web: www.drum-
rhythm in music
‘DrumBeats’ is a convenient ‘unofficial’ company name for my individual work with primary schools in and around Oxford. It is a useful ‘umbrella’ for the current offerings of ‘rhythm in music’ and, hopefully, provides a memorable website address too!
My name is Nigel Ralf and I developed the idea for drumming and rhythm tuition in the primary school sector after my son and a few of his friends at St Ebbes Primary in Oxford asked me to get them started with drumming. I was at a turning point in career, had experience of private teaching and years of drumming experience and enthusiasm, so decided to give it a go!
It turned out to be great fun for all - working on the drum kit, appreciating ‘favourite’
bands, understanding rhythmic qualities of music and learning to grasp the first
concepts of limb coordination needed to play the drums.
After this first trial course, I received great help and encouragement from family, friends and teachers from St Ebbes, St Mary & John and Beckley, who were all very keen to see a general introductory course started at their school.
That’s how it started and I haven’t looked back!
DrumBeats has now grown to include tutoring in electric guitar and I have added two
tutors to facilitate expansion - Cameron Grote (Drums) and Ella Reid (Guitar).
Rhythm in music is great fun:
clap your hands, bang a drum or play a rhythm on the drum kit!
