Individual instruction for all ages or levels in Drum Kit and Latin Percussion.

When you email or telephone us, we will try to arrange for you to have a FREE lesson. You will then to come into our airconditioned studio and will have the chance to discuss your needs and goals. It is the opportunity to check us out and in all fairness, check you out.

You are under no obligation to pursue it any further and there is no charge for this time Martin will give you. It will not be unusual for you to be placed on a waiting list [with a deposit of the Administration Fee] as we may be working at capacity. However, saying that, openings do come up as students move on, change their schedules or are excluded.

We truly believe the more relaxed you are in an environment, the more you will respond to any input.

Therefore, our reception room offers complimentary coffee and spring water. Other drinks are available at cost.

We try to make you as comfortable as possible during your wait. We have a CCTV in the reception room, not to watch you, but for you to observe what is happening in the sound proof studio. Parents can oversee their child whether it be to relish in their musical ability or simply for the reassurance that they are safe and getting something for their money. This system also works well for spouses who are 'too shy' to be seen at home or for students to compare themselves or to learn from other players.

We offer instruction to promising youth, adults both novice and professional musicians. We teach teachers and experienced actors who have had to 'mime' a drummer or perhaps play a bit. Martin had actually given a "quick lesson" via the telephone for BBC Radio to air live once! Not an easy task.

Every lesson is built around that individual's needs and circumstances. We do not turn away someone who is 'disabled' or learning impaired, as we have had experiences with partially sighted, blind, autistic, dyslexia, etc. Remember, there is a very famous drummer who does not have all of his limbs! Unfortunately, our current facilities can not accommodate immobilisation and we do have a minimum age limit.

Lessons are on a weekly basis which you must adhere to as you are charged for each week we are open during the year.

Each course is tailored to you and if we see that you are not making any progress there will be a parent/teacher conference to discuss your future with STIX. We will not take fees unless we see a result.

With each lesson you will receive written sheet music that we have printed in book form. Music Theory is part of your course as well as technique and practical. Those lessons can also be recorded so as not to forget what is taught or to use on your community webspace,(myspace, facebook,youtube etc). Usually within the first month of tuition, one is able to play along to music. A progress sheet is kept throughout your term and is available to view or discuss anytime.

There is the availability of Trinity/Guildhall College or Trinity Rock School Graded Exams (certain dates during the year)

In summary to what we offer:

An extremely professional and serious approach to all aspects of drumming
Commercial High Street Premises complying with HMSS Laws
Refreshment
Open All Year
Extensive professional equipment
A chance to be seen on the world wide web (video)
Theory [easy American Fraction System]
Double Bass Technique
Funk
Every Student is an Individual
Fusion
Ethnic Music
Tuning, cleaning and care of instrument
Grooves
Rudiments
Latin
Studio Technique
Ergonomics
Concepts & Styles
Contemporary Styles and Techniques
Rhythm Section Skills
Jazz
Full Approach to learning, practice and performance
Techniques for Congas, Bongos, & Percussionist toys
Bebop
Rhythm & Blues
Code of the Road
Coaching for competitions, auditions, and screen tests
Personal printed music

We also offer:

A relaxed environment
Scheduled summer workshops intensified and structured
Optional public performance
Assessments
Progress reports
Trinity/Guildhall Graded Examinations (Grade 1 to Teacher's Certificate)
A register of second-hand instrument exchange
Availability out of normal working hours
Local shop discounts
FREE introduction lesson & assessment
Repairs to cymbals and drums
Practice Sessions
Single Session and Gift Certificates
Video for online use: myspace, facebook, YouTube etc
Commercially Insured Premises
Airconditioning
Excellent Service for money

TECHNIQUES FOR:

Congas, Bongos & Percussionist Toys

Congas: large single-headed, natural skin drum played with the hands normally in sets of two or three consisting of; Conga, Tumba & Supertumba [some players use an addition to this set up known as Quinto - the talking drum] Origins are South of the Equator.

Bongos: small drum originating in Cuba, bucket-shaped, usually in twos attached with a metal bar and played with sticks or with thumb and fingers.

Timbalales: a metal drum giving a specific sound to add to a musical composition

Here we cover correct Cuban/Brazlian techniques with the styles of:

Brazilian

Cuban

Caribbean

Afro-Cuban

Contemporary-Fusion

Percussionist Toys:

Agog-go

Tambourine

Claves

Triangle

Cowbell

Guiro

Cabasa

Slap Stick

Maracas

Wood Block

Skulls

Shakers

Gong

Chimes

Chocolo

Sleigh Bells