I've made Beam, a tool for writing drum charts and worksheets. I built it for myself and my students. The more I used it, the more it felt too useful to keep to myself, so here it is!

The goal was something quick to write notation in, flexible enough for charts, worksheets and transcribing. It also needed to focus on drums, work as a web app on any device, be easy to share, and look good. It's inspired by tools I've used and liked over the years, particularly Beat Note, Groove Scribe, Soundslice, Dorico and GarageBand.

You add notes in a step grid, and Beam turns it into proper engraved drum notation. You can add articulations, annotations, sections, repeats and stickings, the things you'd typically need in a drum score, and customise the grid to match your own kit.

I've deliberately left out playback. I wanted something lightweight, focused on getting notation down quickly and looking good rather than trying to do everything. Beat Note, Groove Scribe and Soundslice are all great if you need playback.

I've been using it with my students for a while now, and it's genuinely changed how I teach. I can make a worksheet or transcription on my iPad or MacBook during a lesson, and the student sees it update live on a second iPad or a TV in the room. At the end of the lesson I share it with the student or their parent, either as a link or a PDF.

It’s free to use. Paid plans add unlimited charts and additional export and sharing options if you need more, or if you’d like to support the app as I keep adding features.

You can try it at beamdrums.com, no sign-up needed.

South Street Studios, Ipswich

I've got extra daytime drum lesson slots free on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week at South Street Studios in Ipswich.

If you're looking to start lessons or get back into playing, contact me to book your lesson or find out more here.

In line with the easing of COVID restrictions, drum lessons will resume at South Street Studios from 12th April.

Lessons at the studio will initially only be available on Tuesday mornings, Thursday after school, and 10-5 on Saturdays and Sundays. This is due to building and redecorating taking place at the studio.

Parents and students, I’ll be in touch in the next week to arrange lesson times.

You may have recently seen the 2019 Argos Christmas advert. It’s a fantastic advert — especially for all the drum tutors out there!

However, if you’re thinking about buying a drum kit this Christmas, skip Argos and speak to the wonderful folks at your local music shop or drum shop (if you’re lucky enough to have one).

I bought my first drum kit at Sound Attak in Colchester many, many years ago. They know their stuff and will be able to sell you a far superior drum set (that will last you far longer) than the one featured in the advert.

An additional shout out to Music World, West End Music and The Drumming Shop in Ipswich. All excellent local music shops.

Due to popular demand I’m now available for drum lessons between 3 and 6:30 on Thursdays and Fridays at South Street Studios in Ipswich! This is in additional to my regular teaching schedule of 9-5 on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information on my lessons click here. If you have any questions, get in touch!

I was featured in the Ipswich Star's Weird Ways To Keep Fit in 2018 article!

Scroll down to number 13 in the piece or read below...

The drummer for New Wave US pop pioneers Blondie, Clem Burke, was once the subject of a study that contrasted his heart rate while on the kit to a footballer throughout a 90-minute period. Both averaged a heart rate of 140 to 150 BPM. So if you’d rather hit the sticks than the pitch you can be sure you are still keeping yourself fit. A professional drummer will use his whole body to produce the beat, arms hitting the drums and feet pumping the foot pedals. One person who knows this very well is Ross Farley, who teaches drum lessons at South Street Studios, in Ipswich. He says: “Drumming is a great workout, especially mentally and for coordination! I have a number of students in their 30s to 60s who come to me for that reason, putting aside the fact that it is pretty good fun too.”

Ross, who as drummer with bands Angry Vs Bear and Death By Lasers, has supported acts such as Florence & The Machine and The Futureheads and had his music played on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, offers 30-minute and one-hour lessons. He says: “Lessons are suitable for all ages and abilities, and for fans of any style of music. And importantly, they are fun. I’m firmly of the belief that learning should be an enjoyable experience, not a painful one!” For more information or to book lessons, visit here.

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