Dye House Drum Works

07/08/2026

Here's an amazing aerial photo of Leicester from the 1960's - but can you spot the buildings which are now Quad Studios and Dye House Drum Works?

10/05/2026

Afternoon all! We've had a couple of exam sessions since my last post and so we're well overdue for student props and general applause all round, to: Adam, Ellie, Marley, Joe and Molly! Fabulous results right across the Rockschool grade syllabus - well done all! And... a special mention for Mel (mum of Molly and Joe) who has also been out playing live regularly with Riotous Collective stars, High Maintenance! WOOP! 👏👏🏆✨

17/04/2026

Hi all!

It's been good while since we've updated any kind of content on the page here, very sorry! There are no excuses, we've all just been too busy playing, learning and keeping the cold out from a notorious DHDW winter! But, dear readers, the blossoms are filling the trees and we're briskly rolling into the brighter days of summer :-) So, what's been going on?....

We've had at least two sessions of Rockschool exams, with students achieving fabulous results and those certainly deserve their own post - do watch out for that.

Regular visitors to Quad and Dye House Drum Works may have seen that Friday Street has recently been adorned with a Story of Leicester Heritage Panel, highlighting the history of Corporation Yard, which is the cobbled area to the side of Quad Studios (see pic). It's quite an interesting read, but sadly due to its location, will most likely be the least read of any across the city!

Our teaching library has finally caught up with the latest Rockschool syllabus books (we now have complete set) and audio playback is hitting the new millennium, with two JBL Bluetooth speakers! These things are amazing: 100 Watts and loads of bass end - they really match an acoustic kit at every level.

I've also taken a little down-time over Easter to make some changes to my own little Gretsch kit: Lighter heads back on the 18" bass drum and 15" floor tom; I'm looking out for a Zildjian K 18" or 20" flat ride, and also a PDP 20 ply 6.5" wood snare, if anyone sees either on their travels...?? :-D

So... Hoping everyone is doing well, getting in plenty of practice and enjoying their playing? There's something in the changing of the seasons that can certainly help to motivate. Make the most of it! Change things up; try different approaches; do more, better!

We're pretty booked up here at the moment, but we do operate a waiting list and absolutely will do our best to fit in anyone who is keen to learn...

Keep up the good work and see you soon! :-D

14/09/2025

Hi all! Advance notice that there'a another Unglamorous/Riotous Collective season of taster sessions coming up... This is such a fantastic initiative! Give it a look - and book in! :-D

Riotous Collective (RC) is a member-led community organisation that provides the opportunity and encouragement for womxn to join bands and perform regardless of prior experience and also provides on-going support so womxn and the RC Bands they form are able to reach their full potential.

16/07/2025

'Sticking' is a curious and imperfect concept: when you factor in backward and forward strokes, we may realise - as a kit player - how easy we have it!? Watch this left hand....

30/05/2025

So sorry to hear of the passing of Al Foster. One of the greats who managed to span and propel so many great periods of jazz music. RIP to the man who "...could hear round corners!".

The superbly alert and flexible drummer formed a swirling current in modern jazz for more than 60 years. He was 82.

21/12/2024

Well, that's another year of lessons completed at Dye House Drum Works - and it's been a blast!

It's hard to believe that I'm now into my 15th year based at Quad Studios and, including previous teaching tenures at various renowned establishments, have now passed 30,000 lessons in a 30 year career!

We have such a lovely bunch of students here and every day of teaching is a joy. I've increased my own practice hours and am enjoying my playing more than ever, which certainly helps to fuel enthusiasm and motivation through the busy teaching day.

Thank you to all of our students - past, present and future - for your continued support of the drum school and the art form. We all know how much of an enrichment music can be to our lives and dedication to learning is central to that.

With all good wishes for the holiday season. See you in 2025!

11/12/2024

Hi all!
Hope everyone is settling into the chilly season and steering clear of coughs and colds?! Get plenty of fruit and veg - that's all I'm saying! :-D
That...and...
We're having a clear out in the studio! Lots of copies of Modern Drummer, Rhythm and Drummer magazines: cast your eyes across this lot and drop us a line if there's one you would like; or, message below with your favourite players and I'll have a look through in a 'Happy Families' sort-of-a-way and match you up! :-D

26/10/2024

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of performing drum duties for a local project in my hometown of Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

Brickworks Studio is an excellent rehearsal/recording space and community music hub - and also runs its own record label, Somewhere Records.

Hop on over to the Dye House Drum Works website and you can read my blog post about the recording session for Somewhere Records artist, Elena Val.


http://www.dyehousedrumworks.com/recording-for-somewhere-records-at-brickworks-studio-mh/