Jazz Drum Lessons
We offer drum lessons with excellent teachers backed by a serious, structured program. Our drum teachers bring experience across the wider world of jazz and improvised music, from the core traditions of swing and bebop to contemporary styles and more exploratory forms of improvisation. At the JWA studio, you or your child can learn on a real acoustic kit in a purpose-built, soundproof space.
- Quality teachers, structured lessons – Our drum teachers hold qualifications from B.Mus. to PhD. They are high-level players, committed to your success, and they know how to teach.
- Real drumkits – learn real touch, feel, and tone on an acoustic instrument, not a practice pad or electronic substitute.
- Soundproof studio – play freely without disturbing others, and without distraction.
- Easy to reach from across Sydney – five minutes from both Crows Nest Metro and St Leonards train station, with excellent bus connections and street parking nearby.
- Exceptional track record – many our students go on to conservatorium degrees, HSC Band 6s, and professional careers. See our alumni.
- Serious teaching at every level – from beginners to advanced students and emerging professionals, every student is taken seriously at JWA.
- Weekday and Saturday lessons – afternoon, evening, and Saturday times available.
- Join a jazz ensemble – drum students are welcome to join one of JWA’s jazz combos, one of Sydney’s most respected ensemble programs.
Meet the JWA drum teachers
JWA’s drum teachers are Dr Alexander Inman-Hislop, Ryu Kodama, and Alex Tucker — all working professional musicians and experienced educators.
Alexander Inman-Hislop, PhD, B.Mus.
Dr Alexander Inman-Hislop is one of Australia’s foremost jazz drummers and improvised music artists. He holds a doctorate from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Music from Sydney Conservatorium, where he also lectures in jazz performance. Alexander is an international-level performing artist with a strong track record as a teacher. Despite his credentials and standing in the field, he is happy to teach beginners — he is a patient, encouraging teacher who gets results. He also has roots in metal drumming, which makes him genuinely versatile across styles.
Ryu Kodama, B.Mus. (Hons)
Ryu Kodama performs across a wide range of projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Born in Tokyo and raised in Auckland, he graduated with first-class honours in jazz performance from Sydney Conservatorium of Music, having studied under the legendary jazz drummer Frank Gibson Jr. In his teens he won multiple awards for most outstanding musician at the Tauranga National Youth Jazz Competition, performed with the New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra, and toured with New York jazz great Dick Oatts.
Ryu currently works with a range of local and national artists and groups, including Jiem, Kosher Groove, Prog Dylan, and Anoesis, and is an in-demand freelance drummer. His teaching experience spans children, teens, and adults at all levels, and he has presented masterclasses at tertiary level, most notably at the Australian National University.
Alex Tucker, B.Mus.
Alex Tucker is an experienced teacher and a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied Drum Set Performance. His expertise spans jazz, improvised music, rock, and contemporary styles, and he is constantly refining his approach through first-hand study with Australian master drummers.
As a teacher, Alex focuses on the fundamentals of movement, grip, and technique — lowering physical tension and maximising efficiency on an instrument that rewards good mechanics. He welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, and encourages all musical interests.
Alex’s current projects include the Gabriella Hill Band, Bad Photography (Jim Denley, Uma Volkmer), The Splinter Orchestra, and Amorphos (drum set trio).
Try a lesson or enrol now
To arrange a trial lesson or enquire about regular lessons, contact us and we’ll help match you with a suitable teacher and arrange a convenient time. You can also view lesson fees and options here.