Book Your 30-Minute Weekly Slot
Choose a teacher and select a weekly slot and starting date from their availability.
*Weekly Lessons Slots can be booked to commence up to 30 days in advance.
All weekly lessons slot prices include an annual professional video recording and performance slot at our annual Showcase.
John Vooght (Senior Teacher & Founder)
Levels: All
Teaching Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm
With over 30 years of playing experience and 20 years teaching, John is the founder and driving force behind the Academy. His teaching is rooted in deep musical knowledge, patience, and a passion for helping students unlock their potential.
John specialises in all styles — from rock and soul to jazz, funk, and musical theatre — and places a strong focus on sound, technique, and musicality. A seasoned performer, he’s played with a well-known UK rock band across England and the U.S., and brings real-world insight to every lesson.
He’s guided many students to Trinity College London Grade 8 Distinction and is a specialist in sight reading and theory. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, you'll benefit from John's wealth of experience and commitment to your progress.
Tris Murray
Levels: All
Teaching Hours
Monday-Thursday: 3pm-9pm
Saturday: 10am-1pm
With over 30 years of playing experience and more than a decade of teaching under his belt, Tristan began his teaching journey right here at the academy.
Specialising in rock, metal, double bass drumming, and a wide range of contemporary styles, he brings a high-energy, fun approach to every lesson. Tristan is known for his cheerful, encouraging personality and has a great connection with younger students. A seasoned performer, he’s played in numerous rock, pop, and metal bands over the years.
Tristan’s focus is on musical enjoyment, performance, and helping students discover their love for the drums. He’s also studied with some of the world’s top drummers.
Matt Payne
Levels: All
Teaching Hours
Monday: 3pm-10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 3pm-10pm
Saturday: 10am-3pm
Matt has been playing drums for over a decade and began his teaching career at the academy five years ago.
He specialises in contemporary styles and is particularly focused on helping students develop a strong sound and confident playing. Known for his friendly and encouraging personality, Matt enjoys challenging students to reach their next level.
He brings a wealth of live experience, regularly performing with a variety of function bands. With solid musical knowledge and a strong grasp of theory, Matt is not only an excellent player but also a dependable and engaging teacher within the academy.
Ross Gardner
Levels: Beginner/Intermediate
Teaching Hours
Monday: 3pm-10pm
Tuesday: 5pm-10pm
Thursday: 6:30pm-10pm
Saturday: 10am-1pm
Ross has been drumming from a young age and developed his skills over many years as a student at the Drummers Academy of Music. He recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Drum Performance from BIMM London, following a Distinction Star in his Performance Diploma. During his studies, he was mentored by top industry professionals including Giuseppe Grondona (Tormentor, Pink) and Femi Temowo (Amy Winehouse, The Roots).
Ross is a versatile player with performance experience spanning Rock, Pop, Indie, Jazz, and World Music. He brings a calm, patient approach to teaching and has been sharing his passion with students for the past few years. Friendly and creative, Ross is a developing teacher with strong academic foundations and a deep connection to the academy where he began his own drumming journey.
