Studio Academy
Weekly In-Person Drum Training, in Letchworth, Hertfordshire
The Drummers AOM Studio Academy is our flagship in-person programme - designed for drummers who want structure, consistency, and real, measurable progress.
This is not casual tuition. It's a membership-based academy pathway, guided by a clear syllabus and confirmed through in-house assessment.
What's Included In The Studio Academy
As a Studio Academy Member, you receive:
A reserved weekly 1-to-1 lesson slot
Training through our structured academy syllabus
Clear level progression and milestones
A professional video recording of your playing
A performance place at our annual showcase
Ongoing guidance, accountability, and direction
This is the most complete way to learn the drums in person - combining expert teaching, structure, and real-world musical experience.
Weekly Individual Lessons
A reserved weekly individual lesson slot with one of our expert teachers.
Video Recording
Gain experience in a real studio environment and receive a high-quality recording that documents your progress.
Live Performance
Perform at our annual Academy showcase - an essential part of developing confidence, musicianship, and stage presence.
Academy Community
Be part of a supportive environment focused on long-term development, not short-term results.
How The Studio Academy Works
You attend a weekly lesson at the same time each week
You follow the Academy syllabus, covering technique, coordination, groove, musical understanding, and repertoire
Progress is based on skills and mastery, not just learning pieces
When you're ready, levels are confirmed through Academy assessment
Your teacher personalises lessons within a shared framework - so progress is consistent, not random
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, the Academy meets you where you are and guides you forward with clarity.
Music, Skills & Styles
The Studio Academy syllabus covers:
Technique & control
Reading & rhythmic understanding
Groove, feel, & timing
Coordination & independence
Musical interpretation
A wide range of styles and real music
Selected grade-style material may be used as reference repertoire, but progression within the Academy is determined by skill development and assessment - not exam boards.
Choose Your Lesson Length
All Studio Academy plans include the full Academy programme.Â
30 Minutes
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Weekly 30 Minute Individual Lesson
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Ideal for beginners and younger students
45 Minutes
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Weekly 45 Minute Individual Lesson
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For developing players who want more depth
1 Hour
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Weekly 1 Hour Individual Lesson
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For advanced students and intensive development
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, where Studio Academy members get 50% discount off the regular price. Â
For just £10 a month you get full access to the video syllabus to support your in-person training.
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Meet The Academy Teachers
All Academy teachers:
Follow the same syllabus
Teach toward the same standards
Are trained to deliver consistent results
John Vooght (Senior Teacher & Founder)
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
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
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.
Jason Condison
With over 25 years of experience as a professional musician, Jason brings a wealth of passion, expertise, and energy to every lesson. Starting out playing drums in Church at a young age, his early love for Gospel music laid the foundation for a versatile career spanning multiple genres including R&B, Jazz, Rock, Pop, and beyond.
After earning a Drum Diploma from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), Jason went on to perform with a diverse range of artists such as Raphaella, Abel Miller, Labrinth, Crystal Fighters, and more. His career has taken him to major festivals and venues across the UK and Europe - from V Festival, T In The Park, Mutiny Festival, Wireless, and Low Festival, to world-renowned stages like Wembley SSE Arena, The Roundhouse, KOKO London, BBC Maida Vale Studios, Cluj Arena, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Beyond performing, Jason is an experienced drum and keyboard tutor, having taught for over a decade in schools, workshops, church groups, and private one-to-one settings. His teaching style is fun, enthusiastic, and adaptive, always patient and encouraging students to reach their full potential while enjoying the process of learning music.
Ross Gardner
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.
Testimonials
FAQ
Is this a pay-as-you-go model?
No. The Studio Academy is a membership-based programme with a reserved weekly slot.
Can I pause oR cancel my membership?
The Studio Academy is charged monthly, 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.
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!
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.Â
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.
Grades & External Exams
Some students choose to work towards external drum grades (such as Trinity or Rockschool). While grades are not used as benchmarks within the Academy, teachers can incorporate exam preparation by request, alongside the core syllabus where appropriate.
