Drums & Percussion
From having drum lessons to being part of a band, there are lots of opportunities to learn, develop, and progress musical skills, through Kent Music’s percussion lessons, groups, and courses.


Learning Percussion with Kent Music
We provide tailored learning experiences at our music centres in Ashford, Folkestone and other venues across the county for different skill levels and interests which reflect our values: creativity, achievement, inclusion, awareness and joy. Whether you are a beginner in percussion or an experienced drummer, Kent Music supports your musical journey with expert guidance.
Percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, and various other instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. These instruments are essential in genres from classical and jazz to rock and world music. They provide the beat and add dynamic contrast to performances. Notable percussionists include Ringo Starr (drums) and Evelyn Glennie (marimba).
Find out more about some percussion instruments:

Drum Kits and Percussion Instrument Hire
Want to hire a drum kit or another percussion instrument? Our team will be happy to help! Find out more below.

Percussion Lessons
Kent Music has teachers in 200+ schools across Kent and Medway offering lessons in the school day, plus a network of music centres which offers lessons in the evening and on Saturdays. In lessons you will get teaching tailored to your individual needs and ambitions – you will progress from learning the basics of playing the instrument, to playing accompaniments to songs, to creating your own beats and rhythms. You will also be encouraged to play in groups to develop your skills and musicianship further.

Percussion Groups
Kent Music offers opportunities for percussionists to learn and play untuned percussion such as the drum kit in Medway Rock Band. Get creative in one of our Kent-based Music Labs or join a band with friends who are learning guitar, piano, or singing.
You can also play tuned percussion such as marimba or glockenspiel in a wind band or orchestra, at locations across the county. These take place in some of our music centres, in half term courses, Orchestra ONE at the Kent Music Summer School, and our county groups.
Want to learn and play the drums, marimba or other percussion instrument? Explore our Kent and Medway-based courses for more information on these.

Ashford Creative Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Ashford Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
10 – 18
Skill Level
Grade 2+

Ashford Music Explorers
Music CentreMusic Centre
Ashford Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 13
Skill Level
Beginner – Grade 2

Folkestone Music Lab
Music CentreMusic Centre
Folkestone Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 18
Skill Level
Any

Junior Percussion
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Drums & Percussion
Age Group
6-18
Skill Level
Any

Kent County Youth Orchestra
County GroupInstrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
13 – 21
Skill Level
Grade 7+

Kent Youth Wind Orchestra
County GroupInstrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 6+

Medway Concert Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
6+
Skill Level
Grade 3+

Medway Music Explorers
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – 11
Skill Level
Beginner – Grade 3+

Medway Rock Band
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – 18
Skill Level
Grade 3+

Music Theory and General Musicianship Support Class
Music CentreMusic Centre
Medway Towns Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Woodwind
Age Group
6 – Any Age
Skill Level
Any

West Kent Youth Orchestra
Music CentreMusic Centre
Tonbridge Music Centre
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
10 – 18
Skill Level
Advanced – Grade 5+

Upcoming Percussion Courses
Explore our upcoming courses for percussion instruments.

Wind Band Course
10/07/2025 – 15/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 2+

Symphony Orchestra Experience Day
19/07/2025 – 19/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
11 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 4 – Grade 6

Symphony Orchestra Course
17/07/2025 – 22/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 5 – Grade 8

Song Writing Course
23/07/2025 – 25/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Voice
Age Group
12 – 19
Skill Level
Any

Music Explorers Course
12/07/2025 – 13/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Piano & Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 13
Skill Level
Beginner – Grade 2

Jazz Course
23/07/2025 – 25/07/2025Course Type
Summer School
Location
Benenden School, Cranbrook
Instrument Type
Brass, Drums & Percussion, Woodwind
Age Group
8 – 19
Skill Level
Grade 2+
FAQs
Got questions about learning percussion instruments? We’ve got you covered.
Explore the FAQs below to find answers to common questions about your musical journey. For more detailed information, visit our pages on instrument hire, lessons, groups and courses.
What are the main types of percussion instruments?
Main types of percussion instruments include drum kits, cymbals, marimbas, and congas.
How do percussion instruments contribute to music?
Percussion instruments provide rhythm, tempo, and dynamic accents, enhancing the overall musical experience.
Can percussion instruments be melodic?
Yes, instruments like the marimba and xylophone are melodic percussion instruments that can play tunes.
Got another question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for or want to speak to a member of the team? Give us a call on 01622 691212 or get in touch at the link below.