EXPLORE

DRUMS AT WATERBEAR

At WaterBear, drummers thrive with hands-on time behind pro acoustic kits studying in small groups in dedicated drum rooms.

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DRUMMING EXPERIENCE

DRUMMING

AT WATERBEAR

If you want to play great drums, regular time behind an acoustic kit is essential. That’s why all drum students at WaterBear learn in small groups of no more than five, in a dedicated drum room on professional-standard acoustic kits. You’ll also need regular access to great tutors, and at WaterBear, we have some of the best tutors and mentors operating in the UK today.

DRUM

PRACTICE

Although WaterBear provides all the necessary equipment you’ll need for classes and live performances, we also recommend that all drummers should have regular access to their own gear. This is because it’s highly likely you’ll be playing your own gigs soon after you start with us — if you’re not already. Other essentials every drummer must have include a metronome, practice pad, and ear protection. Drums are loud (which is one of the reasons we love them), so taking care of your hearing is key.

DRUM KIT

PARTNERS

Thanks to our exclusive equipment partnerships, WaterBear drummers play on top-of-the-range kits by British Drum Company and cymbals by Paiste, all mounted on sturdy Gibraltar hardware. We also provide military-grade practice pads by Bill Sanders, for that all-important pad work, essential for keeping your hands in trim.

EQUIPMENT AND

FACILITIES

You’ll have access to a wide range of industry standard facilities, including dedicated instrumental teaching spaces, working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. Our teaching environments are fitted out with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology with classic vintage gear alongside modern musical equipment giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll also have free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities. Additionally, the ability to record to a reasonable standard at home is also very useful.

LIVE

PERFORMANCE

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs, and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

ARTIST AND CAREER

DEVELOPMENT

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development, and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

WORK

EXPERIENCE

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

WATERBEAR

COMMUNITY

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

FLEXIBLE

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

1-1 Mentoring

Musical Development

At WaterBear, one to one mentoring is at the heart of your growth. Alongside support for your academic progress, artistic growth and career planning, you will receive dedicated time with industry professionals to focus on your musical skills whether that means mastering your instrument, improving your practice, developing your stagecraft or exploring new techniques.

Drum Opportunities

Drum students at WaterBear benefit from real-world experiences designed to build both technical ability and industry understanding. These opportunities include:

Dedicated Drum Clinics

Learn from top drummers in exclusive clinics featuring performance, technique breakdowns, and in-depth Q&A sessions.

Live Soundcheck Access

Attend professional soundchecks to see how the drum world operates on the road, with the chance to speak directly to touring drummers and drum techs.

Collaborative Projects

Write, record, and perform original music with peers across pathways, gaining valuable experience as both a creative and session player.

DEP & Live Gig Opportunities

Step into real performance roles and build your network through DEP work and support slots across a range of genres.

1-1 Industry mentoring

Regular support from tutors and mentors to help shape your sound, improve your craft, and prepare you for life as a working drummer.

Studio Recording & Session Skills

Work in professional studios to perfect mic placement, drum tuning, and recording techniques.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.