Studio Academy
Structured In-Person Drum Programme
Train at our Letchworth studio as part of a structured development system designed to build real musicianship through consistent weekly training.
This is not casual tuition. This is a long-term pathway built around progression, standards, and real musical development.
What The Studio Academy Is
The Studio Academy is a structured, membership-based programme designed to guide students from beginner to advanced through a clear and proven pathway.
Students don't simply attend lessons - they follow a system built around:
Consistent weekly coaching
Structured progression through levels and modules
Development of real, transferable musical skills
Ongoing guidance, accountability, and direction
Each student progresses at their own pace, but within a clear framework designed to produce real results.
What's Included
As a Studio Academy Member, you receive:
Weekly in-person coaching session
Structured progression though the Drummers AOM syllabus
Level-based development and milestone tracking
In-house assessments to confirm progress
Professional video recording of your playing
Performance opportunities throughout the year
Ongoing support and direction from the Academy team
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 coaching session at the same time each week
Lessons are personalised within a structured academy framework
You progress through levels by developing real skills - as well as learning real songs
When ready, your level is confirmed through assessment
Your development is guided, measured, and consistent
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced drummer, the programme meets you where you are and moves you forward with clarity.
Built Around A Complete Drum Education System
The Drummers AOM syllabus is the backbone of the academy - developed through over 20 years of teaching experience.
Students develop:
Technique and control
Coordination and independence
Groove, timing and feel
Reading and musical understanding
Musical interpretation
Stylistic versatility across real music
Progression is based on ability and mastery - ensuring strong foundations before moving forward.
Real Music. Real Experience.
Students don't just practise - they apply what they learn in real musical contexts.
Video recording
Gain experience in a professional studio environment and receive high-quality recordings that track your progress.
Live Performance
Perform at our Academy Showcase - building confidence, musicianship, and stage presence.
Choose Your Lesson Length
All Studio Academy plans include the full Academy programme.Â
30 Minutes
-
Weekly 30 Minute Individual Lesson
-
Structured progression through the Drummers AOM Levels
-
Student progress tracking
-
Level Assessments with Academy examiner
-
Professional performance video recording
-
Level certification
-
Performance spot at student showcases
-
Ideal for beginners and younger students
45 Minutes
-
Weekly 45 Minute Individual Lesson
-
Structured progression through the Drummers AOM Levels
-
Student progress tracking
-
Level Assessments with Academy examiner
-
Professional performance video recording
-
Level certfication
-
Performance spot at student showcases
-
For developing players who want more depth
1 Hour
-
Weekly 1 Hour Individual Lesson
-
Structured progression through the Drummers AOM Levels
-
Student progress tracking
-
Feel Assessments with Academy examiner
-
Professional performance video recording
-
Level certification
-
Performance spot at student showcases
-
For advanced students and intensive development
Prices shown are for lessons with Academy teachers. Lessons with the founder, John Vooght, are slightly higher at £105/month (30 mins), £154/month (45 mins), £203/month (1 hour).
Accelerate Your Progress
Studio Academy students can access the Online Academy at 50% discount.
For £10 a month, you get:
Full access to the video syllabus
Structured support between sessions
The ability to reinforce and review your learning
This allows you to make faster progress and stay consistent between weekly sessions.
Commitment & Progress
The Studio Academy is built around consistent weekly training.
Your weekly session is your core training time
Progress depends on regular attendance and engagement
Sessions do not accumulate or roll over
Where possible, we provide structured options to help students stay on track - but the programme is designed around consistency, not flexibility on demand.
Meet The Academy Team
All Academy teachers:
Follow the same syllabus
Teach toward the same standards
Deliver consistent results across the programme.
John Vooght - Founder & Senior Teacher
John is the founder of Drummers Academy of Music and the creator of its structured training system.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, his focus is on developing real, well-rounded musicians - not just students who can play pieces. His approach is built around strong foundations, musical understanding, and long-term progression.
As a performer, John has played extensively across the UK and internationally, bringing real-world musical experience into the academy environment.
At the core of his teaching is a simple goal: to help students develop the skills, confidence, and musicality needed to play in real musical situations. He has also guided many students to high-level performance standards across a range of musical styles.
Tris Murray - Academy Teacher
Tris is an experienced teacher and long-standing member of the academy team, known for his high-energy, engaging approach to lessons.
He specialises in contemporary styles including rock and metal, with a strong focus on helping students build confidence, control, and enjoyment in their playing.
Tris creates a positive and motivating learning environment, particularly for younger students, while ensuring they develop solid foundations within the academy system.
Matt Payne - Academy Teacher
Matt is a skilled and reliable teacher with a strong focus on sound, control, and confident playing.
His teaching is centred around helping students develop a solid technical foundation while pushing them to reach their next level within the academy pathway.
Known for his calm and encouraging approach, Matt creates an environment where students feel supported while being challenged to improve.
Jason Condison - Academy Teacher
Jason is a highly experienced professional musician with a diverse performance background across multiple styles.
His teaching combines strong musical knowledge with an adaptable and encouraging approach, helping students develop both skill and confidence within the academy system.
Jason brings real-world experience into every session, supporting students in becoming versatile and expressive musicians.
Ross Gardner - Academy Teacher
Ross is a versatile drummer and former student of the academy, bring both academic training and real performance experience into his teaching.
Having developed through the academy system himself, he has a deep understanding of the pathway and how to guide students through it effectively.
Ross is known for his calm, patient approach, helping students build confidence while developing strong musical foundations.
Testimonials
FAQ
Is this a pay-as-you-go model?
No. The Studio Academy is a structured membership programme with a weekly training session.
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 sufficient notice is given, we provide structured options to help you stay on track, subject to availability.
What Level Do I Need To Be To JOin?
We welcome all levels – from complete beginners  to advanced players. Your training is adapted within the academy framework.
Do I Get The Same Teacher Every Week?
Yes. Your teacher delivers your weekly coaching within the academy system.
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.
