Studio Academy
Weekly In-Person Lessons – Letchworth, Hertfordshire
Weekly In-Person Lessons for Committed Drummers Who Want Consistency, Structure and Results
As a member of the Studio Academy, you'll get:
A dedicated weekly 1-1 lesson slot with an experienced teacher
A structured 47-week programme aligned with our syllabus (beginner to advanced)
A professional video recording of your playing
A performance spot at our annual showcase
This is the most complete way to learn drums in person - combining individual attention, structured learning, and performance opportunities.
Weekly Individual Lessons
A reserved weekly individual lesson slot with one of our expert teachers including a personalised lesson and practice plan.
Video Recording
A professional video recording giving you invaluable experience in the recording studio, and a video to showcase yourself.
Live Performance
A performance spot out our annual showcase, giving you essential experience in performing, and a platform to display your talent and hard work to friends and family.
Members Group
Access to our Members Group page, giving you engaging content, as well as motivation, inspiration and feedback from our teachers and your fellow students.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to push your drumming to the next level, our Academy is built to support your goals - with expert guidance, accountability, and real progress you can hear and see.
You'll follow our complete syllabus , covering technique, reading, musicality, and performance, with lessons tailored to your pace, interests, and learning style.
Learn in an inspiring, professional studio environment - and be part of a programme that's all about long-term growth and consistent results.
All grades covered from Initial-Grade 8,
Learn Songs From of All Styles and Eras
Choose Your Lesson Plan
Select the lesson length that works best for you. Each plan includes everything in the Academy Programme.
30 Minutes
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Weekly 30 Minute Individual Lesson
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Perfect for younger learners or those just starting out
45 Minutes
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Weekly 45 Minute Individual Lesson
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Ideal for developing students who want a little more depth each week
1 Hour
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Weekly 1 Hour Individual Lesson
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Great for advanced students or those preparing for grades and performances
Prices shown are for lessons with Academy teachers. Lessons with the founder, John Vooght, are slightly higher at £95/month (30 mins), £139/month (45 mins), £183/month (1 hour).
50% Off the Online Academy
If you’d like to accelerate your learning, then in addition, you can sign up to our Online Academy for just £10 a month (50% off), giving you unlimited access to all of our video lessons.
Meet The Academy Teachers
Our Academy team is made up of passionate, experienced drummers who follow the same structured syllabus to make sure every student gets consistent results.
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 teacher with strong academic foundations and a deep connection to the academy where he began his own drumming journey.
Mitch Parker
Levels: All
Teaching Hours
Wednesday: 5pm-10pm
Request Your Weekly Slot
Spaces in the Studio Academy are limited and reserved each week. Please complete the form below to request your weekly slot - we'll confirm availability and set up your monthly plan.
Testimonials
FAQ
How Does The Studio Academy work?
The Studio Academy is a 47-week structured programme, giving you a weekly in-person 1-1 drum lesson at a set time each week. It’s designed for students who want consistency, expert guidance, and long-term progress.
What's Included In The Price?
Your membership covers 47 weekly lessons, a professional video recording of your playing, and a live performance opportunity at our annual showcase.
What If I Miss A Lesson?
If you give more than 48 hours notice, we’ll do our best to reschedule your lesson. If you’re not able to give this notice, your teacher can record a personalised video lesson for you in your lesson slot, to work through in your own time – so you never need to miss out!
Can I pause oR cancel my membership?
The Studio Academy is charged in monthly instalments, and you can cancel at anytime with one month’s notice. Once you give notice, your lessons will continue for the next month, after which your enrolment will end.
Do I Get The Same Teacher Every Week?
Yes -part of the Academy structure is that you’ll work with the same teacher each week, at the same time. This helps build trust, accountability, and strong long-term progress.
What Level Do I Need To Be To JOin?
We welcome all levels – from complete beginners to advanced players. Your teacher will personalise your lessons based on your experience and goals.