Workshops/Tuition

Tuition:

My fundamental aim is to not be another ‘regular’ drum teacher coaching paradiddles and exploring the rudiments of playing drums.  I want to work with you to enhance your natural ability to hear a rhythm and develop it into your own sound.

With over thirty years’ experience in the music industry, I have been fortunate enough to work with many great musicians, both professional as well as amateur enthusiast.  My work continues to cover a vast range of musical genres from funk, soul and reggae to blues, rock and rock ‘n’ roll.

As ability develops, I want to expand on attitude and approach, including understanding your role in a band; to be aware of the power you have behind the kit and to ensure you are more than just a “time-keeper”.  I will help you to gain confidence behind a drum kit; to learn how to set the kit up in a way that works for you.  I can even offer advice on what to purchase.

Drum workshops:

I really enjoy holding drum workshops, particularly if they are part of a Festival, or at Art Centres, Schools and Colleges.  I like to share my love of playing drums with audiences, whether there are 6 people or 60, young or old, complete beginners through to established musicians.  My goals are the same as those of the one-to-one teaching but with the added aim of encouraging you to break down those drummer “barriers” and perform in front of a crowd.  Question and Answer sessions are actively encouraged!!

Based in the London area but I am willing to travel.  I can supply drum kit and sticks.

Credits: 

Blues Camp U.K., Tonbridge, Kent – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Guisborough Festival Drum Workshop – 2010

Grainstore Brewery Drum Workshop – 2011, 2012, 2013

Blues on the Farm Festival – 2014, 2015, 2016

Endorsements:

CVL Drums

Protection Racket

Sabian Cymbals

Vic Firth

Prices:  For information on hourly rates and special discounts, please email info@ffarcottonpromotions.co.uk, call me on +44(0)7768 457071 or leave me a message below.  We offer the following:

*Single lesson

*Course of 6 x one hour lessons

*Course of 12 x one hour lessons

Testimonials:

“ – – – band members & audience have all commented on the noticeable change in my drumming over the last 6 months. Well, that’s thanks to having Sam Kelly as a mentor, giving me the confidence in my ability&  ‘permission’ to express myself musically. If you want to find out more about interacting with other musicians, performance, enjoying playing& freeing yourself from the technical aspects of drumming – Sam’s your man ! “

Bob Ayre 

Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary gift vouchers available for that present with a difference.

Here is a video of Sam Kelly’s Band in action where I get to “drum solo” just over half-way through the number.  I have put this video in to illustrate how a drum solo (or “self-expression” as I like to call it) can transcend so many different tempos and yet the fundamental beat remains the same.    I  encourage self-expression without boundaries but also like to bear in mind the feelings of the other musicians as well as the limitations of the song.