Drum Lessons
Face-to-face drum lessons and online drum tuition, taught from a dedicated drum studio in Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk by a friendly, experienced, patient and qualified teacher.
Drum Tuition
Hello and welcome! My name is Jade Wren and I am a drummer of thirty plus years, a drum teacher, a performing musician with twenty years of experience and a songwriter. I have been teaching the drums to students in and around Sudbury, Suffolk for over twelve years. So if you have an interest in learning how to play the drums with a patient and experienced drum instructor, read on!
As a trans person you may have heard of me by my old name- David Owen, which some people, particularly past students, still use. I don't really mind what name and pronouns you use for me, so do not worry about this! I just want to talk about drums and music.
Click here to see my qualifications.
At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief that drummers should be musicians first and foremost. Over the years I have developed a very straightforward and unique approach to help my drum students understand all aspects of drumming and musicianship. I would like to share that with you! It is my aim to give you the skills and confidence behind the kit, help you develop musicality and understanding to interpret songs in your own way and be your own musician in any situation. These are skills that you can use at home, simply playing along to your favourite tracks and artists, at band practice, or even on stage, performing live to an audience!
I teach musicians of all skill levels, from beginners learning their first drum groove to advanced players looking for guidance to turn professional, from age five to adult.
Important aspects of my teaching syllabus that will help you learn to play and develop include:
- Advanced drumming techniques
- Stick grips
- Bass drum techniques such as heel/toe and heel down.
- Musicality, band and performance skills. I'll pick up the bass and jam along- let's learn your favourite songs and get playing them!
- Rudiments and sight reading, giving you the ability to read drum notation and sheet music.
- Music theory as applied to the drum kit.
- Drum kit grades one to eight for those interested in gaining officially recognised qualifications.
The most important thing to me is that you get what you want out of the drums. Whatever your goal may be I will endeavour to show you how to achieve your aims on this instrument - so you influence the road we take - and we will get there together.
jadewren52@outlook.com
Message/Call: 07838 940878
How it works
You can choose from between a half an hour drum lesson or an hour long session.
Pricing
Half an hour - £22.50
Hour - £45
Regular and long term students pay a set monthly fee based on a pre-determined number of lessons per year.
Lessons are available face to face in my studio or online via Zoom, Facetime, Skype or WhatsApp, or a combination of both depending on your preference.
If you're a beginner we'll aim to get you playing music as soon as possible while ensuring you don't pick up any bad habits. From there we can head in any direction you would like, or else you can follow my set plan.
If you've played before, I will use the first couple of lessons to assess your current skill level.
I encourage all students to regularly feedback and update me on their goals!
While my studio is not large there is space for two kits (one for you and one for me) and one to two other people. Please see the images below. My teaching studio utilises low volume acoustic and electronic drum kits.
If you have any additional questions then please get in touch!
qualifications
Jade Wren
BMus (Hons) Professional Music Performance
Specialising in Drums
First Class
Academy of Contemporary Music
Middlesex University
Drumtech Diploma
Tech Music Schools London
(now part of BIMM)
Certificate of Higher Education
Professional Music Practice
Thames Valley University
(now University of West London)
Grade Eight Drum Kit
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Grade Five Music Theory
ABRSM
Accessibility
Unfortunately, my studio does not have step-free access, as it is situated in my really quite small garden, built on a hill. There is on-site parking immediately outside the gate, with four steps leading from my large double drive to the studio. Due to the available space, the studio is also quite small, with comfortable room for myself, the student, and up to two additional people.
My partner is an ambulatory wheelchair user, so I am very aware of some of the barriers people can encounter when accessing services. If you are interested in learning with me, I really would encourage you to get in touch to discuss your individual needs. While I cannot guarantee that every requirement can be met, I will always do everything that I reasonably can to make my lessons as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Although I have no formal qualifications in this area, I live with autistic and ADHD family members and have many neurodivergent friends too. I have taught many neurodivergent students over the past decade or more and I understand that everyone learns differently and has different goals. I am happy to adapt my teaching style to suit your needs and preferences. This is something I do with everyone I teach anyway. We can work at a pace that feels comfortable for you and be led by you.
Music, but especially drumming, is for everyone. There are so many exciting and creative ways to make music, and there is a place here for everyone to express themselves.
Please scroll down to view parking access photos.
LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVITY
As a trans person and founder of the Sudbury Trans and Non-binary Group, I want to reassure you that my teaching studio is a proudly LGBTQIA+ inclusive space, with a particular commitment to supporting trans and non-binary people. I am a fully signed up member of the new Sudbury Pride Butterfly Businesses Scheme.
You are welcome exactly as you are. Whoever you are, however you identify, this is a place where you can learn, create and enjoy music without judgement. Please get in touch if you want to speak to me about this.
After all, drums are for everyone.
ACCESS PHOTOS
