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.