Graceland Drum Academy

The knowledge and experience that Barry has is unmatched. He has given me confidence and love for drumming and makes every lesson feel welcoming. Barry has a great attitude to teaching and puts so much effort into each and everyone of his students. I would recommend Barry everyday of the week and I have great respect for everything he does.

I have been playing drums now for 7 years. During Barries lessons I have learnt so much more than just rudiments he has taught me key life skill that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. He is an amzing teacher/mentor I have never known some one as dedicated and hardworking like Barrie.

After my 1st lesson with Barrie I am full of excitement. The amount of information I was given in the first lesson is exactly why I wanted a teacher and I don’t think I could have got anyone better. It’s going to be an honour to learn the drums from somebody with so much experience and know how! . Can’t wait to get back on the drums!

I have been playing the drums for approximately eight years, but I felt over the last couple of years that I had not developed as a drummer as much as I would have liked. I thought maybe it was time for a change. I researched drum lessons in my area and Barrie's name came up and he had nothing but positive reviews. I soon understood why! It sounds so simple but Barrie makes your lesson all about you. He asks what do you want to learn? What songs? What beats? What drum fills? Barrie was able to quickly identify the areas that I need to polish and the areas that are my strengths. My lessons reflect this and I am seeing improvements in my playing in such a short space of time. His knowledge is phenomenal and he explains things so clearly that even I can understand. I honestly cannot recommend Barrie highly enough. He's made me want to get behind the kit again!Moreexpand_more

I have been having drum lessons from Barrie for three to four years and it feels like a decade because of the amount I’ve learnt of him. Already of being an experienced drummer for 7 years Barrie is my second tutor and I personally think there's no one better. I'm speaking the truth, and nothing but the truth. From growing up with my Dad being a musician I have met many drummers and Barrie to me is like an encyclopedia of music. He knows everything you can think of from jazz to rock to funk he knows the lot. And with his great sense of humor and wisdom I recommend Barrie to anyone who wants to learn the drums or an experienced drummer like myself. If you chose to get drum lessons with Barrie I can guarantee, that you won't be wanting anyone else, and if you do you would be crazy!

Barrie has been teaching my son to play the drums for the last few years - in reality he has taught him much more than that with his detailed knowledge of musical styles and techniques. Barrie is passionate about music and the drums and always teaches and plays from the heart. He is a great teacher with an enthusiastic and infectious teaching style. I would highly recommend Barrie for lessons regardless of your current ability, he will be able to teach you something you didn't know before.

I've been going to Barrie for about a month and a half and within that time he has inspired me musically in a way that not many people have ever done. His passion for the drums is infectious, and although he uses music terminology when explaining things to me, he gets his points across straight from the heart. I love that there is no pressure to learn drums for grades and examinations, as that is not what I wanted to play drums for - I wanted to play because I enjoyed it, and Barrie has helped to spark a passion for the drums that I know I will carry forever. He encourages you to talk about and learn the music that YOU want to play, as well as introducing me to artists that I would probably never listened to, however in my view he has opened up a new branch of the music world that is so enriching to me, and his lessons are one part of the week that I look the most forward to! From one musician to another - thank you Barrie!

In 2015 I suffered a stroke, my recovery has been slow but steady. In January 2018 I contacted Barrie to see if he could take me on as a student to which he agreed, since the first day we met its been onwards and upwards, not only have I learnt techniques to overcome my disability when playing the drums, Barrie has taught me to read music, and all that encompasses in drumming, his passion for his art is a joy to behold and pleasure to learn from. You don't get much better than Barrie.

I have been a student of Barrie's for many years. He is a great drum teacher amongst other things. I would recommend his services to all seeking drum tuition as a protentional drum teacher who shows great commitment to his work and pupils.

I have been a student of Barrie’s for many years and he is the best drum and music tutor in the north west by far!

I have been going to barrie for 10 years and have benefited from it greatly. Barrie is a terrific drummer and teacher and I recommend him to all types of people no matter on their musical knowledge.

Barrie has taught my child for 2 and half years, in that time he has grown in confidence and skill. Barrie is a very knowledgable teacher and always works with my child to make the most of every lesson and help him progress. As a musician myself I can tell the quality of Barrie as a teacher even if the drums is not my instrument.

I've been a student of Barrie's for about 14 years and I can say with confidence I don't think I would be half as Knowledgeable about not just beats and rhythms of drumming but the technical knowledge behind the Instrument as well. Barrie is not only a great teacher but a good friend that is happy to impart his knowledge that he was taught by renowned drummers of their own right and his own experiences and does so in a way that is easy to understand and build on yourself.

From just the first lesson, I had learnt not only the different drums but the different paces in drumming. Unlike some teachers Barrie makes the learning that I do fun and easy to understand. I have now only been playing the drums for around two months and I am already learning to read and play a piece of music.

I have been having drum tuition at Graceland Drum Academy for around 8 years, and what a great 8 years it has been. Barrie is an exceptional drum teacher who provides a vast amount of knowledge not only about drums, but about life as well! He has a great connection with all students and teaches in a way which makes learning the drums simple and fun. Over the past 8 years he has not only been a great drum teacher, but a great friend also.

After not playing for a few years Barry has really help myself get back to playing in time. Plus starting to read music which has helped loads. Also my son Noah who's 10 has started lessons which have been great fun… Plus Noah's skills are coming on really fast. Great Drum teacher.

If you need the best tutor in the northwest then you are at the right place, Barrie is your man. I have found my lessons to be immensely enjoyable both in the class and when I practise at home. Each week I have learned something new, I am starting to read music and enjoy it. Nothing seems to be too much trouble, if there is something that I, m not sure about Barrie will go back over it for me.

I have been a student of Barrie's since 1997. And I didn't just learn how to play the drums and percussion by learning simple or complex rudiments or patterns. Barrie teaches his students how to play with feeling to what suits the music. I have always challenged Barrie by giving him music that I wanted to learn in lesson. With his patience and good humour. We learned everything from indie / alternative rock to heavy metal, country, blues, rock and roll, Latin and many other styles. Barrie is a very 'down to earth' and fun teacher and gives his students a proper grounding in their musical education. Being a long time student of Barrie's I have learned a lot about not just the drums but a real rounded understanding of music in general. Barrie comes highly recommended and teaches all age ranges in the right manner.Moreexpand_more

I was introduced to Barry by a friend (will)who has known him for years and as a complete novice I have been impressed by Barry, s knowledge and total passion and dedication to drumming and music which is second to none , I have learnt such a lot in a short time his teaching skills and patience are 1st class and he helps you step by step and gives you confidence which you need to learn I would have no hesitation in recommending Barry owen and Graceland drum Academy to anyone.

My son has been going to Graceland drumming academy for around 9 or 10 years, we started with a local drumming school, but, the progress was slow and my son was not looking forward to his lessons after a while, we tried a different tutor, and same again, until, someone recommended Graceland drumming academy, and we have never looked back, not only the interest in my son’s drumming was revived, he was making fantastic progress, passing grade after grade with distinction, and after all these years, the fire is still burning hot, I am sure my son is in the best hands. There is no substitute for experience; with Barry we got not only immense drumming tuition experience, also, made a friend who is one in a million, Barry is considerate, kind, patient, I have no hesitations in recommending Graceland drum academy, if you want unrivalled, exceptional quality tuition you cannot find better.