Where is Planet drum?

You’ll find the main school in the crypt of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Highbury & Islington, North London. We also have a satellite studio in Woking, Surrey.

What are your opening times?

10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.

How do I book a taster lesson?

Just follow this link. Choose your preferred option for the taster lesson (for adult or child), pay though our secure checkout by card or PayPal, and we’ll contact you about booking your taster lesson at a suitable day and time.

What if I've never played music before?

No problem, your lessons will be suited to your level, and all of our workshops are beginner-friendly. You’ll see your confidence and skills building week by week.

What happens after the taster lesson?

We'll book your course once you've chosen the option that suits you best: Compact, Standard or Crash Course.
We'll book the lessons around your availability.

Do you also teach piano?

Yes, we started teaching piano, guitar, singing, bass and saxophone in 2014. We run Trinity Rock & Pop courses and exams for all of these instruments.

What will I do in my first lesson?

If you’re a beginner, we’ll go through basic co-ordination workouts, play easy rhythms, and explain and demonstrate how beats work in different types of music. We’ll also cover drum notation and the foundations of written music.

​If you already have playing experience, we’ll give you feedback on your technique and feel, and help you out with tips and tricks on how to improve your playing.

What makes Planet drum different to other music schools?

We’re not just a music school, we’re a community of musicians who believe in teaching and performance excellence. Music is our life, and we pride ourselves on our hard work, discipline, persistence and creativity. We believe that playing music is a life adventure that can be shared with others, in a space where people come together to learn and be inspired.

Can I have private lessons?

Yes, one to one is our usual method of teaching. However, group band practice is also included in your course with no extra charge.

Can I study with a friend?

Sure! We offer one to two lessons, no problem. Just find a buddy so you can share the cost.

How long does a lesson last?

50 minutes for adults, or 25 minutes for children under 10. A 10-minute warm-up is added to this time (5 minutes for children).

What if I need to cancel a lesson?

No problem, just give us 48 hours notice and we’ll reschedule.

What do I need to bring with me?

Nothing apart from yourself and your rhythm!

How long until I become really good at playing?

That depends on how dedicated you are and how much you practice! There’s always the opportunity for improvement with music, progress is unlimited.  

Will I always have the same teacher?

Yes, most of the time, however you will have your lesson with another Planet drum teacher when your regular teacher is not available. Getting varied tuition and learning different types of drumming will help you to become a well-rounded player. Our teachers are proficient in all styles, including Jazz and Rock & Pop.

If I go for a drum course, do I need a drum kit to get started?

Not necessarily, you can start off with a drumming pad for practising your rudiments, and you can practice in our studios until you’re ready to start looking for a kit. Feel free to ask our teachers for advice on equipment, or look at our blog post.

Do I have to learn to read music?

Learning to read is a part of understanding the language of music. In time, you’ll learn not only to read music, but also to speak it, express it, and perform it. 

How long until I can play in a band?

The more dedicated you are to your practice, the quicker you’ll be able to play in a band. At Planet drum, we encourage students to learn through playing with others, as knowing how musicians work with each other is just as important as learning to read and understand music.

​Come along to our band practice workshop (even if you’re a beginner!) to jam with guitarists, keyboardists, saxophonists, singers and bassists in a friendly and informal environment.

Can I attend Planet drum workshops right away?

Absolutely. Don’t forget that workshops, including band practice,  are free for Planet drum students. All workshops are suitable for all levels and instruments, from beginner to advanced.

Practice, practice, practice! Also, listen to as many different types of music as possible, but don’t just listen to the drums, listen to the band as a whole. Attend live gigs and watch and listen to what is going on in the band.

Oliver Leonard - Planet drum student.