Gravesend Drum Teacher

Gravesend Drum Lessons

Paul Mayes is a drum teacher based in Meopham, offering on-line and visiting beginner and intermediate lessons in the NW Kent area of Gravesham, Dartford, Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks boroughs. Covering Meopham, Vigo, Culverstone, Gravesend, Dartford, Swanley, Hextable, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Borough Green, West Malling, Longfield, Longfield Hill, New Barn, Northfleet, Southfleet, Istead Rise, Cobham, South Darenth, Sutton at Hone, Horton Kirby, Farningham, Eynseford and other surrounding villages.

“I love nothing more than to pass on the knowledge I have gained to the next generation of musicians in order to help others to be able to do what I love to do.”

Drum lessons in Meopham, Gravesend, Kent

Paul mayes

Teacher's Biography:

Welcome to my Gravesend drum lessons drum teacher profile. I’m Paul Mayes, I’ve been a drummer for just over 32 years with a wealth of drumming experience.

I had wanted to play the drums since I could remember, after listening to my dad’s Sandy Nelson – Let there be drums tatty old 45 on repeat. Back then I had to make do with hitting pots and pans… When I was 13 I became my school’s percussionist playing alongside the school drummer for pantomime productions and a production of Orpheus. My favourite piece of kit was a big sheet of aluminium that sounded like thunder when I shook it!

At the age of 18 I started playing the drum kit when my mate who played guitar wanted to start a rock band, so I jumped at the chance to take the drum throne. Once we formed the band I had one drum lesson, within a fortnight we had passable versions of ACDC’s Highway to Hell and Back in Black, Iron Maiden’s Phantom of the Opera and Hawkwind’s Silver Machine under our belts, then played our first mini gig at my old school in Hextable… I loved playing the drums so much I’ve never looked back!

Through the 90s I drummed in the indy rock band Lemonade Hand Grenade, frequenting the London / Camden scene supporting many acts including Feeder, the Stereophonics and Kula Shakir at many iconic venues. In late 1998 I joined Lo-Fi rockers Lowgold and we signed a record deal with Nude Records (Suede’s old indy record label) toured the UK and played at many festivals.

Since the year 2000 I have continually played in various originals and covers bands, with extensive experience of playing pubs, clubs, weddings and festivals. The most recent act I’ve drummed for is the Muse tribute Musek. I also have experience as a drum tech working for Chilled in a Field Festival.

Lessons
I currently teach on-line drum lessons, with home visits starting up once the Covid-19 lockdown has been lifted. I’m currently looking for premises in the Meopham area to set up a studio to teach from, so watch this space. (If anyone knows of a space that could be available please get in touch!)

Adult group lessons are also available at AMP school in Hextable, contact me to find out more about this if you’re interested.

Get in touch to get your free* 30 minute taster lesson, or to find out more about AMP school, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Boring But Important Stuff:

• First 30 minute lesson is free*
• Beginner to Intermediate players welcome
• Ages 8 to 80+
• Lessons are relevant and fun
• Learn to play the songs you like
• Rock, Indy Rock, Blues, Funk and other World Styles taught
• Study Rockschool Grades 1-4
• Lessons start at £20 for 30 mins (*1st 30min lesson is free if you book a further 3 lessons!)
• Students tap into 32 years of drumming experience.
• I am a fully DBS checked Drum Tutor
• As a member of the Total Drummer drum teaching program I have access to huge libraries of teaching material such as the main syllabus, famous song charts, sight reading lessons, play along tracks and everything else needed to offer the best drum lessons possible.

• I also offer advice on drum set up, equipment and tuning as part of your lessons

I have lots of live experience

Here’s me with my band. I love bringing my live performance experience to help my students become confident drummers who are ready to perform live.

Offers:

Free 30 min. trial lessons – subject to availability.