JULY 2021 - Update
All lockdown restrictions were lifted on Monday 19 July.
We will now archive this page - but should any national restrictions that affect drum lessons be re-introduced in the future, we'll update them here.
Previous Updates:
Update - June 2021
1-to-1 drum lessons are available as normal.
In line with the government's Roadmap Out Of Lockdown, society is continuing to 'unlock'. The latest stage of the lifting of restrictions was on 17 May.
Happily this means that in-person drum teaching is now back to normal.
Staying safe
For everyone's safety, please continue to follow the guidance on staying safe during Covid-19.
April 2021 - Update
In-person one-to-one drum lessons resume from Monday 12 April for home tuition as well as drum lessons at the studios.
Remote video lessons remain available for those who prefer to have online tuition. Please specify if you prefer to have video lessons by contacting us to let us know.
Update - February 2021
In-person education resumes on 8 March.
The government has announced the easing of lockdown restrictions, with a 'road map' to a full reopening of society. The first stage includes the reopening of all education settings in England on 8 March.
Read more: Education reopens on 8th March
If you are new to Elephant Drums, you will be able to have in-person lessons at the studios. These lessons will be strictly one-to-one only, observing the safety guidelines. If you have been having lessons as online sessions by video, then please talk to your tutor about re-starting in-person lessons. Remote video lessons will continue to be available for anyone wishing to have their sessions online.
Safety guidelines:
A reminder of the safety guidelines for in-person tuition is found here: Covid safety measures
JANUARY 2021 - Update
Remote video drum lessons are available using software like Skype and Zoom.
Following government guidelines, we are continuing to run fully personalised 1-to-1 drum lessons in a safe way via video. When in-person lessons are available please observe the previous rules on hand hygiene and physical distancing.
Please get in touch with any questions about starting drum lessons or for further information.
November 2020 - update
New restrictions for England from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December.
The Government has announced tighter restrictions for England. However, unlike the previous lockdown, educational settings will remain open and people can to go to work where it is not possible to work from home.
What do these new restrictions mean for drum lessons?
Drum lessons are still available! We are offering remote online video lessons. These are very well-established and operate in much the same way as the in-person lessons. We encourage everyone that is able to switch to online lessons to do so. This will enable us to work from home as much as possible.
In-person lessons will be reduced to only the lessons that cannot be done online. Any in-person lessons will continue to be strictly one-to-one only with additional safety measures in place.
Students are permitted to travel for education, and tutors are permitted to travel for work.
In the situation where it is not possible to do online lessons, we appreciate everyone's cooperation in continuing to observe the safety guidelines:
- Bring your own drum sticks
- Use the hand sanitisers
- Maintain 2m+ distance
- Walk, cycle or drive to lessons
- Follow gov.uk guidelines
What do I need to do?
Please discuss with your tutor whether you are able to switch to online lessons for the period of the tighter restrictions. We aim to continue with minimum disruption to the schedules.
If you are unable to take your lessons remotely via video, please contact us about availability and scheduling and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.
JULY 2020 - Update
Everything is gradually beginning to reopen following the easing of the lockdown.
The information below in the original post was written back in March.
Remote video lessons are going to remain available as an option for everyone that wishes to continue learning online.
With the reopening of the drum studios, we are pleased to announce that in-person 1-to-1 drum lessons are gradually re-starting.
If you feel comfortable and safe to travel to the studios, please get in touch and we can get your lessons up and running!
Thanks for your patience and understanding during this difficult period.
Read More: Drum Lessons Are Back
Coronavirus Covid-19 and the impact on drum lessons
March 2020
Sending everyone all the best wishes for health & happiness during these difficult times.
The top priority is everyone's well-being, so we are adapting the way we do things in order to be able to continue to work during these extraordinary circumstances.
Drum lessons during self-isolation
For those who are self-isolating and wish to continue to have lessons, the best option is to use Skype/video calling to maintain your drum lessons without leaving your own house. You don't necessarily need a drum kit at home - there are plenty of things that can be learnt and practiced in a fun and creative way. Let's turn this period into a positive opportunity, and keep on drumming throughout.
Remote drum lessons (Skype / Facetime / Whatsapp etc)
Lessons over Skype (or any of the other video calling platforms) will be accompanied by emails and PDFs of worksheets, demonstration videos, and helpful links.
Please click here: Remote Drum lessons for more details. We want to keep drum lessons running as near to normal as possible.
Group events & workshops postponed
All in-person group drumming sessions and social events are suspended until May. We'll review the situation as it develops, and hope to know more in the coming weeks.
We have plans to run some online 'virtual' events - which is something new so we're just working on the equipment for this and will post updates soon. Check out the Workshops & Events page for details.
One-to-One lessons
If it is impossible for you to do remote lessons via video, it might be possible to continue having in-person lessons in very specific circumstances. For the safety of both tutor and learner:
- Do not travel by public transport, only walk to the studio.
- Lessons are for one person at a time - please maintain the guideline minimum distance.
- You must not have any symptoms or have been in contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has symptoms.
- Follow government/NHS guidelines on hand hygiene.
- To help with observing non-contact, please remember to bring your own drum sticks to your drum lessons.
UPDATE (21/3/20) - Due to the incredible response to Remote Lessons and because we believe nobody should be travelling, we have temporarily stopped offering in-person lessons. All one-to-one lessons are now running as remote video drum lessons!
New students are welcome to join us. Please note your lessons will be taught online until further notice.
...And the beat goes on!
As independent drum teachers we really value your commitment to your lessons. Teaching is our main income (and especially now that nearly all other work for musicians is near-impossible as venues and concerts are shutting down). Your support means a huge amount. Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything we can do to help you.
Please spread the word to friends, colleagues and family members who may now suddenly have a lot of free time available and looking to start a new creative hobby to keep them entertained and engaged during these troublesome times.
All of us are offering remote lessons via video and can be very flexible about timings. If you are working from home or self-isolating, we can meet online for lessons. You don't need a drum kit or heaps of equipment. A phone camera or laptop/webcam is all you need. Remote video lessons will be accompanied by PDF resources and helpful audio/video clips.
Thank you for bearing with us while things are rather shaken up. Let's drum our way through this together.
Stay safe, keep positive, be well.
Click here for information about remote live video drum tuition:
About Elephant Drums
Drum Lessons in London
Elephant Drums is London's independent collective of drum teachers.
For information about drum lessons, workshops and events visit www.elephantdrums.co.uk/drum-tuition/
