Jules Drums – Meet Jules
Firstly, thank you. Thanks for taking the time to have a lookaround my website, and secondly, thanks for being interested enough to read this article.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Julian McLaren (my friends call me Jules) I’m a professional drummer and educator, based in London, England.
As a player, I’ve been lucky enough to work all over the world with some of the largest UK pop acts, and have toured, recorded and performed globally with hundreds of bands over a 25-year period.
As a teacher, I’ve been fortunate to work in University’s, Colleges and schools, and have conducted private drum lessons at my London studio to literally hundreds of pupils of all ages and abilities, and I continue to do so.
At the mere age of 17 I attended Drumtech professional school of percussion straight out of school, then went onto spend 12 years with world renowned UK drum teacher and all-round guru, Mr Bob Armstrong. Bob may sadly not be with us anymore, but his influence and burning passion for the drums lives on in each and every one of his eternally grateful pupils.
Teaching
It’s one thing to have knowledge and experience, but being able to impart this is the tricky part. This particular skill I feel takes years to nurture, and is one that requires constant polishing. Keeping things easy to understand, fun, but rewarding, is a task I revel in, as you’ll see when you watch one of my lessons! Drumming should be fun, and even when it gets challenging, (which it will!) I believe it’s important to remember this at alltimes.
Knowledge is essential, but patience, enthusiasm, kindness, encouragement, and the ability to inspire are a few of the other traits that a great drum teacher needs in abundance, if they’re to consistently get the best from their pupils throughout their journey on the drums.
Many drum teachers undertake drum lessons without ever really understanding the individual sat in front of them, and asking what I consider to be insanely important questions. Questions like: What made the pupil pick up a pair of drum sticks in the first place? What are they looking to get from their lessons? What music do they listen to? Or, what aspects of drumming do they find most challenging, and would like to improve?
Understanding what a drummer needs at every stage of their playing development is vital to unlocking an individual’s talent and potential.
This is personal
That’s why, when I started Jules Drums I wanted it to be personal. I want to be your drum teacher, a teacher that you can rely on, trust in, ask questions, reach out to, and lean on when you get stuck. Not just a faceless course, or bunch of lessons with no recourse, no backup and no one to help you when you come unstuck.
I don’t want Jules Drums to be just another drum lessons website, offering the same old thing. As a student and subscriber, I want you to feel valued, supported, and that your progress is personally monitored on a continuous basis, to the highest possible level.
I want Jules Drums lessons to do what they are designed to do – to bring out the best in you as a drummer and musician, and to offer guaranteed improvement, in a relaxed, fun, exciting and enthusiastic environment, that will feed your passion for the instrument.
For many of you, these may be the first drum lessons you’ve ever taken, or perhaps the first time you’ve considered an online course or lessons, and I can’t wait to get started and help you!
There is no time like the present to begin your drumming journey, and no matter whether you’re a parent looking for drum lessons for your child, an intermediate player looking for guidance, or an advanced drummer, I believe you’ll find the inspiration you’re looking for within my drum lessons and courses here at Jules Drums.
Getting to know you
Now that you know a little more about me, I’d love to get to know some more about you! Why not come and say hi on the Jules Drums Facebook page, my Instagram or X profile, or my YouTube channel.
I love to talk drums, and drumming, anywhere, anytime when I can, and would be stoked to hear what you are up to with your playing, and the challenges you are facing too, on this beautiful, and challenging instrument we call the drum set.
Jules