Get Dad A Drum Lesson

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Its all about the World Cup this summer of sport, but perhaps your Dad isn’t a football fan, or maybe he is but he also thinks he could cut it as a Drummer, then why not test these potential skills with a Drum Lesson this Fathers Day?

The problem is that Dad maybe thinks he could be up onstage to a sell out crowd playing a massive summer Festival like Leeds Festival, Download or Glastonbury. Or perhaps he’s got a dream seat at the back of the stage playing for adoring crowds on an Arena tour around the country but the reality is the air drumming is usually alone; or in the car!

Well, its maybe time to test Dad to see what its like?

Playing the Drums is challenging but also hugely rewarding. Its exciting and explosive, having the feel of real power and volume in your hands. What better way to enjoy your favourite music, right?

By Booking a £20, 1 hour Drum Lesson this Fathers Day, you can also get an optional second lesson at 25%* less!

All you have to do is use the Contact Form below, add a small comment with Dads Name and CHECK the “Get Dad A Drum Lesson” box and we will be in contact!

*Second Lesson is bookable after the First Lesson, with a 25% lesson price (£15) discount on successful completion of the First lesson. No Sign up or minimum lessons is required. All Terms and Conditions can be found HERE

Ghostnote Academy 2018

Don’t be scared this Halloween!

Blow away those Autumn cobwebs with Ghostnote Academy!

We may not be a crime fighting, ghost-busting outfit but we are a frighteningly good and passionate Drum School!

Don’t worry if you’re new to drums, we have plenty of experience in getting you playing right from the start. It doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience, it should be something that you can relax and enjoy; we can help you with that!

So if you have the desire to play, the ambition to take on something new and you’re not afraid of a bit of hard work, then give us a call! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

We are comitted to helping you achieve your goals and we are fully behind your passion to learn to play the drums as much as you are.

If you want more information please contact us on Facebook or Twitter

If you prefer, you can use the contact form below or call 07949 327058.

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©ghostnoteacademy2017

Drum 101

So you’re wanting to have some drum lessons but what should you expect and what do you need to get started?

Fist things first, its a good idea to invest in your own drum sticks. They don’t need to be the most expensive, and over time you will no doubt refine your choice as your playing develops; but brands such as: Promark, Vic Firth, Ahead and Vater all make reliable models to get you started.

With having some new sticks its a great habit to practise holding these and get used to the feel and response and developing your grip. The original, if not a bit old school, method was to practice on cushions to simulate drums. This isn’t a guaranteed system for success but in the very beginning provides a simple understanding of movement.

Another wise investment and coordinates with having real drum lessons, is to purchase some decent hearing protection.

With volume levels that can hurt and damage hearing, we fully endorse playing with some defenders. These can be provided at the beginning but of course it would be worth buying your own in time; after all, we all have different preferences!

So you have the sticks and some hearing protection, what next…?

Well, lessons! Now you have the basics to start. The only thing you need to consider is how much patience and determination you can summon.

A common problem with beginning the drum journey, is in fact that one word; “Journey”. There is never a time that any drummer at any level reaches the end of their learning. “I’ve never sat down and thought, – you know what, that’s it, I’m at the top of my game, and sat back and folded my arms!” – Mike Johnston Drum Clinic, March 2017.

The journey is a never ending process and like any other musical instrument, learning and development is a life long quest.

The beginning can be frustrating and hard work but that part soon passes and develops quickly into more technical skills. The great thing about lessons is that we can then look back at achievements, see what journey we have been on and map the future of our playing.

Yes, it can take some learners longer than others to accomplish various skills, there are ways to perhaps address such frustrations by adding a simple yet vital part of the drummers home practice – the Practice Pad.

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The practice pad is an excellent way to hone skills and in particular to develop stick control and learning drum rudiments. With the technical introduction of rudiments, which are the cornerstone of any players arsenal, they are also a necessary component in advancing through the Rock School Grades and exams.

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Time is a major investment, practising skills at home, learning new techniques in lessons all take a large part of any individuals learning trajectory. There is no short cut, applying time to learn efficiently will provide positive results and unlock achievements faster. Knowing what to or how to practice can be daunting, however, lessons can be the platform to stimulate and direct choices on your learning path.

Whether you want weekly, fortnightly or even monthly lessons, we can work at your pace, maintaining a full lesson diary that maps every students drumming evolution. Give yourself the space, time and patience to ensure your excitement on beginning to learn the drums meets your expectations.

Investing in your education should be fun but challenging. A new challenge usually encounters hard work but the end results can be amazing!

If you’re excited about learning, want to know more or would like to book some lessons; please use the contact from below! Lets go!! 🙂

Summer Holidays for Drummers

Summer is here!!

Now that the long summer holidays have arrived and all that hard work through the school year has been completed; you can now unwind and relax!

So what next? Are you looking at some time to yourself, or are you looking to the next adventure?

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If you are a new convert to drums or perhaps have some aspiration to play in a band and want to rock the drums then we can help you advance into your exciting new challenge!

Its time to take those air drumming dreams to another level and put yourself on the drum throne and be the king of the stage.

Anyone can learn to play, at any age and being completely new isn’t a problem either!

With an extensive back ground of live playing and writing original music as a drummer; and trained in both Trinity Guildhall and Rockschool grades (with a Diploma in Performing Music Practitioners) we have all the skills to guide, develop and evolve your drumming talents!

So you want to take your drumming seriously, then look no further..

We are fully DBS checked through the Musicians Union and have under taken all relevant training in Safeguarding Children

If you want to book some lessons or just want to know a little bit more, then fill out the form below and tell us a bit more about you!

We’re here to help you succeed in your ambitions!

All About Drums

Welcome to Ghostnote Academy, I am PG Branton a drummer and song writer from York.

I have plenty of years experience playing the drums, from live situations, recording, demonstrations and tuition. I have been taught myself in both Rock School and Trinity Guildhall and I am a former student at Access to Music.

My background in drumming started, like most in my formative years, at the age of 12 I began playing for St Chads Scouts Marching band and developed a love of rhythmic conceptions and in particular the manipulation of drum rudiments into music. In fact, still to this day I love to exercise and practice as many rudiments as I can – always honing speed and control!

As I left a marching environment I began to experiment on acoustic kits, from school I met and have been in bands with long time co-musician; guitarist Stew King.

Where my passion has really grown has been through working with other talented musicians and learning to write and play in a number of bands. The experience of playing live and recording has undoubtedly changed over the years since I started but, for my part, the sound and feel of playing a drum kit is still un-matched.

I have developed as a left handed drummer but switched many years ago to a right handed player but still keep my “weak hand” in the game. I am a two footed and single footed player, combining both skills in contemporary music.

I am excited to be able to offer my expertise and knowledge, whilst also being able to help those who have little or no experience to begin their drumming journey. Being in a friendly and comfortable surrounding are hugely important for the safety and welfare of students, lessons are delivered in professional rehearsal and recording studios at Melrose Yard in York.