FAQS

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you book, and if your question's not here, get in touch.

Category Jumps:

We've gathered the questions we hear most often from new students, parents and curious browsers. They're grouped by topic so you can scan. If you can't find your answer below, our office team is on 020 3417 5793 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, or use the contact form.

Getting started

Head to our Taster Lesson page, choose Child or Adult, pick your instrument, and pay by card or PayPal. We'll be in touch within 24 office hours to lock in a time that works for you.

That's exactly who taster lessons exist for. Many of our adult students start as complete beginners. Every lesson is one-to-one and built around where you actually are: there's no class to keep up with.

If you'd like to continue, your tutor and our office team will help you choose a membership (Child, Adult, Shared or Crash Course) and set a regular weekly time. See full prices on the Memberships page.

Yes. Our Shared / Learn Together plan is two students with one tutor in one room, from £32.50 per person, per lesson for adults and teens; children learning together are £19 per child, per lesson. Both students should be at a roughly similar level.

Yes. Our standard child plan is for ages 6-12. From age 13, students move to our 50-minute adult lessons. We can sometimes teach younger children at our discretion, so get in touch and we'll let you know.

Lessons

If you're new to music, you'll start with posture, grip and basic technique, plus a first introduction to rhythm and notation. If you've played before, your tutor will assess your level honestly and give specific feedback on what to work on first.

•Children aged 6–12: 25 minutes + 5-minute warm-up•Adults & teens 13+: 50 minutes + 10-minute warm-up

You can reschedule once per academic semester (September to February and March to August), with at least 24 hours' notice. Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged in full. The full policy is in the enrolment form.

Yes, in normal circumstances. If your regular teacher is unavailable, you'll be matched with another Planet drum tutor, which can actually be a good thing because varied tuition makes you a better-rounded player. All our tutors are proficient across rock, pop, jazz and classical.

Yes. We offer in-person lessons in our Islington studio, online lessons, or a mix of both, all at the same membership price. Particularly useful if you travel, or for lessons during school holidays when you're not in London.

Equipment & studios

No. Our six teaching rooms each come with two full drum kits (one for you, one for your tutor), plus pro-grade keyboards, amps, microphones and PA. Everything is set up and ready when you arrive.

No. Every teaching room has two full kits (one for you, one for your tutor), and your membership includes a free off-peak practice room slot each month so you can keep playing between lessons. When you're ready to buy your own kit, your tutor will help you choose.

For drum lessons, sticks are useful but not required, as we have plenty. For other instruments, just bring yours if you have one. Otherwise we'll provide.

Yes. Members get one free off-peak slot per month included, and you can book additional time at our standard practice-room rates. See Practice Rooms.

Exams, concerts & community

Yes. Planet drum is Trinity College London's main Rock & Pop exam centre in London and a registered Rockschool centre. Your tutor will prepare you for grades, and you can sit the exams in our own studios. See Music Exams.

Not at all. Plenty of our students play purely for the love of it. Grades are an option, not a requirement.

Twice a year, at our Summer and Winter concerts, we put on full live concerts where our students perform with the in-house Planet drum band. They're held in our own venue, the Crypt, and rehearsals are free with every membership. See Student Concerts.

No, it's entirely your choice. The concerts are there for students who want them, and plenty do, but if the stage isn't your thing, that's completely fine too.

Bookings, payments & policies

Memberships are paid monthly by direct debit, in advance. Taster lessons are paid one-off at the time of booking.

No. The price you see is the price you pay.

For long absences, get in touch and we'll work something out.

Yes! See our Gift Vouchers page. They're popular for birthdays, Christmas and "I've-been-meaning-to-learn-an-instrument-for-years" milestones.

Every Planet drum tutor holds a current DBS check and we follow safeguarding practices in line with UK requirements for music education providers. To discuss our policy in detail before enrolling, get in touch.

Location & access

The Crypt of St Mary Magdalene Church, Holloway Road, London N7 8LT, which is 0.2 miles (about 4 minutes' walk) from Highbury & Islington station.

The Crypt is a Grade II listed building reached by stairs, so unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome inside. If you have any other access questions, call us on 020 3417 5793 and we'll do our best to help.

•Teaching: Mon–Fri 2pm–9pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm•Office: Mon–Fri 9am–3pm

Still got questions?

If we haven't covered it, the fastest way to a clear answer is a phone call: 020 3417 5793, Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm. Or send us a message and we'll get back to you within one working day.

Book a taster lesson → Call Office