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In January of 2001, Andy was introduced to the world of
drum tuition after previously being approached at one of his gigs
by the owner of a music teaching facility in Aberdeen City.
At that time, Andy considered himself more experienced as
a ‘player’ rather than a ‘teacher’ but decided to jump at the
challenge…..for a couple of reasons:
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He remembered how difficult he found it trying to find
suitable
drum tuition when he was growing up and
thought this would be a great opportunity to offer others what he struggled
to obtain. He had also noticed the lack of promising young players coming
onto the circuit during his time playing in bands.
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“The
only
drum tuition that was available to me
locally meant attending a music school to learn how to play many other
percussion instruments but I didn’t want to play the glockenspiel or
marimba I only wanted to play drums but there was nothing to cater for
that. I can only guess that other people had come up against this same
obstacle and may be part of the reason for the low influx of decent
drummers onto the Aberdeen scene” [Andy Thomson] |
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Andy had to travel the country doing intensive courses and
attending ‘drum clinics’ alongside many other drummers obtaining varying
feedback and experiences about playing this instrument.
There were drummers
of all ages and abilities, all with something to offer and something to
learn but everyone was treated as equals as everyone shared one thing in
common: We all wanted to play the drums and learn how to become better
drummers!! |
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“I’m so
glad that I chose this route as I learnt so much in such a short space
of time and in a relaxed environment which, not only proved invaluable
for enhancing my own playing but also for my teaching. This was the kind
of environment I wanted to create for my students.” [Andy Thomson] |
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Once Andy had started teaching at this school It didn’t take
too long for his fears to be realised……..and that was many of the students
were being made to play things they weren’t interested in or wanted to do!
The reason they wanted to play the instrument in the first
place was being overlooked, along with the basic fundamentals of playing the
drums, they were being fed down one path only and it was a path only too
familiar to Andy himself and one he was all too glad he did not take. |
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“Students were being taught how to pass exams and not how to play a
musical instrument and even now, many years later, it still goes on! It
has become another subject and exam to them and not the fun they
expected it to be. Students are passing exams and advancing up the
‘grades’ ladder but in reality they are not as accomplished at playing
as the grade suggests. The student eventually hits a break wall and can
go no further. This only results in a loss of confidence and interest!
It’s
hard enough trying to get students to practice enough nowadays what with
all the distractions in the World and all the different activities they
are taking up but if it is treated as another school subject instead of
a fun leisure activity then it makes the task all the harder”
[Andy Thomson] |
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When the school was forced to close less than a year later,
Andy decided to set up his own
drum tuition business at his home in Aberdeen.
Andy teaches drums in a way where the student still learns
the relevant skills that are required to play the instrument but hopefully
gets some enjoyment out of learning in the meantime. He likes it to be seen
as a leisure activity away from the classroom and, for the older of his
students, as a release from the stresses of the everyday work routine.
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“Every
student is different and wants to learn different things so; along with
teaching the basics to everyone I try to work the lesson around the
student as much as possible”
“There
are many reasons why people want to play the drums and in my experience
the main ones are usually a ‘fun’ reason e.g. they want to play in a
band with other musicians, they’ve seen a drummer playing in their
favourite band and think it looks cool, they wanted to play when they
were younger but never got round to it and looking to relive the
childhood ambitions or they just want to be good at something as a
hobby. That’s why everyone is out there buying ‘Guitar hero’ and ‘Rock
Band’ because it portrays playing music with the image of having fun and
they also get to play tunes their favourite bands are playing.”
[Andy Thomson] |
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Although it has now been more than 10 years since Andy
started teaching drumming, he is always looking for new ideas and different
ways to approach practicing and is always trying to improve as a
teacher…………and by listening to feedback from students over the years and
working with them in order to try and accommodate everyone’s varying
requirements, he has devised his own unique system which he believes works
in helping any student breakdown the whole approach to practicing and make
playing the drums a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Andy’s studio is equipped with all the latest hi-tech
‘Roland’ electronic drum kits, linked up to a pa system that allows the
student to play along with their favourite songs at lower volumes, practice
pads, facilities for double bass playing and tuition books and DVDs to grab
ideas from.
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All lessons are on a 1-to-1 basis with Andy and last for
half an hour or 1 hour, depending on student requirements and availability.
They run from 4pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday or 12pm to 4pm on a Sunday.
Arrangements can be made for anyone who wants to come before 4pm if that
works better for them.
He accepts students of all ages and abilities, so whether
you’re someone who has never picked up sticks before and want to give it a
go or you’re looking to sharpen up existing skills then do not hesitate in
contacting him for a free no obligation quote.
Tel: 01224 691935
Mobile: 07764 579712
Email: e...@andythomson.net
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/AndyThomson12
If you have had
drum lessons from Andy before or are
currently taking lessons then please do email him any comments or feedback
about your experience. Andy is always very pleased to hear from both
current and previous students about what they're up to and how they're
getting on.
Band Website:
www.pie-shop.net
Band facebook page:
www.facebook.com/PieShopRockBand
View our
full profile
on the Touch Aberdeen directory.
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Testimonials
Roslyn Catherine Helena Fawns
(July 2011)
I would recommend Andy as a drum tutor. He has great tips in developing
technique and has a very hands-on way of tutoring. He’s a very talented
drummer and a great guy who knows his stuff :)
Thanks Roslyn! Hope you're still keeping your hand
in and having fun with your band. Also, remember you're welcome to drop me a
line anytime if you fancy a refresher course or just to ask any questions!
Scott Bridgwater (June 2011)
Even though I had to give up a while back due to time constraints I'd
happily recommend this to anyone wanting to learn. Thanks again Andy.
Although, if you do get tuition, don't ever forget your sticks as I possibly
did a couple of times as he doesn't like that!! Haha!
No Sticks! No gig! haha. Thanks for the comments
Scott! Hope your teaching is going well.
Fraser Robertson (June 2011)
Andy knows his stuff when it comes to drums, he's taught me everything from
the basics of beats and grooves to the very importance of posture and stance
and I'd say it’s even worth going for your first lesson just to hear him
play Everlong by the Foo Fighters; which I was lucky enough to hear last
lesson. Thanks for that Andy. :D
Haha! Thanks for that......very flattering! While
I'm quite happy to 'demonstrate' songs, the lesson should be about you
learning....not looking for a reason to skive lol.
Beth Crighton (June 2011)
Ace Teachings!!! It’s been about 4 years since my lessons and I still
remember so many tips n trades from Andy himself. I would recommend him to
anyone wanting to get the drumming going. :D
Glad to hear you're still keeping your hand in.
Julie Skinner (May 2011)
After doing a random search on Google I stumbled upon Andy’s page and
decided to book lessons with him. After only having 3 lessons so far I can
safely say I made a good choice. Andy is a down to earth guy who wants the
best for all his budding drummers. This comes across in his teaching skills,
very laid back with the odd bit of banter. I haven’t got much patience
(sorry Andy) but after every lesson I remember what I have been taught and
realise there’s a reason for doing it, to get me where I want to be with
drumming. Looking forward to many more lessons and progress.
Wow! Such kind words, Thanks Julie! I'm glad you're
enjoying things so soon. Don't worry about the lack of patience thing, we're
all guilty of it but once you get into good habits you won't mind so much.
See you at the next one.
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Student Gallery
Please click the thumbnails below to see images of
students being taught in Andy's studio:
Building up speed |
Following Andy's lead |
Good technique |
Playing to music |
Using books |
Good feel |
Studio setup |
Executing fills |
Good concentration |
Grooving |
Keep eye on profile |
Using the kit |
Using a metronome |
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Finger Control |
Finger Control |
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