The basic principals required to play drums are applicable to all styles. Whether you are into progressive rock or small group jazz, the fundamentals are the same. What one needs to address is the development of a facility that allows us to access all these different styles of playing. The Moeller technique, stick control and the ability to play with a relaxed posture form the foundation of Darren's teaching method. Much of Darren's material draws upon extensive study with some fantastic teachers including: Bob Armstrong, Dave Hassell, Ed Thigpen, Cliff Almond and Phil Maturano.

 

Drum lessons take place at Darren's state of the art facility, "The Music Den" in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Tuition is carried out on a weekly basis in either 30 or 60-minute sessions. For more advanced students, longer lesson times are available or as and when you feel you need one! Lessons are always backed up with musical examples either audio or visual and students are often recorded to highlight strengths and weaknesses in their performance, The ability to hear one's performance back instantly is incredibly important in the progress of a student, as it documents their real playing, not what they perceive their playing to be! Graded examinations are undertaken as they provide focus for the pupils in a set time frame, however, they are not approriate for every student and are only undertaken dependant on the student's specific needs. 

 

Darren is currently taking on students post Grade 8. However, if you are interested in studying drum kit at pre grade 8 level, please get in touch via the "Contact" page as Darren can accomodate you with one of his drum tutors based at "The Music Den" in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.