*Lesson prices reflect the QMTA (Queensland Music Teachers Association) recommended minimum tuition rates after GST is added. Typically, lessons with Matt are slightly higher than the recommended minimum (due to demand and availability) and lessons with Matheus, Seb and George are slightly lower to balance prices out.

We strongly believe that a good teacher should be experienced not just in the classroom but also in real life. Please understand that all tutors at Matt Gibson Drum Tuition are working musicians as well. This means that occasionally lessons may be cancelled for shows, tours, rehearsals, etc. We will do our best to make sure that you are notified of any absences as far in advance as possible.

How do you pay for lessons?
Lessons are invoiced in blocks of 6 weeks (this can be paid via bank transfer through the members portal, or debit/credit card). Typically we recommend just booking in one session to start with to see you like it - then locking into a weekly spot from there if you decide it’s for you.

When is the Studio open?
The studio is open almost all year round, but closed for 4 weeks over Christmas/New Year (typically closing one week before Christmas, with lessons starting back the Monday one week before Term 1 commences at public schools).

How do I find the studio?
The studio address is Unit 7/1631 Wynnum Rd, Tingalpa, QLD which is part of the industrial complex behind the Coffee Club on Wynnum Rd. Enter the complex from Wynnum Rd, and drive past the Coffee Club towards the back of the complex. The studio is in the last row of units and is lot No. 7. There are visitors parks dotted across the complex and the studio has two designated car parks out the front as well.

Are you qualified to work with children?
Yes. All tutors have Blue Card checks and we take safety and security especially of children very seriously. All rooms and entrance are under 24/7 security monitoring so you can feel safe and protected while on the premises.

What is taught at MGD?
One thing that really separates what is taught at MGD is a real encouragement for improvisation and self discovery. The main formula for most lessons are based on Matt’s book “Practical Drumming.” Typically - giving a student a book or using one straight into your personal drumming journey is a terrible idea. This book is the only exception. Rather than applying restrictions, we constantly want to embrace freedom and confidence at every step - striving to balance having fun and putting in the hard yards. More than anything, it gives permission to explore and discover on your own - with guide rails in place to help you find your way.

Often, a lot of online courses and other teachers are used to having students come to them already having a certain handle on drumming as those teachers are very advanced themselves. This book has been truly field tested over thousands of hours of teaching, with a wide range of student skill levels - fine tuned and developed for not only naturally talented musicians, but also those of us that don’t think that drumming is going to come naturally to them. As a musician, and especially drummers we need to learn to feel time, hear rhythms and melodies, and something that is unique in “Practical Drumming” – see shapes. Something that is truly unique about the book and this method is that it can be adjusted and scaled to any age and is supplemented by songs at the appropriate level depending on the student. Whether you are 6 years old, or 60 years old you will still be able to understand the concepts and apply them to your playing without finding it either overly childish or too difficult. Another thing that is a big focus in the book that is often overlook in most methods is applying fills and feeling confident to create them yourself - with in depth studies in different styles and fill types. It really does keep you in that magic place of “I totally get what to do… it’s just tricky” - rather than feeling like what you are trying to learn is super impossible.

Why should you learn drums?
Besides drumming being just a whole bunch of fun, ongoing research has identified learning a musical instrument as one of the best brain development activities as it uses the whole brain and strengthens the connections between the two halves. I know for myself that drumming really helped develop my confidence and patience more than anything else; along with learning that if I put in the effort then I’ll see the results I want.

Studies have also indicated that it can help individuals develop physically, emotionally, socially and academically at a faster rate as well as enhancing:
- Coordination
- Aural skills
- Literacy skills
- Concentration
- Mathematical skills
- Self discipline
- Creativity
- Self esteem
- Memory

Do you need to have a Drum Teacher?
One of the key reasons face-to-face lessons are so important is since a teacher can pick up on technique issues that you just can’t see on any video lesson. They can help you make the smallest of adjustments that will have a massive impact on your playing. They know what exercises to give you to improve specific aspects of your playing, they’ll tell you what books to buy, inspirational videos to watch, music to listen to, they’ll help with things like advising on your kit set-up, tuning issues, what sticks to use, what gear to buy - they’ll be your best drumming buddy! And I’m yet to meet a good drum teacher who doesn’t get excited talking about all that stuff so don’t be afraid to ask – although do bear in mind they do have other students so chat about it in your own lesson time.

Are we the right studio for you?
Choosing the right teacher can make a huge difference in how quickly you will pick up the hidden drummer within and develop as a player. I think our forte with beginner to intermediate students that have either never had lessons OR those who have had lessons in the past and gave up because they weren't enjoying it. Drums is a whole load of fun and we like to keep our lessons that way BUT still putting in the hard work. 

As players, we are really based predominantly in Rock, Pop, Funk and Metal music - and we love teaching within those styles. This being the case, if those are the genres you are keen to explore then we’ll be a great fit but if you are a Jazz lover or want to explore really advanced progressive concepts then I can suggest some great local teachers who are more in tune with those styles. Feel free to get in touch if you would like some recommendations or contact details.

Is a bad teacher better than no teacher?
No. I’ve met many teachers who have no passion at all for the subject they teach, be it drums or geography, and this is a killer. For whatever reason they’ve lost their spark and it’s time to have a break from teaching. It kills the students’ drive and desire to learn – it’s not inspiring and often leads to a genuine dislike of not just the teacher but the instrument. Teaching is never ‘just a job’. You know if your teacher just can’t be bothered – do yourself and the teacher a favour… and pick a different teacher.

Am I too old to learn drums?
No. As long as you can hold the sticks and hit stuff you’re never too old to play drums. I’ve taught pupils of all ages and often it’s the older pupils who have more time to practice and make the fastest progress. Playing drums is all about muscle memory – more so, in my view, than any other instrument since few other instruments require independent control of your four limbs. So when you’re young your muscles are a lot more open to learning new stuff than when they’re older. That’s not to say ‘oldies’ can’t learn to play drums – there’s a lot to be said for maturity, wisdom and patience but you will have to work harder at the muscle memory bit. Please be prepared for this. Something that a 15 year old might learn in a couple of days can take weeks or months when you’re older.

Drums are, like really expensive!
They’re as expensive as you want them to be but where there’s a will there’s a way. You can pick up incredible bargains on second hand kits, and you can always upgrade and add to your kit as you go as well. It’s much more advantageous to have a cheaper kit from the beginning than wait to get the one you’ve always wanted and miss out on all the progress you could have made in the meantime! 

Should I use online resources?
By using the right online resources you can progress your playing… like a lot. There’s a HUGE amount of information out there, you just need to go looking for it. Some of it is entertaining, some of it is inspiring, some of it is challenging. It will keep you interested in making progress on the drums and can really help you develop your playing. There are also some excellent resources out there to help you play specific songs, tutorials about that fill you always wondered how to play, pad exercises, etc. Jump on Youtube especially, there is a mountain of great content on there!