Drums & Percussion
Learning Percussion with Kent Music
Kent Music offers a range of opportunities to learn, develop, and progress musical skills, through lessons, groups, and courses. We provide tailored learning experiences for different skill levels and interests which reflect our values: creativity, achievement, inclusion, awareness and joy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player or singer, Kent Music supports your musical journey with expert guidance.
Percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, and various other instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. These instruments are essential in genres from classical and jazz to rock and world music. They provide the beat and add dynamic contrast to performances. Notable percussionists include Ringo Starr (drums) and Evelyn Glennie (marimba).
Find out more about some percussion instruments:
Instrument Hire
Want to hire a percussion instrument? Our team will be happy to help! Find out more below.
Lessons
Kent Music has teachers in 200+ schools across Kent offering lessons in the school day, plus a network of music centres which offers lessons in the evening and on Saturdays. In lessons you will get teaching tailored to your individual needs and ambitions – you will progress from learning the basics of playing the instrument, to playing accompaniments to songs, to creating your own beats and rhythms. You will also be encouraged to play in groups to develop your skills and musicianship further.
Percussion Groups
As a percussionist, you can play untuned percussion such as the drum kit in Rock Group or get creative in a Music Lab or join a band with friends who are learning guitar, piano, or singing.
You can also play tuned percussion such as marimba or glockenspiel in a wind band or orchestra. These take place in some of our music centres, in half term courses, Orchestra ONE at the Kent Music Summer School, and our county groups. Explore our courses for more information on these.
Ashford Creative Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Ashford Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
10 – 18
Skill Level
Grade 2+
Ashford Music Explorers
Music CentreMusic Centre
Ashford Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 13
Skill Level
Beginner – Grade 2
Folkestone Music Lab
Music CentreMusic Centre
Folkestone Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 18
Skill Level
Any
Junior Percussion
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Drums & Percussion
Age Group
6+
Skill Level
Any
Kent County Youth Orchestra
County GroupInstrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
13 – 21
Skill Level
Grade 7+
Kent Youth Wind Orchestra
County GroupInstrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 6+
Medway Concert Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
6+
Skill Level
Grade 3+
Medway Music Explorers
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – 11
Skill Level
Beginner – Grade 3+
Medway Rock Band
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – 18
Skill Level
Grade 3+
Music Theory and General Musicianship Support Class
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – Any Age
Skill Level
Any
West Kent Youth Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Tonbridge Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
10 – 18
Skill Level
Advanced – Grade 5+
Upcoming Percussion Courses
Explore our upcoming courses for percussion instruments.
Orchestra ONE Project 36: Around the World
17/02/2025 – 20/02/2025Course Type
Orchestra One
Location
Various
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 18
Skill Level
Any
Kent County Youth Orchestra Winter Course 2024
27/12/2024 – 30/12/2024Course Type
County Groups
Location
Ashford School, East Hill, Ashford, TN24 8PB
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
12 – 21
Skill Level
Grade 7+
Kent Youth Wind Orchestra Winter Course 2024
07/12/2024 – 15/12/2024Course Type
County Groups
Location
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematics School, Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3EL
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 6+
FAQs
Got questions about learning percussion instruments? We’ve got you covered.
Explore the FAQs below to find answers to common questions about your musical journey. For more detailed information, visit our pages on instrument hire, lessons, groups and courses.
What are the main types of percussion instruments?
Main types of percussion instruments include drum kits, cymbals, marimbas, and congas.
How do percussion instruments contribute to music?
Percussion instruments provide rhythm, tempo, and dynamic accents, enhancing the overall musical experience.
Can percussion instruments be melodic?
Yes, instruments like the marimba and xylophone are melodic percussion instruments that can play tunes.
Got another question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for or want to speak to a member of the team? Give us a call on 01622 691212 or get in touch at the link below.