If you have ever thought, “I could teach drums” and then done nothing about it, this session is your sign to take it seriously.

In this session on the digitalDrummer stage, Alex Forryan, Head of Business Development and Operations at Rockschool, shares an honest and practical guide to starting and growing your own drum school. Whether you are already teaching a handful of students or just beginning to consider it, you will leave with a clearer picture of what is possible and how to get there.

Alex will break down the real earning potential of drum teaching. Many independent tutors are earning between €50 and €100 per hour. He will also talk through how to build a student base that is sustainable, not just a side hustle. From setting your rates and structuring your timetable to retaining students long term, this session covers the business side of teaching that few people talk about.

We have the perfect digital teaching tool, and this session will show you exactly how to use it. Backstage, Rockschool’s digital teaching platform, is designed to improve your lessons and reduce your admin. With graded charts, video playthroughs, structured delivery guides, and a built-in homework function, it gives you everything you need to run professional and engaging lessons from day one. Students get a richer learning experience, and you get more time to focus on what you do best: teaching. There is also an integrated digital shop for Yamaha drum equipment, allowing you to support your students beyond the lesson room and add an additional revenue stream to your school.

Alex will also cover the marketing side. How to put yourself out there, when to do
it, and which approaches actually work for drum tutors who want to grow their profile locally and online. Social media, word of mouth, and local partnerships all play a role. You will come away knowing where to focus your energy and what to avoid.

Starting a drum school does not have to be complicated or expensive. With the right platform, a clear plan, and a bit of confidence, it is more achievable than you might think.

If you have been thinking about taking your teaching more seriously, this is a great place to start.