Bio

Drum teacher and performer and recording artist with with an emphasis on Jazz and Fusion.
He has over 30 years teaching experience, privately, workshops, schools and colleges.

Teaching Info

With over 30 years of teaching and playing experience across performance, recording, private lessons, workshops, schools, and colleges, Phil brings a wealth of expertise in all aspects of drumming. Phil has performed and toured Uk and Ireland and has played at such venyes as Ronnie Scotts, Jazz Cafe, Vortex, Festival Hall, Purcell Rooms, …and many others in UK. Drawing on his extensive professional background, he uses a wide variety of teaching materials including his own, to tailor lessons to each individual student. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, Phil is able to adapt his approach to meet your needs. Phil has had students go on to study music at Guildhall and Trinity.
He has his own publication “Total Drums” , complete with demonstration audio files that is used to support the lessons and, if taken, the exam grades.

** Phil’s drum book TOTAL DRUMS volume 1 now available **
https://amzn.eu/d/aUxNCXD

Phil’s lessons cover:
– Grooves, rhythms, and variations
– All time signatures, both even and odd
– Fills, solos, and improvisation
– Time-keeping, playing with a metronome, and working with backing tracks
– Polyrhythms, stickings, and groupings
– 2-, 3-, and 4-way independence
– Playing in groups or ensembles
– Analyzing and playing musical styles and rhythms

**Technique**
Phil emphasizes in-depth technique, focusing on the rudiments, their application in fills, solos, and grooves, as well as exercises to improve control, sound, and speed. He also covers stickings and groupings.

**Improvisation**
Phil will help you develop the confidence and skill to create your own grooves, rhythms, fills, and solos.

**Reading**
From basic reading to more advanced drum exams, Phil can guide you through sight-reading, chart interpretation, and preparing for exams.

Phil uses original materials including his own series of books ‘Total Drums”, alongside classic drum books from Ted Reed, Jim Chapin, Charlie Wilcoxon, Drummer’s Cookbook, Gary Chaffee’s ‘Patterns’ series and more.

He is experienced in preparing students for exams with boards, RSL, Trinity, and MTB at all levels.

**Drum Kit Advice**
Phil also offers advice for those looking to purchase their first drum kit (acoustic or electronic) or upgrade an existing one.

**Free Trial**
Beginners are always welcome. Phil offers a free 30-minute trial lesson to get started.

**TESTIMONIALS**

“We feel truly lucky to have met Phil. He has a special gift in teaching children/adults and he would carefully craft the lessons to suit his vision of progress assessing the child’s ability and always succeeding in reaching the desired progress. To my son, Phil is his true role model as a musician.”
Ana C

“My children have had a different drum teacher for the past 8 years or so. Complete waste of time and money. Moved them over to Phil and he had taught them more in a term than they had been taught in the past 8 years! He’s not just about getting you through the exams, he really wants the children to come out of this with a proper skill and appreciation for percussion. He writes his own drills for them, he gets them listening properly (not just playing by rote) … and with the newly acquired skills, they have been able to enjoy jam sessions with youth rock bands in the area! His passion really comes out in the results my children are getting by going to him. Getting them to practice at home used to be a chore, now they do it on their own accord! “
Ling

“Phil has been a revelation for me. Having picked up drumming again after a 12 year stop, he has helped me rediscover my love for it. Extremely patient and really creative in how he implements his learnings into practice. Feel extremely lucky to have found him!”
Demi Kuteyi

“Phil Allen possesses extensive subject knowledge at the highest level. Hie is a vastly experienced teacher, able to prepare work and provide feedback according to student needs.”
Simon Purcell

“Phil teaches my 12 year old daughter since October 23 and we are really happy with how things are going. From my point of view as a parent Phil has been excellent with our communication; responding to questions and queries quickly, accommodating the changes. My daughter says she says she really enjoys her lessons and I can see that she’s excited to be advancing. I’d recommend Phil if you’re looking for a reliable tutor.”
Gokce

“Phil has been my drum teacher for 11 months, he is patient, friendly and an expert drummer. He always makes the lessons interesting and sets exercises appropriate to my progress, with just enough challenge to help me improve. I started as a beginner and already feel very confident around the kit. I will stay with Phil as my teacher and highly recommend him.”
Stash

Having the right teacher makes the world of difference and we feel very lucky to have found Phil to teach our daughter drums. He has a patient and relaxed manner with a balanced approach regarding learning and making the lessons fun and enjoyable which makes progress fast and keeps motivation high. He is kind and encouraging in his feedback and inspirational during demonstrations, showing what can be achieved with regular practice and dedication.
Marie Claire