Meet our Drum Tutors!
At The Groove Hub our team of drum tutors have one thing in common - their biggest passion is sharing their love of the drums with their students!
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Andrew Makin is a member of our drum teaching team and brings a wealth of knowledge from his past as an international touring musician (ask him about playing Reading & Leeds festival next time you see him!)
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Find out more about Andrew below...
Andrew
Makin
Hello! My name is Andrew and I have been playing the drums now for over 10 years.
I started playing in my early teens and quickly became obsessed with all things music.
I joined a band which ended up signing a record deal and touring internationally, but my true passion was always teaching.
After a few years on the road I decided to channel all my energy into education and guiding the next generation of drummers to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS & their parents say:
“Starting as a beginner adult learner, I have been taking drum lessons with Andy for the past 4 months and I am very happy with the experience and my progress. Andy is very patient and excellent at showing ways to improve my technique. The lessons are very diversified and individually tailored but most of all, fun. His enthusiasm for drumming and music in general is contagious. My drum lessons with Andy are the highlight of my week and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a patient, talented and positive drum teacher!”
Jen, Student, Manchester
Get to know Andrew...
Why did you start playing drums?
My high school had a drum kit in the music room, it was unloved and nobody ever played it but I was always drawn towards it and I loved the idea of being able to play along to my favourite songs and express myself through music. I would spend hours after school playing it and It was all I would ever think about doing, at that point I knew I was meant to be a drummer.
What has been your most memorable drumming moment so far?
Probably getting to tour Australia! I was 21 at the time and I was on the other side of the world playing music and none of that would of happened without the drums, so I’m very thankful for that opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about teaching drums?
I find it incredibly rewarding when a student doesn’t quite grasp an idea first time, but we keep chipping away at it together as a team until the moment where it suddenly clicks. Seeing that lightbulb switch on in their head and the smile on their face is the reason why I love teaching. Helping people understand that they can achieve anything they want is a really special feeling.
What would you say your strengths are as a drum teacher?
I think that I can relate to all of my students individually and understand the barriers which are stopping them learning a new idea. When I was a beginner, I really wasn’t a “natural”. It took me so long to get to grips with basic ideas so I can understand that frustration more than most I think.
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What has been your favourite gig you’ve ever played?
I was lucky enough to play at Reading and Leeds Festival in 2017. To be on a lineup with so many household names at a festival with such a rich history was a really cool experience.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS & their parents say:
“Andy's been my sons teacher for 3 months. He was recommended to me by friends for his outgoing personality and love for music. His enthusiasm for drums and music in general is the key to his teaching as it rubs off onto his learner. Andy has different teaching methods that works from basic music structure to the more complex structures, however, he teaches with an ease as his knowledge and passion shines through. I would happily recommend Andy to anyone at any age.”
Chris, Parent of Student, Manchester
Tell us three of your favourite drummers?
Favourite drummer of all time is probably Joey Jordison, his drumming on the early Slipknot records really blew me away and changed my ideas of what was possible on the drums.
Ilan Rubin is another favourite of mine. He is a hybrid of so many different styles but he blends them all together so well. An incredibly versatile and musical drummer!
Finally, a guy called Connor Denis. He is a young, rock drummer from Florida and he is really expressive, hard hitting and fast but manages to still keep his ideas fresh.
What would you say to someone who was thinking of trying out drums for the first time?
Absolutely do it! Playing drums has so many positive benefits. It’s great for your physical and mental health, as well as it being incredibly fun. I also think that it has a lot of transferable skills which you can apply to every day life, such as overcoming challenges and sticking to a practice routine.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS & their parents say:
“As well as his passion for music and years of professional performance experience, Andy is an instant friend and perfect motivator for any aspiring musician to have in their corner.”
Dave, Student, Manchester