drum lessons
The drum teacher who comes to you (assuming you’re based in or around Cambridge) and wants you to be on stage!
A flexible and very much in-demand percussionist/drummer, Paul has played over a thousand gigs, in award-winning bands, touring the UK constantly and has also performed a tour of China as part of the prestigious Nanjing International Jazz and World Music Festival. He has appeared on over 30 albums (plus over 40 singles/EPs) and tracks he has played on have featured on Channel 4, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 5 and countless other stations worldwide.
He is also available for teaching work... whether you're a total beginner looking to take your first steps into the drumming world, or a regular player who just needs a few pointers, Paul can help. The sessions are relaxed, taught with patience and with the emphasis on you developing your own style; the focus is equally on confidence and creativity, as much as it is on the disciplines required to play a tight groove.
Above all, much fun shall be had, which is very much the point of playing music in the first place, of course (Paul actively avoids teaching grades and any stuffy cliches with textbooks - you’ll learn everything you’ll need to be the ‘complete’ drummer whilst avoiding the pressures of exams). In short, Paul teaches the way he wished he had been taught when he was a nervous 8-year-old, all those many, many years ago. Competitions are regularly held during the lessons, with drum-related prizes and trophies for all ages and abilities, for those wishing to take part.
Lessons can be tailored towards playing with a full kit, or playing percussion (ideal for acoustic gigs and a great way to get build the rhythmic foundations). Once you're up and running, we can get you jamming to pre-recorded basslines/drumless tracks to replicate a real-life rehearsal/gig situation. These lessons aren't just to teach you how to play drums, but how to play live; we'll work on composure, improvisation and confidence. If you really get the drumming bug (which you will), we'll also work on how to prepare you for studio recording sessions.
Alongside the lessons, students are invited to perform live under Paul’s guidance; Paul organises 2 public, charity, gigs a year for his students, the perfect way to discover the joys of playing live publicly in a friendly, supportive environment with your very own professional backing band whilst making money for those who aren’t as fortunate as us. We’ve made over £5,000 for charity so far with these concerts, with more shows in the pipeline. In 2021, Paul formed a new project, Drummers to the Rescue, which aims to give his students more stage time whilst raising money for charity - mostly local food banks and those who need it the most.
He’s also launched a bursary scheme where parents of students who work for the NHS don’t have to pay for their lessons. Details of the NHS pot can be found here.
Paul teaches in four Cambridgeshire schools (three primary, one college), alongside private one-off drum workshops at Cambridge University, Oxford University and in Derbyshire, and many, many private students (children and adults). Alongside an up-to-date DBS certificate, Paul has completed the Educare Advanced courses in: Child Protection, Equality & Diversity, The Prevent Duty and GDPR for Education.
He is roughly teaching 140 students a week.
Paul has also started teaching in OAP homes, plus a new lesson plan where the parent and child can learn at the same time, and The Happy Drummer School - specially aimed at young students who are lacking in confidence/have anxiety or social difficulties.
Drop Paul an email for a chat (thepaulrichards@gmail.com) and we'll have you playing in no time.
Cambridgeshire-based, but always willing to travel. Lessons available for all ages, discounts for bulk-bookings, gift certificates available.
PRICES:
Lessons - private (weekly/fortnightly): £25 for 45 minutes in your home (£20 for NHS staff/pensioners). Also available online via Zoom.
Lessons - in schools (at a time agreed with the school): £9 a week for 20 minutes.
Child + parent lesson (learn to drum at the same time as your child!): £30 (£25 for NHS staff) for an hour in your home
Crash course: Drums for Beginners (2-hour intensive course in your home - Paul brings the kit): £60
Drums without Drums course: £20 for 45 minutes online - don’t have a drum kit? No problem, pick 5 things to hit and Paul will try and match it at his end and we’ll get a groove going!
Drum workshops: for small parties/companies/team building - Drumming Sports Day is effectively a game show with percussion, great fun for companies looking for something a little different!
RECENT REVIEWS:
”Thank you for being such an inspirational teacher” - Emma, parent of student
”Thank you for being there over lockdown as a consistent joyful teacher when we were all finding it so tough. I really appreciate your efforts.” - Rebekah, parent of student
”Me, my son, my husband and my mother have all been taught by Paul and we would highly recommend him!” - Rachel, student
”Paul is the best drum teacher this side of the sun!” - Surabhi, teacher
”Paul is brilliant!” - Jenny, parent of student
”Paul is an inspiring teacher, who is sensitive to the needs and interests of his pupils. He has really motivated my 14 year old grandson, whose drumming has improved tremendously thanks to Paul’s encouragement and enthusiasm.”- Dr Pamela Jenner.
”I enjoy our lessons, Paul. You are a wonderfully enthusiastic teacher of the drums! You've taught this old dog a few new tricks that I can show off with on occasion.” - John Q, student
”Paul taught both of my both boys 8 and 6 and they absolutely loved every minute of his class. He made it fun and they have learnt so much in a small amount of time. I would totally recommend Paul as a teacher. He has been amazing.” - Sarah, parent of student
"My 9 year old son has lessons with Paul, and he is loving them! He's progressing week on week and really looks forward to each lesson and the challenge it brings (and, I suspect, simply seeing Paul!). Paul balances encouragement and challenge perfectly - Milo works really hard every week. I'd definitely recommend Paul to any aspiring young drummers out there!" - Sara, parent of student
"I recently had the pleasure of undertaking a 4 hour intensive lesson with Paul which absolutely flew by. He is a superb teacher - really fun and confidence inspiring. You feel right at ease with him straight away and he has you drumming along to songs in no time!!! I had a brilliant time and was amazed at the progress I made in such a short time!!!" - Josie, student of crash course
"The effect you have on Tony with your teaching and kindness is unfathomable" - John, Head of Music at a Cambridge College.
"Thanks for being such a positive role model for the boys, they enjoy your lessons so much!" - Kim, parent of student.
"Paul is a great teacher and I look forward to my weekly lesson with him. Drumming is fun and Paul makes sure that learning to drum is also fun. Since starting to drum with Paul I have rapidly progressed to playing pieces I had thought would take ages to learn. Nice one, Paul. Highly recommended." - Jon P, student
