OUR DRUM SCHOOL
Backbone Drum School was started in early 2019 with its founder Jack Nelson teaching out of his spare bedroom in Bedford. What began as casually teaching a handful of students a couple times a week has now grown into Perth's only drum-centric music school with multiple studio rooms, operating 7-days a week.
Backbone was created with the intention of leading by example. Our goal as drum teachers and music educators is to show students first hand what is achievable with the instrument both on and off the stage. We show this through our involvement in the Perth music scene; where we put theoretical concepts to the test in real life musical scenarios. This allows us to provide our students with tried and tested knowledge, in addition to insightful tips and tricks that can only be earned through genuine experience.
We are true drummers before anything else, and we can't wait to show you why we love this instrument so much.
OUR DRUM TEACHERS
JACK NELSON
Music has been an important part of my life from a very young age. I started piano lessons and music theory education when I was just 3 years old and have been constantly involved in music ever since. I also have experience playing other instruments such as the saxophone and guitar and have been playing the drums since 2011.
Music is undoubtedly my greatest passion in life, as well as a creative outlet. Through music, I’ve learned to express my creativity in countless different ways and have learned discipline and the importance of hard work. I’ve learned to apply these skills to all aspects of my life including my university studies, my own personal growth and development, my bands and my drum lessons. These skills have also taught me a strong work ethic and have provided me with a very positive and determined mindset which I apply to everything I undertake.
I WON'T JUST TEACH MY STUDENTS TO BE OUTSTANDING DRUMMERS AND MUSICIANS. I'LL ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE TOOLS AND SYSTEMS IN PLACE TO HARNESS THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLE AND CREATIVITY BEHIND THE DRUM KIT.
Growing up, some of my biggest influences and role models in life were my music teachers; Jose Tabios, Lex Von L. Sumayo, and Gordon Jansen. They showed me first hand the incredible difference that a good teacher can have on your life, and were the inspiration for me to become a drum teacher.
THANKS TO THEM I'VE MADE IT MY GOAL IN LIFE TO HAVE THE SAME POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS, AS THEY HAD ON MINE; NOT ONLY AS A DRUM TEACHER, BUT ALSO AS A MENTOR AND ROLE MODEL.
As a young drummer, I can relate well to both children and adults. Lessons will be fun and engaging. You’ll find drumming and learning music theory enjoyable and fulfilling as you develop your skills, and grow as a musician.
I’ve been teaching drumming for children for about seven years with the following schools that include the following:
• Lanzon Music
• Joondalup School of Music
• Making Mini Music
• Jumeriah Music Center Perth
JACK HILL
Jack has had a passion for drumming since he began playing at the age of 13. Taking lessons throughout high school, he pursued drumming after graduating and went on to study music at both UWA and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Since then, he has been honing his craft under the tuition of some of Australia’s leading drummers, most notably Ric Eastman and Daniel Susnjar from WA, and travelling interstate to study under Mark Charters and Gordon Rytmeister. Jack’s broad education on the instrument reflects in both his performances and in the lessons he gives to his own students.
Jack loves all styles of drumming and has had experience playing in a range of different situations, whether it be rock shows, pop gigs, musicals, background jazz, or even with classical orchestras. He believes that the drum set is the most versatile and creative instrument you can play and loves to show all the ways in which it can be used to create music. Even though his favourite genres to play are indie-rock, neo-soul and contemporary jazz, Jack jumps on any opportunity to perform and loves the challenge of learning new music for a gig.
Jack has had extensive session experience, playing for countless WA artists both live and in the studio. Most notably, he has performed at Singapore’s “Music Matters” festival and appeared on Triple J’s Like a Version with Noah Dillon in 2021. Jack still frequently tours Australia on his weekends or spends time at various studios around Perth recording drums when he’s home. You can hear Jack on more than 50 studio recordings with bands/artists including Noah Dillon, The Money War, Lilia, Clay Western, Xyanthe, Tasha Mitchell, Sam Carmody and Duncan Saige.
Jack has also helped many drummers to reach their own musical goals. He has been teaching drums for the last 8 years to a people of all ages and skill levels. Jack understands that everyone learns a little differently and knows exactly how to help his students achieve success for themselves, whether their goal is to play in a touring rock band, go on to study at WAAPA, or just have the ability to play along to songs at home. His students have ranged from ages 4 to 60 and Jack loves finding ways to make the instrument engaging and fun for anyone.
Starting piano lessons at 8, Jack also has a deep understanding of music theory, something he uses to provide comprehensive music lessons to his students. He couples this with practical ear training so that his students can learn aurally from songs when written music is not available. He has found that understanding what you’re playing and what those around you are playing can lead to a deeper connection with your instrument and makes playing with other people even more exciting.
MADI HANLEY
Madi found her love for music at a very young age. She began playing drums at 7 years old and hasn’t looked back since. Playing in many different bands and studying drums all throughout school, she then went on to pursue drums at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) under Ric Eastman and Danny Caddy, before heading off to put her skills to work on multiple national tours and recordings with her bands (Sprinter, Eli Greeneyes, Lo, No Charisma, Dulcie)
Growing up in a music-loving household, Madi recognises the positive impact a good music teacher and safe learning environment can have on
REACHING YOUR GOALS AND DEVELOPING A LIFELONG CONNECTION WITH MUSIC.
Learning an instrument can have so many benefits, whether it’s seen through improvements with learning how to play songs and read music or positive changes in mood, motivation and general health!
Madi has a love for all kinds of music and plenty of experience playing all of them! At any given time you can find Madi playing shows with Eli Greeneyes, Sprinter, Lo, No Charisma and many others. With plenty of experience writing and playing in original bands,
We all know that everybody learns differently so Madi caters to all age and skill levels with different approaches based on what is most effective for you!
SHE WILL HELP YOU UNLOCK YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE AND REACH YOUR FULL CREATIVE POTENTIAL ON THE DRUMS.
DAN HARPER
Dan has been playing the drums since he was eight years old and has been extremely passionate about drumming for over 20 years. 13 of those years have been spent teaching at multiple schools, working with students between the ages of 5 to 65.
During his years at school, Dan played in every music group and ensemble that he possibly could. These included rock band, jazz band, orchestra and even the drumline. During this time, Dan also received his level 5 certification by AMEB for music theory and won the year 12 Music Prize, all while studying as a TEE music student. He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at WAAPA under the guidance of Ric Eastman and Danny Caddy, where he honed his technique, sight reading, theory knowledge, proficiency of multiple styles and his musicianship.
Dan has been played with over 20 bands and artists such as Georgi Kay, Matt Gresham and Statues. Dan is currently an endorsee of Yamaha Drums Australia and plays with Shangrila, Jack Haynes and the Back Pains, and The Strange Collective.
Dan lives and breathes music and drumming through and through. He believes that
DRUMMING IS A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO THE GROWTH OF THE MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.
Dan knows that drumming changes lives and he hopes to impart his knowledge, wisdom and experience on to every student he comes across. Drumming is for everyone and is one of the greatest vocations anyone can take up, and the beauty of it is it can be shared at any level, from hobbyist to professional and everybody in between.