometimes miss what keeps them engaged long-term: playing with others, creating their own ideas, and feeling successful quickly.
Our approach combines the fundamentals with future-focused skills — so young people don’t just learn patterns, they learn how to be a drummer in today’s musical world: keeping time, locking in with a band, and using simple tech that make practice more fun and more effective.
Meet Your Coach
Jacob is our resident drum coach.
Jacob is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist and composer. He has played for many varied projects spanning genres from rock and jazz to folk and funk. Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to push their skills further, Jacob tailors each session to where they are.
FAQs
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Not necessarily. A practice pad (or even a pillow!) and sticks is a great start (and much quieter). We can advise on what to buy if you want to build up over time.
We’ll always give a clear ‘what to practise this week’ so home practice doesn’t become a battle.
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No — this is a drumming class. We use supportive music tech (like beat-making and loops and other drum based tech) to help young people practise and create, but the focus is always on rhythm.
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From 7 years up to young adult.
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Yes and improvers - particularly those without experience using supportive tech
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Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
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Yes - once they're ready, we encourage drummers to get in front of an audience. We offer a number of gig opportunities such as Drop the Mic! - our regular open mic at The Fickle Pickle, and The Next Wave - our annual gig at Chinnerys.
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Ages 7–10, 45 mins: £30 per month
Ages 11-13/14+, 1.5 hours: £45 per month
Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.
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Yes - spaces are limited, therefore we offer 1:1 coaching to those already attending our group sessions, when spaces become available.
Book a free trial
Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
How to register
Select the appropriate age group for your child
Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial
Complete the short induction form
Click 'Sign Up'
You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.
Can't find a session for your child?
If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.