Discover Drums

Well this is a first for me, after many years of teaching and playing. One of my students and me sharing a stage together. Fantastic to hear Ali Mcg live along with Joe and Pete. Well played guys."Herding Cats" always a pleasure to keep you cats grooving. 😃🎵🥁. Looking forward to Saturday nights gig playing for the first time at Fire Station Creative Dunfermline.

Recently had the opportunity to study again with one of the UKs top educators, Mr Pat Garvey. Should any drumming friends not know how awesome he is, please listen to his playing with Ozric Tentacles. Nicola Kendall thanks again for organising this awesome day in Scotland. What an stunning venue.

Fantastic wee trip to my favourite local Drum shop. So much cool gear. Drummers Only thanks guys as always for warm welcome, chat and coffee. Love the one of a kind snare with Martin Smith name on it. 🤣😂 All the best.

Hi Folks, if anyone fancies some quality drum study. There are spaces for the master class with the amazing Pat Garvey. I have had the pleasure to study with Pat on a few occasions and this guy is one of the best tutors in the UK. You wont be disappointed. Details below. https://www.facebook.com/share/1GxAthaeib/

Masterclass, Edinburgh  1:1 learning & teaching  •  Professional mentoring  •  Coaching  •  Career guidance and support  •  In-person and online  •  Short Courses​  •  Small Group Sessions​  •  Guest Tutors ​ •  Guest Events • Consultation​​​​

Hi folks, Happy Weekend. Thought I would share a couple of pics of last weeks "Herding Cats" gig. Such a fantastic night and so nice to have a packed venue. Massive thanks to all the public, friends, family and some of my students who popped along to hear some classic rock. If you know of anyone looking for a band that is passionate about playing great music for parties or festivals please get in touch. Looking forward to our next gigs. 🥁 Thanks to Cara Photography for the footage.

Hi, Folks, few pics of my set up for a rehearsal with Herding Cats. Tried my new ACS custom in ear monitoring. Very nice! Tickets going well for our gig on 6th March. Would be great if some of you could pop along. Cheers. 🎵🥁

Hi Folks, a very Happy New Year to you all. I now have spaces available to teach more adult drum students.
Due to demand, I have increased my availability to include an extra evening of teaching.

If you have always dreamed of playing drums, now’s the time to start! Why not challenge yourself with trying something new this year? You may find a a hidden talent!

Perhaps, the kids have grown up and you have some more time?
Maybe Santa brought you a drum set? Or, you have been at gigs and thought the drummer was cool and imagined being that person!

After more than forty years playing drums all over the world, I concentrated on teaching drums eight years ago. My community of local students have amazed me! It really is possible to be playing drums, in a band, with a bit of work and support from me.
Several of my students have already achieved this and this could be you!

If anyone is interested in learning drums for fun or perhaps to help manage some stressors in their life then please contact me. The first taster lesson is FREE!! And you will always receive a warm welcome.

Any questions? Please message me on the discoverdrums page or email: [email protected]

I look forward to supporting your learning in all genres of drumming.

Regards James

Fantastic wee party gig last night playing with few great friends. Tried my new Thailand snare drum out. Wow, so musical and the 3 snare settings worked so well. Have a drumtastic festive season everyone. 🎵🥁🎄🎊

Hi Guys, just back from my Thailand trip and my new In Ear Monitors arrived. This year I have been researching lots of different types and trialled a couple of sets from amazon etc. If you are thinking about getting a pair, then I suggest looking at ambient and having maybe 2 drivers. I prefer custom moulds as the buds move slightly and feel like they are going to pop out. These ones from ACS sound great through the various frequencies and not crazy money. Also loads of choice and colours. You also get a wee dryer to ensure they are kept in good nick.😀 We all have our preferences, this is just thoughts to help anyone looking at this type of system. If you use these along with a Berenger P16 self monitoring mixer, you will be able to get your mix pretty good. Looking forward to recording using these for "Herding Cats."

Well looking like I may be in trouble. Went sight seeing in Bangkok. Yes, visit to my favourite drum shop. 'Drum Fusion'. So nice to be back and made most welcome. Fell in love with this brass snare drum. What a sound and incredible finish. Hand luggage?. 😂🤣 Thanks so much team drum fusion for making me feel most welcome. Please pop in if anyone is visiting in Thailand. 🎵🥁