Nadine Lee Musical Director & Session Musician f 22, 22
Paul was my 'Drum Technique' teacher. I remember having mixed feelings in my first lesson - one being WOW and the other being am I ever gonna be able to do that! The great thing is the way he broke it down gave me the tools to be able to approach a lot of my drum learning with positivity and determination and those tools have come with me into both my playing and teaching. I'm grateful for the experiences I had with Paul; he's the real deal!
James Titshall Freelance Drummer and Director of Sound Generation f 25, 22
It’s been nearly 25 years since my first lesson with Paul, but even today - the techniques and concepts he first introduced to me form an integral part of my playing, both in practise and in performance. Whilst the focus of Paul’s lessons was always to develop a solid foundation, to have good technique, consistent time playing, and a great sound and feel at the kit, Paul always encouraged me to stretch myself, and to push my technical and musical boundaries. Paul also introduced me to new music, a wide range of drummers and drumming influences, and always inspired me to work hard, and to be the best drummer I could be.Paul’s knowledge, expertise, passion, and ability are second to none, and I would recommend him to any serious student of the instrument.I feel very privileged to have had the chance to study with Paul, and I’m forever grateful for all the skills he equipped me with, and the inspiration and self-belief he instilled in me.
Paul Brown Independent f 22, 22
I studied with Paul Elliott at Drumtech, in London, in the late 90’s .
He introduced me to many new concepts and techniques that have greatly helped and improved my drumming. Up to that point, I hadn’t had any tuition in the technical aspects of drum-kit playing. These invaluable techniques undoubtedly helped elevate my skills to a new level, through his expertise and sound teaching. I’ve been playing professionally worldwide ever since, including six Tours of Duty, for which I received the Afghanistan Service Medal.
Steve Gilbertson London West End Shows f 20, 22
Paul is such an experienced, well read and thorough drum educator and musician. He has an incredible ability to get to the heart of whatever your issue is and give you concise and focused information on how to conquer it. For me it was technique. Having never had formal tuition, I was very stiff and hit from the elbow and shoulder. Within a matter of weeks with Paul’s expert guidance, input and advice, he had my hands in much better shape, not just technically but musically too which opened up a whole new range of possibilities. His lessons, techniques, advice and friendship are still with me today nearly twenty years on from first studying with him, and I can say categorically I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without Paul
James Davis Independent f 20, 22
I reckon the best musicians/teachers are maybe the kindest, most generous and supportive? That would make Paul Elliott one of the greatest
Tim Brown Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash f 12, 21
I really enjoyed my time studying with Paul. He really pushed me when I really needed it and took my technique, coordination and abilities to the next level. Always fun and inspirational. Paul is the Man.
Mick Avory The Kinks f 13, 00
Paul really helped me with my wrist technique, which I’d been struggling with. He also broadened my knowledge on Latin and linear drumming, which I found interesting and useful in my general playing. I found him really easy going and friendly, with a great sense of humour
Mark Heaney Gang Of Four f 12, 00
Paul is a wonderful teacher and he helped me greatly with all aspects of my playing. His teaching material is concise and delivered in a way that makes his concepts easy to understand - and it was a lot of fun. I would highly recommend studying with Paul - a great player and teacher and a really lovely person to be around.
Luke Bullen Bryan Ferry f 11, 00
I started travelling to London from Norwich over 20 years ago to further my studying of the drums and was fortunate to be taught by Paul. He has had a substantial influence over my approach to my instrument and this has helped me to be lucky enough to have travelled the world and make a living from my playing ever since. Thanks Paul!
Tom Meadows Kylie Minogue, Will Young f 10, 00
Without Paul, I'd still be swimming in a sea of uncertainty and I'll always be grateful for what he taught me, both as a person and a musician. His depth of knowledge is second to none and his skills put him in rarified air on the world stage. I can't recommend him enough, if you get a chance to see him either as a student or audience member, take it… you'll be glad you did
Aicha Djidjelli Hans Zimmer f 9, 00
Paul is an incredible educator, communicator and player. His teaching style is methodical and clear and he has had a huge impact over my drumming abilities. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone wishing to better themselves on the drum kit.
Steve Kemp Hard Fi f 8, 00
I approached Paul for lessons just as things were starting to go well for me as a drummer. I wanted to improve my technique and word was that Paul was the man to see. His focus and attention to detail is amazing, and his own playing is outstanding. It would be hard to find a more experienced, friendly, approachable teacher - whatever level you're at. Paul is the best in the biz.
Nathan 'Tugg' Curran Basement Jaxx f 7, 00
During my wonderful days studying in London over 20 years ago, I received the greatest drum tuition from Paul - always offering positive, honest and friendly advice. Now, as a session drummer and drum teacher myself, I always like to think I can pass on the good vibes in the same way that Paul passed them on to me. Big up :)
Lisa Tring Jill Jackson f 6, 00
Nearly 20 years since being a student of Paul's, I am still practicing and realising his concepts and will continue to do so for many years to come. Paul is a true innovator - as a player and as an educator. I feel privileged to have had the best drum education there is.
Richard Beasley Gary Numan f 5, 00
Rarely, in my professional experience, have I come across someone with a gift such as Paul’s. He has an expansive insight and a passion for music and the understanding of time and rhythm. It was always a joy to be taught by Paul. He is a truly great musician and an all round good guy, with a huge talent.
Jola Adam Ant f 4, 00
I was a student of Paul's when I was studying for a degree in music. Paul is a fabulous drummer and teacher and I always felt relaxed in his classes - techniques were broken down, examined and explained, in order that we could achieve what we were all there for: to learn!
Bid Beresford Leftfield f 3, 00
I studied with Paul in London and, without question, his understanding and overall ability is immense. Also, in conversation with the Geordie, you realise his genuine love, passion and enthusiasm for the drums, always wanting to learn more himself and openly sharing this knowledge to those willing to learn. Roll on Mr Elliott! X
Laura Fares Sam Sparro, Ricky Martin f 2, 00
I studied with Paul for 3 years and he was very influential on the way I play now. His passion and knowledge of the instrument and exceptional technique have always been inspirational. He's a top guy!
Simon Hartop The Barbs, The Survival Code f 1, 00
I studied with Paul back in the 90’s and I’m completely indebted to him for the way I play now, earning an artist deal with Paiste, taking part in countless recordings and touring all over the world. I don’t know where I’d have been without his expertise and teaching skills. If you need to improve your playing, whether it be technique, reading or learning new styles, you should look no further. Paul Elliott, my lifelong friend and drum lord!
Matt White Ott & The All-Seeing I f 10, 22
After studying with Paul back in the 90’s, I recently had a few days intensive lessons at his studio. He updated my technique, corrected some bad habits and I'm now playing pain-free for the first time in years. The man's a legend, I'll be back for more soon!
Jason Cooper The Cure, David Bowie f 1, 21
I first met Paul at Drumtech in the early 90’s and his teaching helped me on my way to becoming a successful musician. Most recently, I was experiencing some tendonitis and other physical problems and after a few lessons with Paul they were sorted. His expert knowledge of technique and ergonomics has been invaluable. Thanks Paul.
Ammar Al-Chalabi Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics, King’s College London, Consultant Neurologist, King’s College Hospital, and Drummer f 31, 20
As a neurologist specializing in the motor system, I know that Paul’s thorough knowledge and understanding of physiology, biomechanics, learning principles and effective practice methods combine with his amazing drumming skills to make him a world leader in this field and an exceptional teacher
Graeme Wall The Breakfast Club f 1, 00
I’d thoroughly recommend Paul as a teacher. I was having problems with my technique and my drumming in general and had given up hope of finding a patient and understanding tutor, as I have learning difficulties. Paul walked me through everything with ease – he was so helpful and at a comfortable pace. If you’re looking for a great teacher, then look no further – Paul’s your man
Alex De La Cour Butcher In The Fog f 16, 00
I saw Paul Elliott for a lesson after being unable to drum for four years with tendonitis caused by playing. Within two minutes of me sitting behind the kit and playing, he was able to point out and correct multiple bad habits that I’d developed in fifteen years of drumming. This one lesson with Paul was the catalyst for me to not only be able to play the drums again, but to play them better and with less tension than I ever had previously. I can not overstate how helpful I found him and I would highly recommend his tuition to anyone.
Russell Taylor Newcastle upon Tyne f 23, 00
I am an amateur drummer who plays regularly in two covers bands. I was suffering with painful tendonitis in both arms due to poor technique and was also lacking confidence as a result. Within about three weeks of lessons with Paul, my tendonitis had improved greatly, and the drills Paul gave me helped me to focus my energies much more economically. Playing in a relaxed manner and with less tension has helped me both physically and mentally on the drum kit.
Jane Gregory Alexander Technique Practitioner and Trainer, London f 16, 00
As an Alexander Technique teacher specialising in working with modern musicians, I first worked with Paul some years ago and was immediately struck by his good body use at the kit. One of his great strengths is his ability to incorporate this important aspect into his teaching, which, in my opinion, provides huge benefits for his drum students.
Chris Lawson Film Director. IAMINHERE.com f 9, 23
We were in a tight spot with a music track that wasn’t working for a film. We’d worked with a number of composers who couldn’t get it right. I called Paul on a Sunday morning, with a deadline looming. He understood what we wanted immediately, despite it being really confusing for us. Without a fuss, Paul gave us several brilliant options and by Sunday evening, we had precisely the track we were looking for. The client loved the new version and signed it off without any changes (this is unheard of). As well as all of this, Paul is a thoroughly nice chap to work with and he’s obviously an amazingly talented musician.
Mike Sturgis Head of Education, DIME Online f 22, 21
Paul is a true ‘dual professional’ – an outstanding musician and educator with vast experience in both areas. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him over the years at two different institutions and I’ve never known his work to be anything but excellent. His knowledge, talent, and enthusiasm is inspirational for colleagues as well as students.
Dr. Rob Burns PhD, Bassist, Associate Professor, University of Otago, New Zealand f 23, 00
Paul Elliott is a world–class drummer whose superb skills are rarely paralleled in contemporary music. In addition to his immense abilities as a musician, Paul has been at the forefront of popular music performance education in the UK and beyond, since the early 1990s.
Sara Raybould Pro Vice-Chancellor, London College of Music, UWL f 23, 00
Paul is a world-class performer and educator, with vast experience in all genres and internationally acclaimed.
Norton York Founder and Chairman, RSL Awards f 23, 00
Paul has been instrumental in helping to establish the credibility and quality of the RSL drum syllabus from the start. In recent years he has been a key performer in recording our drum syllabuses as well as travelling around the world for us to explain our exams to drum teachers and inspire them to play and teach in the best possible ways.
Brian Greene Founder, Gigajam f 23, 00
Paul is undoubtedly one of the leading drum and music educators in the UK and beyond. Unlike many self-professed educators, Paul is the genuine article with a track record second to none.
Tom Rogers Founder, Music Gurus f 23, 00
Paul is a truly world-class drummer and educator. He's extremely professional and good to work with and has helped to build quality and integrity into our Rockschool video lesson products, as well as helping to evolve the format of MusicGurus content. Paul's talents have also helped us to enter new markets, specifically China where he is something of a celebrity! Thanks Paul. Looking forward to our next collaboration.
Jerry Kramskoy Founder, CTO, MusicIncite Ltd f 23, 00
Paul consulted to MusicIncite Ltd, where he provided deep insight, and clarity, into rhyhmic theory, which heavily informed the requirements for Rhythm-X, a central component of our music education product, emuso(TM). Paul has also kept a watchful eye, as emuso has been evolving to product and has always been happy to answer questions and advise. Many thanks, Paul.
Shaun Baxter Guitarist, Director, Academy of Music & Sound f 23, 00
As a British drummer and teacher, Paul's experience, knowledge and ability simply make him peerless. I have been privileged to play with him for many years, and given the chance of playing with any drummer in the world, I would always choose Paul.
Oscar Reynolds Independent f 21, 23
Firstly, Paul is a fantastic player. Such a significant control and understanding of body movements make his sound, assertion, and consistency, very inspiring. He is a great technician, and has helped me recognise how technique is a means to unlock the creativity that we are naturally drawn to, and to celebrate that individuality. I've been struggling with R.S.I. for the last year, leading to me having to change to traditional grip involuntarily, but within hours Paul had helped me feel less tension than after many hours of physiotherapy. He is honest, to help build a realistic view of myself from which to build. He is supportive, and he helped demystify the mental obstacles that I have built for myself. Secondly, and just as equally, Paul is a fantastic teacher.
Dan Morrison Vancouver, Canada f 7, 22
While recently vacationing with my wife in Scotland and England, I was delighted to be able to spend a few days with Paul at his countryside cottage and studio. This turned out to be the most fun, intensive and worthwhile drumming weekend of my life. Paul spent the two days evaluating my drumming, covering all the basics (posture, ergonomics, grip, timing, hand and foot technique, etc.) including how to apply all this to improve both my jazz and rock/funk playing. He even prepared a recommended and very detailed three month practice routine to get me on the right track. I am writing this after a month back home and every day I notice how my drumming is improving. Even some of my band mates are starting to notice a difference in my playing and are passing along very positive comments. Not only is Paul an amazing drummer, musician and educator but he is an incredibly nice person and a wonderful host. No matter where you are at in your drumming, how old you are or what you need, I would highly recommend some time with Paul.
James Wake Northumberland f 8, 22
I loved the time I spent studying with Paul, he’s made me twice the drummer. Paul has the perfect balance of supporting you, while pushing you to be the best you can be. If you’re serious about taking your playing to a whole new level, then there’s no better teacher than Paul.
Simon Lewis Essex f 10, 22
I am a self-taught drummer, having been a piano/keyboard and brass player most of my life. After about two years of practicing and gigging I seemed to flatline in terms of progress and so I started to look for an immersive teaching environment and competent instructor. I found Paul online and decided to book an Intensive Drum Retreat, which consisted of 5 days of lessons @ 6 hours per day – so pretty intensive! Paul’s extensive experience, teaching skills and great communcation style, identified key grass route issues with my drumming, such as kit ergonomics, stick control and physical posture. I came away with a bespoke practice regime and improvement strategy and Paul’s plan has already hugely improved my relaxation, efficiency, speed and technique. To top it off, Paul is a great fella, really put me at ease and welcomed me into his home. Great experience, great value and will be booking in again at some stage. Top job, Paul! I highly recommend to drummers at any level, be it for one lesson, or for an intensive learning experience.
Mark Langner West Sussex f 20, 22
After years of going through the motions I felt it was time to invest some time in my drumming again. Paul is without doubt one of the very best drum educators out there and I spent two incredible days at his home studio. Paul has really great systems in place to help identify what exactly I needed to further my drumming and everything was broken down and explained really clearly . I left with a new strategy and achievable goals rather than just going through the motions in practice.It’s been 6 months now and feeling good and can’t thank Paul enough. Planning on returning to see Paul very soon.Top man and he makes a great cup of tea!!!
David Farquhar Whitburn, Scotland f 3, 21
I have known Paul a few years now and over that period I have received a couple of intensive sessions, to look at some drumming topics that I wanted to improve on. Paul’s method of teaching is excellent and I really enjoyed my time at his home studio, which is situated in a very nice part of the Northumberlan countryside - and I had a very nice lunch whilst there! I would recommend to anyone wishing to improve their drumming skills to book a lesson with Paul - it is, for sure, very worthwhile.
Thomas Magnuson London f 1, 00
I’ve been playing for years, but knew something was still not there for me. I spent two days with Paul, who identified that my kick foot was a thousandth of a hair off the beat when we recorded and isolated it. Now my playing is more solid than ever from the bottom up, and I’m really giving each groove the boot it deserves. Thank you Paul!
Mark Doherty Zhuhai, China f 1, 00
I first studied with Paul back in 1990, in London, which fostered a close friendship after all these years; Later I took SKYPE Lessons with him and in Jan 2020 I spent a week with Paul at his home in the Northumberland countryside. Paul’s experience and tutoring gives you a solid foundation and re-think of your own approach, while teaching you the essentials of good technique, approach and musicality. I wholeheartedly recommend the Drum Retreat experience - well worth it.
Budimir Stivicic Croatia f 25, 00
Having studied with Paul through DIME Online, I wanted to take it a step further with some intensive lessons in order to address certain technical difficulties I was facing in my playing. In a very short period of time Paul identified and addressed key areas for me to work on. The concepts Paul shared with me have since had a profound effect on my playing and practicing. While intensive, the lessons were extremely enjoyable and Paul’s studio is well equipped and located in the tranquil English countryside. A couple of days away with nothing but drums and drumming - what more do you want? Highly recommended!
Iain Goodall BIMM, London f 23, 00
I enjoyed a few days of intensive tuition with Paul and it really helped with a specific technical problem that I had been experiencing. I can thoroughly recommend the intensive lesson experience, as it gives more time to really get into a specific topic in greater depth – Lovely studio, in a very relaxed environment, plus free accommodation and you can be assured that Paul will provide expert advice and guidance.
Paul Dinnage Wycked Drums f 23, 00
I’ve known Paul a long time and we’ve become good friends. Over that time, I’ve gone from being an amateur to professional drummer. Paul is a fabulous teacher, who can help you do it all and he has helped me immensely over the years. Paul’s studio is amazing, as is the accommodation and setting, and you can really get away from it all and dive into your drums. Any amount of time spent with Paul is time well spent.
Tim Ayre Cumbria f 23, 00
Even before I’d set foot in Paul’s studio, he had put me at ease with an earlier phone call, where we discussed the content of our intensive lesson day. Paul’s vast knowledge and acute teaching skills quickly kicked in and, throughout the day, I was encouraged, tested and challenged - but always in a relaxed, supportive, friendly and humorous way. The intensive day lesson changed my outlook & approach to drumming and I am looking forward to my next session. Thanks a bunch, Paul.
Aarron Compson Swindon f 23, 00
I was very fortunate to have 2 days of intensive lessons with Paul and I have never learned so much in such a short space of time! Paul’s knowledge is unbelievable and he was so positive the whole time. The whole environment is very relaxed and comfortable - the studio is great and the kit beautiful to play. You don't just get a drum lesson with Paul you get an experience! I can't wait to go back again!
Steve Rock Newark f 23, 00
Having studied with Paul over several years, we've become good friends. I find the intensive lessons work really well for me, as my location makes it difficult to have more regular lessons. Paul's depth of knowledge and experience of both the musical and technical aspects of drumming, together with his ability to explain things and apply them to my learning, makes him an outstanding teacher. As an added bonus, Paul's home and professionally equipped studio, tucked away in the countryside, is a beautiful place to study and stay.
Richard Hawes Chepstow f 1, 00
I booked a weekend Drum Retreat with Paul and he was able to condense his many years of experience and deep knowledge into easily understandable learning points that I can apply to my playing. I came away from the weekend with a clear path and lots of motivation to get on with it.
Casey Patton California f 25, 00
I'm a self-taught drummer with over 10 years of experience, but had never taken any formal drum instruction. After many years of mediocre practice, I realised I just had no idea how to improve in any consistent way, so I seeked out Paul for a drum intensive. I can definitely say that in two weekends at Paul's house, my drumming has improved more than in several years of practicing on my own, without guidance. The biggest benefit to me is just knowing what to practice when I'm on my own, and having a clear idea of goals for improvement. As an added bonus, Paul's drum set and studio are incredible, and the house is in a relaxed part of the English countryside. Highly recommend!
