top of page
A collage of Backbone Drum School's drum students. The collage features various drum students of all ages and genders, all holding drum sticks and playing on both electric and acoustic drum kits in Perth, Western Australia

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 SCOOL

OUR DRUM TEACHERS

Our Drum Teaches
Jack Nelson playing drums with Perth band Scream Mountain

Jack Nelson

(Founder / Director)

Music has been an important part of Jack's life from a very young age. He started piano lessons and music theory education when he was just 3 years old and has been constantly involved in music ever since. Jack also has experience playing other instruments such as the saxophone and guitar, and has been playing the drums since 2011. Growing up, some of Jack's biggest influences and role models in life were his music teachers; Jose Tabios, Lex Von L. Sumayo, and Gordon Jansen. They showed him first hand the incredible difference that a good teacher can have on your life, and were the inspiration for him to become a drum teacher. Thanks to them, Jack’s made it his goal in life to have the same positive impact on the lives of others, as they had on him; not only as a drum teacher, but also as a mentor and role model. Music is undoubtedly Jack's greatest passion in life, as well as a creative outlet. Through music, he's learned to express his creativity in countless different ways and has learned the value of discipline and hard work. Jack's learned to apply these skills to all aspects of his life including his university studies, his own personal growth and development, as well as his bands and drum lessons. These skills have also taught Jack a strong work ethic and have provided him with a positive and determined mindset which he applies to everything he undertakes. Jack won’t just teach his students to be outstanding drummers and musicians, he’ll ensure that they have the tools and systems in place to harness their own unique style and creativity behind the drum kit. As a young drummer, Jack 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. You can find Jack playing at live music venues around Perth with his band; Pincer+ (Greyscale Records), Closed Off! (Loudmouth Records), or Scream Mountain.

unnamed (1) black and white - compressed

Rose Torrisi

Rose Torrisi is an up-and-coming performer in the Perth music scene, eagerly expanding her knowledge and experience in the world of drums as she pursues her Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Performance at WAAPA. Before moving to Perth in 2023 to study music, Rose tutored primary and high school students from her home music room for nearly five years. She has found teaching to be particularly rewarding, especially after being introduced to teaching children with special needs at the beginning of last year. She aspires to gain more experience and qualifications in this area. In addition to her passion for drumming, Rose has been a proud vocalist since a very early age. Although she is not currently studying voice, she has received tutoring and still enjoys singing backing vocals at gigs whenever possible. Currently, Rose performs as a drummer and backing vocalist in the local Perth band 'Groovy Tuesday' and as a sessional drummer for 'The Gremlins,' along with participating in various ensemble projects at college and university. These opportunities have allowed her to play at well-known venues such as Mojos, 459, Ronnie Nights, The Indi Bar, and Metro City. Music remains one of the most important aspects of Rose's life. She hopes that through teaching and performing, she can inspire others and share her passion and appreciation for music with future generations.

Alex Tompkin - UPDATED COMPRESSED BIO PI

Alexander Tompkin

Alex Tompkin is a drummer with over 10 years of experience. During high school, Alex completed a Certificate III in Music and is currently studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts), continuing to develop his skills as both a performer and teacher. Over the years, Alex has played with bands such as The Skansters, a high-energy ska band combining upbeat rhythms, horn sections, and danceable grooves, and The Divers, a modern contemporary band focused on fresh sounds and creative arrangements. These projects have allowed Alex to explore both the fun, driving feel of ska and the more dynamic, expressive side of contemporary music. Alongside these bands, he has also filled in for many gigs across a wide range of styles, performing at festivals, weddings, and other events. Alex’s playing is heavily inspired by drumming greats such as Dave Weckl, Jeff Porcaro, and Vinnie Colaiuta, whose approaches to groove, feel, and musical versatility have shaped his own style behind the kit. In his lessons, Alex focuses on making drumming fun and easy to understand. He helps students build strong technique, timing, and groove, while encouraging creativity and a genuine enjoyment of making music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Alex’s goal is to make learning the drums engaging and tailored to each student’s style.

Perth drummer Vincent Douglas-Smith playing the drums at a concert in Perth, Western Australia

Vincent Douglas-Smith

Vincent has a true passion for drumming and teaching. He began playing the drums at a young age and has been honing his craft ever since. His love for music and drumming was discovered early in life, and after his first drum lesson at the age of 5, he continued to take lessons throughout primary school and high school. In high school, he studied Music and Composition and started learning the piano and saxophone at the age of 11. His knowledge of music theory is extensive, and he applies this knowledge to his drumming and teaching. He has experience drumming in multiple bands of various genres, such as jazz, indie rock, pop, shoegaze, and even orchestral. He enjoys exploring genres from all around the world, including Africa, India, and South America, and is always excited to share his knowledge with his students. Although a multi-instrumentalist, Vincent will always be a drummer at heart. He found his love for teaching by directing ensembles and providing individual lessons straight out of high school. He understands the positive effects that drumming and music can have on various aspects of one's life and wants others to experience these benefits while being given the resources to progress, improve, and find their own voice on the drum set. He recognizes the importance of improvisation and drumming as a creative outlet. Vincent has played in many different bands, gigging around Perth since the age of 16, and has even contributed to a few records. He believes there is nothing more powerful than playing in a band with your friends. Vincent understands that drumming and music are extremely beneficial for the mind and connect us to one another as members within a community. He not only appreciates the spiritual aspect of drumming but also acknowledges how learning an instrument can improve various other aspects of our lives, such as focus, memory, abstract thinking, reasoning, and many more. With his extensive experience, knowledge, and passion for drumming and teaching, he is excited to share his skills and help students of all levels and ages reach their full potential.

Jacinta compressed_edited_edited.jpg

Jacinta Thamrin

Jacinta Thamrin has had a passion for music and drumming since she began playing at the age of 11. After taking lessons throughout high school, joining school bands, and winning music awards, she continued to pursue drumming after graduation and is currently studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Jacinta is also proficient with the guitar and piano, having taught herself to play these instruments at home. Growing up, Jacinta was deeply inspired by her high school music teachers—Andrew Pearson, Joe Ralph, Tristan Wills, and Charles Pinkham—who demonstrated the incredible impact a teacher can have on a student's life. Their influence motivated her to pursue both drumming and teaching. Jacinta is now passionate about passing on this inspiration to her own students, aiming to create engaging and enjoyable lessons that foster creativity while building strong drumming fundamentals as students progress on their musical journeys. Jacinta has a deep appreciation for all styles of drumming and experience performing across a diverse range of genres, including funk, pop, rock, jazz, indie, RnB, alternative, shoegaze, and classical percussion with orchestras. Her versatility and competence make her stand out as an adaptable drummer. Currently, Jacinta primarily performs as the drummer for Flora Road and Forecast and frequently collaborates with The Daphneys and Pretty Crimes at venues around Perth, such as four5nine, The Indi Bar, Old Habits Bar, and Clancy’s Fish Pub. She is also involved in various university projects. Drumming is Jacinta’s greatest passion, and she is excited to share her skills and help her students reach their full potential.

IMG_4387-min_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Marcus Bailey

Marcus Bailey is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter, producer, and drum teacher. Currently enrolled at WAAPA University, he is pursuing a degree in contemporary music with a specialization in the drum kit. Having played the drums for about 8 years, Marcus possesses extensive knowledge of percussion and music. Trained in various genres including rock, jazz, funk, and fusion, he stands out as a highly diverse and competent drummer. As a drum teacher, Marcus aims to inspire the next generation to carry on the rich tradition of music, much like he was inspired by great musicians before him. He began teaching drums during his final year of high school and officially made it his profession at the beginning of 2023. Marcus is an active member of the local Perth band, 'SOUP,' where he contributes as a drummer and backing vocalist. Having performed at esteemed venues such as The Milk Bar, Cottesloe Carols by Candlelight, and Perth Concert Hall, Marcus is well-versed in the art of live performance. His unique musical style blends elements of jazz, rock, funk, and pop, injecting a fresh and distinctive flavor into the current music scene. Beyond his performance accomplishments, Marcus has received several awards, including his high school music award twice and the Year 12 Arts Award for outstanding performance in the arts. A deeply passionate musician, Marcus is unwavering in his pursuit of not only becoming a great musician himself but also assisting others on their musical journey.

Perth drum teacher Isaac Long playind the drums with Meinl Cymbals

Isaac Long

Isaac Long is a Perth-based drummer and pianist with nearly a decade of experience and a deep passion for teaching music. His musical journey began at the age of six when he started piano lessons, though his initial interest waned after a few years. It wasn’t until high school that Isaac rediscovered his love for music by taking up drums, studying under Chris Booth through his school’s music program, and receiving private lessons from Andrew Pearson. In 2018, Isaac joined Catch Music, a not-for-profit organization, where he developed crucial musicianship skills and gained live performance experience. This period also reignited his interest in piano and inspired him to explore singing and guitar. His musical pursuits expanded further when he joined a band through Rock Scholars in 2019, with some members of which he went on to perform professionally. Seeking to deepen his musical knowledge, Isaac enrolled in a Certificate II in Music at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus in 2021, continuing lessons with Chris Booth and preparing to audition for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). In 2022, he commenced his studies at WAAPA, completing a one-year Diploma of Contemporary Performance. He is now three years into his four-year bachelor’s degree in music. Throughout his career, Isaac has performed extensively across Perth at various venues, including birthday parties, workshops, and river cruise functions. He finds great joy in sharing his expertise in drums and music theory with people of all ages and skill levels, inspiring others through his dedication and performances. Isaac’s teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering personal growth in students. Inspired by his own teachers, he tailors lessons to individual needs and encourages exploration of musical interests. He aims to ensure that students leave each lesson feeling confident and motivated about their progress. His pedagogical approach incorporates feedback and reflection, allowing students to assess their own progress, set achievable goals, and develop a sense of ownership over their musical journey.

bottom of page