Guillaume is an in-demand professional drummer and an expert educator with a track record.
For the last 20 years he has taught hundreds of drummers both privately and in formal institutions such as BiMM London (formerly Drumtech), ICMP and LMA colleges. He has developed a reputation as a knowledgeable expert helping musicians of all levels understand how to sound great behind the drums.
As a player he has performed with a wide range of artists and productions. From small clubs to the Royal Albert, Glastonbury or Pinkpop festivals…he has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, Australia and Japan.
His credits includes:
Reef, Electric Six, Crystal Fighters, Ronnie Wood, Little Boots, We Are Z, Stealth, Seramic, Mr Fogg, Apocalyptica frontman Franky Perez, Seil Lien and many more.
“My priorities as a player are always to be able to make the band sound great.
I work on fundamentals that are directly applicable in musical situations.
Whether I help someone taking their first steps on the instrument, or a casual hobbyist needing guidance to learn their favourite songs or professional players who want to fine tune their technique, I have a very similar approach:
It starts with a dialogue, understanding the person I work with, their learning approach and habits, a diagnostic then a plan to reach our goals.”
There is a lot of material available online these days and it can seem like a good idea to just go down the youtube lesson route. However, with direct guidance, Guillaume can help you identify your habits, create new ones and start seeing significant and meaningful improvements in your playing. Between how you ‘normally’ think, how you hear and how you move, there is a lot to consider in order to get your drumming to where you want it to be.
One to One drum lessons are available in person in Chiswick, West London or online via ZOOM/SKYPE. If you’re interested in booking a lesson or would like a chat, please fill out the Contact form below.
Jarrod Pizzata – Crystal Fighters | Mel C
I met Guillaume after more than 15 years as a professional drummer. He was able to help me make small changes to problems I never even knew were holding me back. The results made more comfortable behind the drums than I’ve ever been before. I felt excited about learning again! There are plenty of drum teachers who can teach you how to play all the notes. Guillaume can do that but he’ll also teach you about the bits in between. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
Andy Woodard – Adam Ant | New Model Army
Guillaume first hooked me in with his Drumdrill online group, which had my hands burning and my mind fried in no time at all. This inspired me to get some one to one lessons with the guru, who led me down a path of exploring musical phrasing and sharpening my extremely blunt hands! It’s amazing how you can tour professionally, play every night and still have no idea of the potential your hands can have. That is until you meet this guy!
Lucas Parlato – Craig David | Kenya Grace
Man I just want to say, all the seeds you’ve planted with me these last couple of years have been steadily growing and I feel better than ever behind the kit. My hands are softer, my stamina heaps stronger, I’m not aching after gigs and every sound engineer I work with compliments me on my sound! Insane. Thank you so much mate. You’re the man!
Simon Tellier – Pet Shop Boys | Labrinth
I’ve known Guillaume and worked with him on my technique for many years. His knowledge has helped me improve my playing massively, and keep good habits whilst on the road too. Couldn’t recommend his expertise enough!!
Lauren O’Donnell Anderson – Holly Humberstone | Carpark
Guillaume is the best! I went to him as I was struggling with tension in my forearms playing at faster tempos. He helped me rework my position and fulcrum, understanding how to better use my wrists & fingers to balance the stick and my playing has become so much more relaxed & enjoyable!
Lewis Jenkins – Operation Mince Meat
Hey dude! Just wanna to say thanks again for our session. Over the years I’ve worked on thousands of exercises (like most drummers), read books, messed with gap clicks and so many different methods and I don’t think any of it really revolutionised my playing until you showed me how to really engage mentally and physically; to implement those changes and ultimately sound better. I wasn’t paying attention to the right stuff. I just wasn’t really listening. That changes now! Mental, Physical, Musical. It’s all there, I’m so pumped! Thank you!
Anna Myle – Dorja | Birdeatsbaby
Guillaume is a truly polyvalent teacher. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, looking at improving your vocabulary or technique, he will be able to inspire you to be better and to work harder! His hand technique coaching has been greatly beneficial for me during the pandemics. I would strongly recommend it.
Adam Perry – A
As a professional drummer for nearly 30 years, I’ve formed a few habits, some good, some bad, but never took the time to unlearn the bad ones! Guillaume helped me realise I was expending energy in the wrong way, and simple changes to technique have helped me play stronger, with more dynamics, endurance and control. Thank you so much Guillaume, it’s amazing what you can learn/unlearn no matter how long you have been playing!
Meg Learmonth – Lozeak | Mura Masa
Hey Guillaume, just a small word to say how much I valued our session together, it’s really kicked me on and highlighted some weak spots in my playing that I wouldn’t have thought to look into – it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and stay comfortable without pushing your boundaries as a professional but I’m now more excited than ever to improve & cultivate my playing & mentality! Can’t wait for our next lesson together & to grow even more.
Ollie Dixon – Lawrence Taylor | Matt Pearce
Hi mate, just wanted to say thanks again for the lesson last week! So much food for thought. I’ve had a chance to think about what we spoke and put it into practice; it’ll definitely take a bit of getting used to but I find myself already more focused on where I sit within the music rather than overcomplicating what I feel like I NEED to give to it. Thanks again for your help!
Vicky O’Neon – Anastacia
Thank you SO much Guillaume for an epic drum lesson. In just one session you’ve managed to unlock what I’ve been struggling with in my playing for over a decade. I now can’t wait to get on the kit to practice every day, something I haven’t felt like doing for a very long time. I can’t wait for more lessons together!!
James Clarke – Kishi Bashi
Guillaume is not only a great drummer but a great teacher. The experience he has as a player really transpires into his lessons. I couldn’t recommend the guy enough.
Ben Welburn – Mark Harrison
Guillaume has helped me progress in such a way that I am now fully confident in my approach to both practice and performance. With an attitude of professionalism and eagerness to be the best we can; there is now always enjoyment whilst being productive. G is always encouraging and down to earth, his no nonsense approach whilst thinking outside the box makes him a blessing to learn from. I couldn’t recommend him enough as a drum tutor / coach to any aspiring drummer.
Daniele Antenucci
Hi Guillaume. I Just want to thank you for the amazing lessons last week. So many good tips for my hands technique. You have such a great teaching skills! I really loved the way you organized my homework’s schedule too. Feeling super grateful for this. Can’t wait for the next session. Grazie maestro!
Finn McAuley – Candar
Hey G! I wanted to say a huge thank you again for another wicked lesson. It’s reignited my motivation for the instrument AND totally changed my perspective on creativity. I’ve been humming and tapping nonstop haha! Looking forward to some more growth, see you vey soon.
Nicolas Py – Spector
In my life I’ve had plenty of OK teachers, some good teachers and only a few great ones: Guillaume was definitely one of them! His meticulous observations and ingenious advice have always been second to none. He is one of the few people who can truly make you improve at the speed of light by finding the right things to work on. Ten years on I still remember a lot of his wisdom. Thanks Guillaume!
Georgia Ayew – Tommy Blaize | Showstopper!
I was fortunate enough to study with Guillaume during my time at BIMM London, he had a great approach to technique and performance whilst also being an inspiring character. If you want to sort your hands out I’d strongly suggest some time with him!
Zach Mizzi – Bright Curse
Guillaume taught me for several years, not only on drumming, but on learning and teaching as well. His approach on fundamentals is outstanding and ensured a solid growth whichever stage I was. 10/10 would recommend!
Richard Patterson – ICMP, BIMM University
Jenni Tyler-Maher – LMA college principal
Guillaume is a very nice and super helpful guy. He is a great teacher for all skill levels; he is patient and supportive. As someone who has always loved music but could never seemingly play an instrument, Guillaume has helped me find a love for drums and thanks to him I am now at a point where I can now confidently play to an audience and have even joined a band. I would definitely recommend Guillaume to drummers of any level, as his lessons are enjoyable, sometimes technically challenging but always very engaging.
Sam Peck
Maud Larpent
Alannah Frame
Maya Lethbridge
Laurence Balfour
Guillaume is a fantastic teacher. He is kind, patient, approachable, extremely knowledgeable and clearly has a passion for both music and teaching. Apart from just having an ear for music, he listens to his students and get their feedback about their musical interests and uses that to formulate engaging lessons around the learners individual tastes and preferences. The lessons absolutely fly by and are both engaging and rewarding. I always look forward to our next session and would highly recommend him as a tutor for anyone thinking about picking the sticks for the first time.
Mike Wright
Ruth Templeton
James Murphy
Hi Guillaume, just wanted to say thanks again for not just today’s excellent lesson, but all of them. Sometimes my head hurts but once I relax and incorporate what I’ve learned I’m so pleased with the results. You have really woken me up to a different way of thinking, and my playing is so much better as a result. You help me get out of my ways and that’s a big achievement! Thank you so much.
Liz Abram
Hi, just to say a massive thank you for another great lesson. I’m really grateful for all your guidance and support which has helped me get to another level. Always the best hour of my week!
Marcus Barclay
Corinne Desfonds
Amelie Gerbet
Emilie Rose
In only a couple of sessions and with patience, clear, and concise steps, Guillaume has guided me through the process of ergonomic alignment and how to make the necessary changes to better my posture. He also identified issues with my grip and showed me how to effectively develop a healthier relationship with the stick, letting it do much more of the work and helping me play the way I want to play! A knowledgeable and great teacher who explains things with clarity and patience.
Tom Taddei-Davies
Hi Guillaume, I just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thank you so much for teaching me over the last three years at BIMM! You’ve always been such a brilliant lecturer to me, and I’ve enjoyed every class and learned so much from you. Thank you for making my time there so much fun and for improving my drumming and my confidence!
Honor Letheren
Guillaume is one of the best drum teachers I had during my studies. His technical proficiency, coupled with a profound grasp of music theory, significantly advanced both my drumming skills and my overall approach to the instrument and music. His teaching style also demonstrates a keen understanding of each student’s unique needs, enabling a more effective and personalised study approach. Thank you for everything you taught me 🙂
If you’re looking for a proper Maestro, Guillaume is the man!
Edoardo Trotta
Francisco Hernandez Olaya
Hugo Antoine
Hi Guillaume, Just wanted to thank you for being a wicked teacher over the last months. Your insight and musical knowledge have been very inspiring for me, and I’ve learned so much about music and my playing from your lectures. Best of luck with whatever you’re doing now that you’ve left BIMM. Cheers mate!
Jacob Swan
I was fairly new to drums when I came to see G, I never learned music theory and I couldn’t read any tabs. I thought starting in my 30s was too late to pick up an instrument. G took things at my pace, explained it in ways that were easy to understand, he personalised the lessons by taking into account my music taste and interests. His studio is excellently equipped and G is very willing and able to adapt to any situation (like mid-pandemic zoom lessons:). Big thumbs up, really can’t recommend him enough.
Alenka Pestotnik
From beginning to experienced drummers, he’s the man!!! Thank you G
Massimo Lopez
Ross Gardner
Hannah Feenstra
Jacob Wing
Guillaume took me from complete beginner (having literally never sat at a drum kit) to being able to get into the prestigious BIMM college in less than a year. His lessons are always fun, practical and motivating to wanting to get to the next stage.
Definitely highly recommended!
Peter Davies
Noah Riley
Guillaume’s teachings were paramount to my development as a drummer during my years at university. His approach to helping his students understand how to remain relaxed and in control whilst fine tuning our skills are methods that I have taken with me into my professional career! To simply breathe and let the hands go. Thanks so much for your time Guillaume!
Rhys Haines
The one thing I will never forget about Guillaume (apart from him accepting my request to rip up AC/DC you shook me all night long) was on my second lesson he pulled out a sheet from his folder with details of my perceived level as a starting point – my good points (natural grip and good timing) and my points that needed further work to get off the ground (coordination between foot pedals while keeping a simple snare beat) and gave me specific targeted exercises to improve. Fantastic
Brian McSweeney
Jono Helsby
A GLIMPSE INTO MY APPROACH
ARE YOU A BEGINNER?
YES
Alright follow these steps below let’s get you to tap your first drumbeat!
(I’m assuming you are right handed, if you are left handed please invert all of the rights for lefts – including foot)
• Make yourself comfy and grab a seat. Whatever chair you’re using sit on the edge of it.
• Start counting “1, 2, 3, 4” out loud – no need to shout but try to make your voice relaxed. Make it roughly one count per second. You will not stop counting until you reach the last point of this page! This is important.
• Tap along on your knee with your right hand matching your counting. • Make it light and relax. No need to overly restrain yourself but no need to smash your leg either.
• Now pick a number out of the four – any of them, you choose…
• Got it? Whilst you’re still counting and tapping drop your right foot on your chosen number. Make it feel as if your voice is ordering your foot to go down. No need to stomp, just a drop.
• Once you feel confident, try the same with another number.
• All good? Keep counting and tapping but you can pause your foot.
• Now repeat the same process with your left hand instead of your foot.
• Do it with a couple of different numbers.
• Ok. Now that you’ve made a few connection and you’ve made sure your voice is happy to tell your hand and foot to go down when you choose to, you are going to go back to your foot and drop it when you say ‘1’.
• Keep it going for a few rounds, until you feel like it doesn’t require much attention.
• Once you feel confident, whilst counting, tapping and dropping you’re going to tap with your left hand on ‘3’
• Foot on 1, Left hand on 3. Keep it going on.
• Et voila. This is your first drumbeat!
• We’ll count differently down the line but this is it.
• Now keep playing a bit more, catch your breath, you can stop counting. Simply enjoy the sound you’re making; back and forth between ‘stomp’ and ‘slap’. See if you can make the ‘Tapping’ a bit lighter and the 1 and 3 a little bigger without forcing?
• Try it slower, try it faster. You can now play along a huge amount of pop rock songs!
NO
Alright this is a little perception test I like to explore. Follow the steps below and let’s see if we can find some challenges in the simple stuff.
• Grab a sit and start playing a single stroke roll RLRL etc, no need for click or sticks.
• Keep going, simply observe, try not to yawn just yet and start asking yourself:
• Can you comfortably hear a pulse?
• Can you hear the rhythms played by each hand individually?
• The resulting 16th note?
• You just assumed these were 16th right? That was your brain choosing for you, going for the path of least resistance.
• Without changing the motion or the speed of your hands and without adding any accents, can you hear this single stroke roll as triplets, 8th, quintuplets…?
• Can you swap the leading hand, mentally?
• Let’s assume they are indeed 16th notes. Can you count any number on top of each note? (e.g ‘3’= 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 ,1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 etc)
• How does that affect your sense of time and your motion?
• Still no accent right?
• Ok, you can stop counting. From the neck down, left to right, try to get a feel for all the muscles involved.
• Can you get rid of a few you might think are surplus to requirement?
• What’s going on around your neck? shoulder? elbow? your forearm?
• What your face and jaws? Are you locking up at all?
• Which muscles ‘should’ you isolate for an optimum, frictionless motion?
• What if you change dynamics or subdivision? (don’t change the ‘speed’ of your hand but your perception of where the pulse is)
• How does your body/ grip react?
• What if you keep the same rhythm (16th) but now you change the sticking to RRLL? The same sound, same rhythm, just different technique.
• How is your body ‘fighting back’, how is your notion of time and rhythm being affected there?
• The quality of your sound and dynamics?
• Does it matter whether you lead with your right or your left hand?
• Does it matter if we start the doubles ‘across’ the beat?
We ‘just’ started with a single stroke roll and barely moved from that base right?
…and we’re not even playing on the kit or with accents. Add different sounds, pitches, an extra limb or two and all of these perceptions will be even more challenged.
Basic is powerful, very.
With a bit of curiosity and creativity it can go from ‘Simple‘ to ‘What The Hell !?‘ in no time.
More importantly it is useful, applicable and a guaranteed way to connect deeply into the music.
Regardless of level or experience, I believe in diving deep in the fundamentals.
Over the years, my teaching, just like my playing, has evolved in an effort to better understand my role as a drummer and what is required of me to serve the music as best as I can.
In short, irrelevant of experience and ability, I want my students to sound great and in order to achieve this I like to consider the instrument from these three perspectives:
HEAD. Everything to do with our learning habits, knowledge and judgements. Understanding and accepting what currently stands in our way to learn effectively. Bringing perspective to our goals by detecting our blindspots.
EARS. Everything to do with digesting Rhythm, from its purest and simplest form to understanding deeply what we play and how we interact with other musicians.
HANDS. How we use our body to ‘execute’ our ideas. Keeping clear of parroting patterns and name methods here. Understanding the sound we produce and aiming to make structural changes with the view of working efficiently and effortlessly.
RATES
Choose the booking rate that suits your schedule & budget
All the prices listed are for one lesson.
Drop In
£60
Pay As You Go
60min lesson
No commitment
Book when it suits you
Online or in person
48hr cancellation notice policy
Weekly &
Bi-weekly
£50
Pay Monthly
60min lesson
Regular schedule
Online or in person
Free reschedule within 14 days
14 day cancellation notice policy
Drop In
£50
Pay As You Go
45min lesson
No commitment
Book when it suits you
Online or in person
48hr cancellation notice policy
Weekly &
Bi-weekly
£42.5
Pay Monthly
45min lesson
Regular schedule
Online or in person
Free reschedule within 14 days
14 day cancellation notice policy
CONTACT
To book your drum lesson with Guillaume or for any inquiries please fill in the form below.
For more info about Guillaume you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram:
