Ninja Drummist - Free Drum Lessons

Official web site of session drummer / teacher Lewis Partridge.

Private Drum Lessons and Tuition (Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Flitwick, Harlington, Bedford and Bedfordshire):

If you are thinking of taking up drumming and need any help or advice, would like to book some lessons, or have any questions at all, please email me at lewis@ninjadrummist.com.

I'm a drummer and teacher from the Luton area in the UK. I currently teach within Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Flitwick, Harlington and Bedford. I am available week days and some weekends (gigs permitting).

I have been playing for 23 years (since I was 3 years old), I have Grade 8 Drum Kit (High Honours), I am fully CRB checked and have been teaching for 8 years.

I teach all ages, abilities and styles, without prejudice. I can help beginners to quickly and easily understand rhythm, coordination and technique and get you playing your first beats (usually within the first 10 minutes of your first lesson). Perhaps you are a more advanced player and have developed a few bad habits you would like to eradicate? I can help to retrain and get you working efficiently and comfortably.

I have a great wealth of teaching materials including many great book titles that have been recommended by great drummers and teachers all over the world. I am also currently writing my own instructional drum book.

My teaching style is professional, friendly and straight forward. I am very patient and enthusiastic about drumming, music and helping others achieve their full musical potential. I take great pride in all of my students and their achievements.

Lessons are usually conducted on a one to one basis but I also have experience in teaching larger classes, clinics and workshops.

Drumming Elements Covered:

I teach and demonstrate many techniques and styles. Here is a quick overview of a few of the many elements of drumming and percussion I can help you with:

Hand Techniques (Formal and Informal):

Free Strokes
Controlled Strokes
Finger Control
Moeller Technique
Freehand Technique
As well as lesser known techniques such as:
1. Valving Technique
2. The Three Bomb

Stick Grips:

American Grip
German Grip
French Grip
Traditional Grip
Timpani Grip

Foot Techniques:

Heel Down
Heel Up
Slide Technique
Heel-Toe Technique
Hi Hat Techniques
Left Foot Clave
Double Pedal Setups
Plus my own creation:
1. The Jumping Technique

Coordination and Stylistic Studies:

Rock / Metal
Pop
Dance
Funk
Soul
RnB
Gospel / Church Drumming
Drum n Bass
Jazz Coordination
Latin and World Rhythms (Clave, Cascara etc)
Open Handed Technique
Advanced Coordination Studies

Snare Drum and Rudimental Drumming:

All 40 PAS Rudiments (and many others)
Hybrid Rudiments
Formal and informal Execution
Accenting Possibilities
Exercises for Development of Execution
Applying Rudiments to the Drum Kit

Music and Theory:

Learn to Read Music and Charts
Gain Confidence with a Metronome or "Click Track"
Learn to Play "Musically"
Understand Song Structure and Dynamics
Respond and Communicate with Other Musicians
Learn to Play in Odd Time Signatures
Tuned Percussion Studies

Drumming History:

Marching Percussion History and Development
History of The Drum Kit

As well as The Drum kit, I also have experience in teaching Tuned / Orchestral, World (Hand Drums etc) and Marching Band Percussion.

I can help you to ensure that your body works naturally and efficiently when playing the drums. I have many exercises to help you to develop technique, speed, power, endurance, touch, taste, knowledge and listening skills. I have also conducted extensive research into drumming related injuries and how to avoid them.

Trinity / Guildhall Drum Kit Examinations:

I have many years of experience in both teaching and attending Trinity Guildhall Examinations. I have taught grades 1 - 8 and have a very high pass rate, standard and reputation.

I highly recommend taking these examinations as the standard required for each grade is great for motivating students. You will also learn a great variety of styles, techniques and music theory. They are essential in "proving" your abilities and are a great qualification to have in the music industry.

However, examinations are not for everyone and I only enter students for examinations as per the student's request.

Drum Clinics and Workshops:

In addition to private one to one tuition, I am also available for Drum Clinics and Workshops. Please visit the *clinics and workshops page* for information on events near you. Please get in contact if you would like to book me for a clinic or workshop.