Drum lessons in London
One-to-one drum tuition for children, teens and adults in Islington, four minutes from Highbury & Islington station, in studios built around two full drum kits.
Planet drum has been teaching London drummers since 1997. We started with drums, which are literally in our name, and thirty years later, we still teach more drummers than anything else. If you're searching for drum lessons in London, you've landed in the right place: a single, dedicated drum and music school, with six teaching rooms, two full kits in every room, and tutors who actually play for a living.
Why drummers learn at Planet drum
Consistent one-to-one teaching
Every lesson is just you and your tutor, the same one, every time, with two drum kits: one for them to demonstrate, one for you to copy. That consistency means they get to know exactly how you learn, so you progress at your own pace, on your own terms.
A unique teaching method
Each teaching room is equipped with two drum kits. This means that when your tutor shows you a groove, they play it on their kit while you watch and listen up close, and then you play it back on yours, with them right there to spot what's working and what isn't. It's the fastest way to learn a physical skill, and almost no other London drum school is set up this way.
Tutors with serious playing CVs
Our drum teachers have toured internationally, recorded on records you've heard, and worked alongside names like Billy Cobham, Stewart Copeland, El Negro Hernandez and Roy Haynes, which means you're learning the kind of playing that works on a real stage, not just in a practice room.
Trinity's main Rock & Pop centre in London
If you want to take graded drum exams (Trinity or Rockschool), your tutor will guide you through the syllabus and you can sit the exam in our own studios. See Music Exams.
Free practice rooms, free concert rehearsals
Every monthly membership includes a free off-peak practice room slot each month, plus a free concert rehearsal with the in-house band, so you're not just learning patterns in isolation, but using them with other musicians.
Drum lessons for every level
Complete beginners
Most of our adult students walk in not knowing how to hold a stick. That's totally normal, and one-to-one teaching is the kindest possible way to start, because there's no class watching, no pressure, and no embarrassment. We'll cover posture, grip, basic coordination, and a first simple beat in your very first lesson.
You can play, but you've plateaued
You've got the basic rock beat down and you're comfortable behind the kit, but something isn't moving anymore. Your fills feel stiff, your timing drifts when you push yourself, and every step hits the same ceiling.
Advanced & gigging drummers
Plenty of working London drummers come to us for specialist work: independence, advanced reading, jazz vocabulary, Latin patterns, brushes, double bass technique, audition prep. Tell us what you want to be able to do, and we'll match you with the right tutor.
Children
Kids' lessons are 25 minutes, fast-paced and fun, with songs they actually know. We've taught children from age 6 right up through teens and into adulthood, and many of our adult students started here as eight-year-olds.
What our drum students say
"I love drumming and I LOVE my lessons. My teacher is incredible."
"I have been taking drumming lessons with Planet drum. My teacher has been very supportive, adaptable and always great! I really enjoyed the band practices too, playing along with other teachers. I'd definitely recommend Planet drum to anyone who wants to get into drumming in a fun, friendly and professional environment."
"He has really developed an interest in music from the classes. I'm very grateful for the work music teachers like you do supporting children and adults to learn instruments, and will be recommending you to anyone looking for classes."
"The building deserves separate praise for being so atmospheric and authentic."
What you'll learn
A non-exhaustive list, in roughly the order it usually unfolds:
Your tutor will tailor this list to what you want, not run you through a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Drum lessons for adults
The most common message we get from adult students: "I've wanted to learn for years and I've finally booked." Drums are one of the most satisfying instruments to take up as an adult, because progress is fast and physical and you can hear it in the first lesson.
You don't need a kit at home. You don't need any musical background. You don't need to be young, fit or rhythmically gifted. You just need to be willing to spend an hour a week hitting things in a specific order. We'll do the rest.
Drum lessons for children
For children (ages 6 to 12), lessons are 25 minutes and pitched to keep attention high and motivation higher. We start with songs your child already knows and loves. The moment they realise they can play Seven Nation Army or We Will Rock You in their first or second lesson, you've got a drummer for life.
Parents are welcome to sit in on the taster lesson; during ongoing lessons there's a comfortable waiting area close by. All Planet drum tutors are DBS-checked. If you'd like to discuss our safeguarding practices, get in touch.
How to start drum lessons
Book a taster
One 1-to-1 lesson, £27 for children or £49 for adults, with the tutor who'd teach you ongoing.
Decide if it's for you
After the taster you'll know whether Planet drum is right, and we'll know how to build the right plan.
Choose a membership
Children's, adult, or shared (two-students-one-tutor). All include free practice and concert rehearsals. See Memberships.
Show up. Hit things. Get good.
Most students notice real progress within a month.
Parent & Adult Drum Student Reviews
Based on 43 reviews on Google Reviews
Drum lessons across London
We teach students from across the capital. Most come from these neighbourhoods, all within an easy commute of the studio:
Highbury & Islington station is on the Victoria line, the Overground (East London, North London, Lioness lines) and National Rail: wherever you're coming from, we're usually one direct journey away.
Ready to play?
Book your taster session, experience the two-kit teaching method for yourself, and meet the tutor who'll get you started. From £27 for children, £49 for adults, with no contract and no obligation.
What you'll need once you're a member
You need nothing for your taster lesson. Once you enrol and start practising regularly, here's the gear worth getting.
Practice pads
Vital for sticking patterns and wrist control. Contact Bill Sanders at Wsanders@hotmail.co.uk to claim your special price for Planet drum students.
Drum stools
Sitting height matters for posture, foot control and balance, so don't practise on a home chair.
Electronic drums
Roland and Yamaha make the best electric drums.
Acoustic drums
Raw tone and dynamic feel, which is the gold standard for serious players.
Working toward Trinity or Rockschool grades? Books are essential: they unlock the audio tracks, sheet music, and assessment criteria. See our Music Exams page for the full breakdown.