West London Drum Lessons
WITH KARI PAAVOLA
West London Drum Lessons
WITH KARI PAAVOLA
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Welcome
At West London Drum Lessons, Kari Paavola teaches at all levels from beginner to professional, both children and adults. Lessons are available in his studio in West London, via Zoom or at your own home (Kensington, Mayfair, Chelsea, Notting Hill and Chiswick).
Maximum of 12 places available. Please get in touch for more information or to reserve your place.
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Drum practice for beginners
When you start lessons, it’s important to check that your instrument is set up correctly and ready for use. When I give Home Lessons (available to students in West London) I can check the drum set-up and give expert advice.
Between lessons, I advise students to practise regularly. For children, I suggesting incrementing practice by five minutes each week; adults may wish to increment practice time by a little more.
For example, for a child starting out, I suggest the following practice routine:
First week: 10-minute practice session, 4 times per week. Over the following weeks, the student should increase each session by 5 minutes until they are doing a 30-minute session, 4 times per week. This give the student 2 hours per week on the instrument in addition to a 50-minute lesson. In my experience, this allows enough time during the first 1-2 years of study for good progress to be made.
When the practice schedule is increased gradually, the student becomes accustomed to the routine; and, using a custom-designed programme, the student will know how to utilise the practice time effectively.
For adults, I recommend a similar process, though they can start with 20-minute sessions, increasing to 45-minute sessions, 3 times per week. In my experience, adults can practise fewer times per week, though for longer sessions. This can be a feasible solution for those who need to fit practice around work or family commitments.
At West London Drum Lessons, I provide ongoing support for students, ensuring that they follow the best possible practice programme, fine-tuning it according to the individual student’s needs.
Home Lessons are available in Chelsea, Mayfair, Chiswick, Notting Hill and Holland Park, offering students both expert tuition and the convenience of learning at home at an agreed time and day.
If you would like further information, please contact me. I’m here to help!
Kari Paavola
Kari has taught the drums for over 25 years. He was the principle drum teacher at the Jewish Free School in Kenton, and for 6 years taught professional level students at the London School of Contemporary Music (www.lccm.org.uk). He has taught at music colleges throughout Europe, lecturing about professional music life, and he has tutored students at international schools.
Kari says, “Music and education run deep in my family — indeed, I’m a fourth-generation performing musician and educator. I am an enthusiastic teacher with a wealth of knowledge having taught students of all levels and ages, from 5 to 65.”
Kari holds an enhanced DBS certificate for working with children.
Beginner
The basics of playing the drums: holding the sticks and how to strike the drum. In no time, you’ll learn how to play the three basic beats: the quaver (eight note) beat, the triplet beat and the semiquaver beat. With these beats you can perform most modern pop and rock songs.
Intermediate
Intended for those who have 1-3 years of experience of playing the drums, or for those who perhaps already play in a band. Learning more styles, beats and feels. Teaching customised to the musical styles that you like and want to play.
Advanced
For professional players or those who wish to play professionally. Teaching the skills that will enable you to make the next step in your musical career. Together we will create a programme that suits your individual needs.