Testimonials

Testimonials for Phil Bailey

If you are a former or current student, and feel that you would like to leave a testimonial, please feel free to do so via the Contact’s Page.

 

Phil is a fantastic teacher – extremely helpful, patient and nice. He has guided me through the grades up to diploma and been an invaluable help in allowing me to get in to music college. He has a very detailed knowledge of musical styles and the drum parts relating to these, and a huge amount of exercises he has written/developed himself across these styles. Phil is a truly great teacher, I would recommend him to anyone

Boz Martin Jones (Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London)(now professional))

As well as guiding me through all the drum grades, Phil allowed me to grow as a musician – emphasising groove, listening and improvisation. His passionate and friendly approach inspires you to work hard and progress quickly. The skills he taught me allowed me to study percussion and composition at the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music respectively, and gave me a great rhythmic foundation for my work as a composer and a percussionist. Phil was fantastic to study with and gave me the confidence that I could reach these levels. Highly recommended!

Matt Thurtell (professional percussionist and composer)

 Phil started teaching me drums in 2006, and it’s something that I will never regret! He taught me for 6 years, transforming me from someone who just “hit” the drums into a fully rounded musician culminating in gaining a place studying Drums at Leeds College of Music. Every lesson with Phil was memorable bringing his friendly, relaxed and positive personality into his teaching.

Phil expansive knowledge across all styles of music and teaching ability allowed me to excel at my graded exams but also rounded me as a musician teaching me as much about the industry (with his many “been there done that” anecdotes that never disappoint!) as playing grooves! Phil was more than a teacher to me, he was a mentor giving me guidance for many areas inside and outside Music. Phil was able to realize my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to hone my skills at the right pace but also teaching me to believe in my own abilities and to always be persistent! (Whether this be practicing or any aspect of life)

His expertise on the drums and overall knowledge makes him a fantastic teacher, pointing me in the right direction to peruse a career in Music making playing drums my passion, not a hobby, and hopefully a Job! Couldn’t thank and recommend him more, as I would not be where I am without him!

Tom Bradshaw (Leeds College of Music )(now professional))

Although I was only taught by Phil for a relatively short amount of time, his guidance and expertise improved my playing and understanding dramatically. Not only did he get me through grades with flying colours, but actually focussed me on what I wanted to do with my musical life, realising where my strengths were and honing them, giving me belief in my own abilities. I am finishing a performance degree at Tech Music School in London and am working mainly as a professional percussionist for musicals in theatres (with a view to eventually getting a chair on the West End) as well as a session drummer/writer for a few bands.

Phil has had a massively positive influence on my musical career and has helped me realise what it is I need to do in order to make my hobby a job! Not only is he a great teacher, but a great friend and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough!

Joe Pickering (Tech Music School, London)(now professional))

Phil taught me for 11 years and took me from a total beginner to a level where I could gain a place studying at the Leeds College of Music. His positive, relaxed teaching style is exactly what any level drummer needs; Phil doesn’t tell you what you can’t do but rather how you can do something and he will guide you there at your own pace. He has a vast knowledge of styles and drum grades and can provide as much advice on the music industry as he can about playing. I couldn’t recommend him more.

Sam Newham (student, Leeds College of music)(now professional))

Having started with Phil aged 11, I quickly learned the basics of what makes a good drummer, whilst enjoying lessons at the same time. Over the years I’ve played many different styles and types of music, and also doing exercises to improve my ability at fills and improvisation. During the 7 years or so I’ve been learning i’ve done as many grades, and I’m looking to take my grade 8 in the near future. I’ve always looked forward to lessons and always come away having learnt something, so I would definitely recommend learning with him!

Louis Hoghton (Southampton)

I am a music student at college in Dorchester. I’ve played drums since I was very little and a while back I began lessons with Phil. Since then, I have improved my technique greatly and I always look forward to my drum lessons- Phil is a fantastic teacher who provides loads of content and is great at teaching everything from solos to rudiments. He was also a great help at getting though my Percussion Academy exam- and will continue to be as I progress as a drummer!

Jamie Badley (Royal Northern College of Music))

Phil has taught me for 3 and a half years and still continues too. His passion and experience has helped me so much and I am now working towards my grade 4. He doesn’t see it as a job and me just a customer but goes out of his way too help me and continues to do so. I hope to continue progressing with the help of Phil.

Ewan Campbell (Mountbatten School)

I have been learning with Phil for about 4 years. In that time my playing has improved so much and I am now studying for my Grade 8. Phil can teach you any groove in any different style of music.
As an incredible player, and a really nice guy, Phil is the most patient teacher I have come across.
I can not recommend Phil enough and or rate his teaching highly enough.

Jonathan Greene  (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)

Phil has taught me drums since i began learning 7 years ago, he recently guided me through my grade 8 drum kit on LCM which i achieved with merit thanks to his persistence, fastidiousness and encouragement as a highly adept teacher. As well as being a great teacher, Phil has always been very understanding and kind towards me as an individual, which i am very grateful for. For any aspiring drummer who wants to learn some real beats, i recommend him to you without any reservations – Thank you Phil.

Jack Laird (Weymouth)

Hi Sir,

I realised the day of my lesson this week that I wouldn’t be in school next week as I officially finish this Friday.
So as I won’t get a chance next week this is just a little thank you for taking me through grades foundation – grade 5.

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking the lessons and I feel that I have come on leaps and bounds since I started in year 8. You really have developed myself as a drummer in a positive and friendly way which I couldn’t be more grateful for!

I definitely plan on continuing to play next year and beyond and I feel I have developed the skills necessary to succeed in whatever path I take whether that is continuing on with my grades or focusing more on playing in a band.

Thanks again for all your amazing hard work!

Chris

Chris Toward (Mountbatten School)

“I have been having lessons with Phil for over 10 years. Although I had been playing beforehand I had picked up a number of bad habits. Not only did he deal with those and see me through grade 8, he is brilliant at building dexterity to help play a number of different styles. Phil has a brilliant zest for life and a great sense of humour. Thanks Phil for everything!”

David Payne (Winchester)

Hiya Phil, it’s Tom (ex-student who lived in Kings Worthy)

Just thought I’d send you an email to touch base as it’s been a while since we last spoke. I hope you’re doing alright and keeping safe. I don’t know if you remember me at all but i’ll be graduating from BIMM Brighton in a couple of months and trying to make it as a working drummer, having done a lot of really exciting things in the last three years. I’ve popped a link in this email to a track I played on that came out late last year if you’re interested. I just wanted to thank you as i wouldn’t be doing any of this if it hadn’t been for your teaching and guidance. Thanks again and I really appreciate everything you did for me.
Cheers
Tom

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