Why study drums?
If your goal is to become a professional drummer, BIMM Music Institute is the place to be. After all, we started out as Drumtech – a dedicated drums training centre – so we know a thing or two about drums. With our guidance, you’ll master your craft and graduate fully prepared for a successful and long-lasting career in the industry.
No matter which course you choose, you’ll be taught by established industry professionals. Our drums courses have been designed with the industry, for the industry. You’ll not only develop your technical expertise, but your entrepreneurial and business skills, too.
Immerse yourself in the world of popular music performance, developing your stagecraft through live performances, cross-discipline collaborations, and practice with professional-standard equipment. Our strength lies in providing incredible performance opportunities in respected music venues, so rest assured that you’ll gain invaluable industry experience to carry forward in your career.
Key facts
World-class lecturers and industry-leading Masterclasses
Available as an industry-led diploma or undergraduate degree
State-of-the-art facilities and top-of-the-range equipment from some of music’s leading brands
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
The chance to play drums on-stage at festivals such as Glastonbury.
What to expect
Our courses at BIMM are made for you to establish your own exciting route into the live music sector. You’ll benefit from our high-end facilities, industry-led teaching, and supportive community, as well as everything we do to boost employability, such as masterclasses, internships and live performances.
Your learning comprises drum-specific classes to refine your technique, alongside ensemble sessions where you’ll collaborate with vocalists, bassists, guitarists and keyboardists. For theory and composition elements, you’ll use Apple Macs installed with all the latest software and plugins.
With dynamic, practical classes run by established industry experts, you’ll learn everything you need for a career in music. You can also try out our extracurricular classes, including beginners’ sessions on Pro Tools or Logic, to expand your skill set even further.
Choose your path with optional modules
We understand that every drummer has their own style, goals and passions. That’s why you’ll get a degree of flexibility in whichever course you choose.
In the first year of the undergraduate course, you’ll gain a solid foundation in performance skills, digital music, and instrument skills. In Year 2 you’ll begin to specialise, discovering niche areas such as session musicianship, composition or lyricism.
Year 3 allows you to explore even further, with more option modules to choose from, as well as your Final Project where you’ll home in on a particular area of interest.
Our Creative Futures Team is committed to helping you gain performance experience, whether that’s by contributing to BIMM’s own record label, playing at BIMM gigs, or accessing paid gigs through our extensive industry connections. For example, we’ve had students perform at prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury, The Great Escape, 2000Trees, and many more.
We also have a Student House Band scheme, where you can audition to become part of an exclusive group of session musicians. As a member, you’ll be paid to perform in lessons and assessments, and at a variety of BIMM events.
The Creative Futures Team offer one-to-one sessions where you’ll receive personalised careers guidance. They’ll also alert you to all the relevant job opportunities and internships that come in from our industry partners.
Graduates from our performance courses have gone on to do incredible things with their musical talents. Drummers like Jon Beavis of IDLES, Ben Thompson of Two Door Cinema Club, and Debbie Knox-Hewson, who drums for Charli XCX, all walked through our doors and out into the music industry. And you could be next.
At BIMM, our renowned industry masterclasses offer you the unique chance to connect with some of the most influential and successful figures in the music industry. We’ll put you in a room with prominent musicians, prolific entrepreneurs, and top-class agents, who’ll share their exciting and varied journeys into music and media.
We’ve welcomed drummers like Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Ian Matthews of Kasabian, Tim Kroker, and Rex Hardy Jr., who is known for his work with Mary J. Blige – all of whom offered their career tips, inspiring stories and unmatched wisdom to help our students navigate the industry.
Whether you’re passionate about performing live or in the recording studio (or both), you’ll learn from lecturers who’ve been there and done it.
Our staff are highly experienced professionals who are actively working in the music industry as session musicians, songwriters, independent artists, and more. With their in-depth knowledge of current and emerging trends in the sector, they’ll ensure that you stay ahead of the curve in your research and practice.
Performance students will be blown away by our state-of-the-art recording studios, designed to industry standards. Here, you’ll work with cutting-edge equipment, record your own sessions, and immerse yourself in the experience of a professional studio environment.
As you hone your skills, take advantage of our soundproofed drum rooms to unleash your creativity. Then, bring it all together in our live rooms, where you can perfect your performance alongside bassists, keyboardists, guitarists and vocalists.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Drum courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM Music Institute, please contact our Enquiries Team on 01273 840 346 or email [email protected].
