Information About Alex - Smethwick teacher

Personal Description:

Hi I am Alex, I am a professional working drummer with a range of live and studio experience both in my own band(s) and as a freelance session musician. I work out of my rehearsal studio in Digbeth, central Birmingham, where I teach 1:1 private drum lessons to adults.

I am passionate about bringing my past and current professional experiences into my drum lessons. I am also a passionate consumer of the local music scene; and enjoy bringing this enthusiasm and exposure into my lessons. Over the past few years I have developed a real specialism in electronics and contemporary styles - this reflects the current direction of the music industry and cultural landscape - and I love bringing this experience into my lessons.

With a background in classical music (including Grade 8 Violin and Grade 5 Music Theory) - I completed my Professional Diploma Level 5 Drums (2010), and then my BA(Hons) Professional Musicianship (Drums) in 2013 in Brighton.

Since this time I have accumulated a vast range of professional and national touring experience, with highlights including live BBC Radio sessions, headline shows for Sofar Sounds, Festivals for BBC Introducing and BBC iPlayer, and support slots for national artists such as Self Esteem and Rae Morris. Recent session work has seen me play drums and electronic percussion for Dan Whitehouse's album tour 'The Glass Age'; culminating in a headline show at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

I am also an experienced function musician, with a large repertoire of cover songs, which further helps to inspire and inform my approach to lessons.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching private 1:1 students, both children and adults, since 2018. I have now moved my teaching practise solely to my private teaching studio, located in central Birmingham!

Having completed the Quench Arts 'New Horizons' music teaching course in 2019, I have gone on to become a Music Leader for The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) - for their MAC Makes Music Programme. I have worked in a range of community music and teaching settings, including Pupil Referral Units (Primary and Secondary), after school music sessions, as well as leading inclusive ensembles such as The MAC's in house band in residence SWITCH.

Alongside my community music work, I have continued to teach a range of 1:1 drum lessons from my Digbeth-based Music Studio.

I have experience in teaching the Trinity and Rock School Grade Material.

Tutoring Approach:

I like to keep my drum lessons fun, enjoyable and music centred! My teaching studio is set up with 2x Drum Kits for teacher and student; so there will be no time wasted 'swapping' drum kits! The studio is fitted out with a full PA system for music playback; so that we can keep the lessons flowing, fun and music oriented. I aim for a large portion of my lessons to be playing, and playing along with music.

Students benefit from learning through the experience of an active, professional, working drummer. I like to allow time and emphasis on listening, as well as focussing on what to prioritise in your playing.

Areas Taught

- Grades
- Sight Reading (Music Notation, Charts, Sheet Music)
- Playing along with music
- What to prioritise and Sounding Good!
- Specialism in electronics, contemporary styles and recreating modern electro drum sounds and programmed parts