Advanced Drum Lessons

Move Beyond the Basics and Unlock Real Technique

Every drummer reaches a point where grooves and fills alone are not enough. You may have solid timing and a good feel, but without strong hand technique, your playing can plateau. That’s where Gavin Payn’s advanced drum lessons come in.

These one-to-one sessions are designed for drummers aged 14 and above who want to refine their skills, strengthen their hands, and gain more control behind the kit. Gavin offers lessons online to students worldwide or in person at his studio in Bristol, giving you flexibility in how you learn.

Each lesson is upbeat, focused, and completely tailored to your needs. Whether you’re chasing speed, clarity, or consistency, Gavin helps you unlock the technical foundation that allows everything else to fall into place. If you’re ready to move past limitations and discover new levels of precision and power, these are the advanced drum lessons you’ve been looking for.

The Murray Spivack Method – Passed Down Through a Legendary Lineage

At the heart of Gavin’s teaching is the Murray Spivack Method – a proven system that has shaped generations of world-class drummers. Murray Spivack was more than a teacher; he was a pioneer who taught drummers to play with natural motion, relaxed efficiency, and a sound that projects with clarity. His focus on rebound, grip, and movement has become a gold standard for developing effortless speed and articulation.

Gavin studied this approach through a rare and direct lineage. His mentor, Chad Wackerman, is a globally respected drummer known for his work with Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, and countless top artists. Chad himself studied with Murray Spivack, carrying forward his technical legacy. Gavin brings that same knowledge into every lesson, offering students a direct connection to this tradition of excellence.

This heritage sets Gavin’s advanced drum lessons apart. You’re not just learning from another teacher — you’re gaining insight from a method trusted by some of the best drummers in the world. Through Gavin, you’ll learn the principles exactly as they were intended: relaxed, efficient, and powerful.

What makes this method so effective is its focus on eliminating tension and bad habits. Many drummers unknowingly limit themselves by gripping too tightly or moving inefficiently. Gavin helps you identify these issues, correct them, and replace them with fluid, natural motions. Over time, this builds endurance, speed, and a refined touch that makes your playing more musical and expressive.

And because every concept is applied musically, you won’t just practice stick control in isolation. You’ll connect these techniques to grooves, fills, phrasing, and improvisation — making your practice both technical and creative.

Your Path to Technical Growth and Musical Freedom

The aim of Gavin’s advanced drum lessons is simple: to give you full control of your hands and help you play with freedom. Whether you want to master jazz phrasing, expand your vocabulary for fusion, or simply gain more confidence in your sound, the lessons are designed to push you forward step by step.

Here’s what you’ll gain when you study with Gavin:

• Break free from bad habits that hold back your speed and control.
• Build strength, balance, and stamina in both hands.
• Master rebound, grip, and motion using the Murray Spivack Method.
• Apply rudiments and stick control to complex musical settings.
• Develop your articulation, touch, and sound quality.
• Reduce tension so your playing feels relaxed and effortless.
• Expand your musical vocabulary with jazz, fusion, and modern drumming approaches.

Each lesson is one hour long and priced at £50, giving you focused, one-to-one coaching that’s all about your personal growth. Online sessions use clear video for a close-up view of technique, while in-person lessons at Gavin’s Bristol studio provide hands-on guidance.

Gavin’s teaching is supportive and structured, making even advanced concepts feel clear and achievable. Students often find that within a few weeks, their hands feel more relaxed, their strokes are cleaner, and their confidence grows noticeably.

What makes Gavin unique is the blend of real-world drumming experience and technical heritage he brings to every lesson. His connection to Chad Wackerman means you’re learning directly from the Murray Spivack lineage — a rare opportunity for serious drummers.

If your goal is true technical growth, these lessons will give you the tools to get there. With consistent practice and Gavin’s guidance, you’ll not only improve your hands but also experience a new level of musical freedom.