Emlyn Scherk

DRUMS

From a very early age, I have had a passion for music. Growing up in Vancouver, Canada, I spent my early childhood banging on my mother's pots and pans, eventually graduating to the drum set at age ten. After playing in the school band, my parents encouraged me to start drum lessons at age twelve. I never looked back from there!

I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz performance from McGill University in Montreal. During my time at McGill, I was very fortunate to study with some amazing teachers and musicians such as Chris Mccann, Remi Bolduc and Andre White. Studying at McGill gave me an excellent technical foundation, as well as an extensive knowledge of musical theory, history, composition and arranging. Exploring musicality and individual expression in our playing was also strongly emphasised. My studies at McGill helped to shape my playing and prepare me for the demands of working as a professional musician.

After graduating from University in 2011, I relocated back to my hometown Vancouver, spending the next five years working as a session drummer and teacher. During this time I played with numerous bands in a wide range of genres, including anything from jazz to pop, folk, country, and psychedelic rock. I also worked with children's artist Will Stroet extensively. I have toured Canada multiple times and have recorded on several albums with various artists.

While working as a session drummer, I also found a passion for teaching. I worked as a teacher at a music school for several years. I eventually started my own teaching studio, which I re-established in Glasgow after moving to the city in 2016.

In all, I have been performing and recording for seventeen years and teaching drums for the last ten.

I consider myself a very flexible musician. My jazz education and diverse playing experience allow me to feel comfortable in any musical scenario. I have played almost any genre you could think of: rock, pop, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, folk, country and more. Even though I enjoy nearly all music, my favourite styles to play are funk, soul and jazz fusion. Although, I also have a soft spot for the psychedelic rock I grew up with.

Teaching Style:

I am comfortable teaching students of all ages and levels, from absolute beginners to professionals. Learning is not just about reading textbooks and playing exercises, it must also be fun and rewarding! I feel strongly that a good student-teacher fit is important. Therefore, I tailor lessons to each student individually, based on their age, experience, musical goals and personality. I place a strong emphasis on technique, but equally, I emphasise playing musically and working in a band. Even with beginners, I try to get students to think about playing the song and listening to their fellow musicians. This approach allows students to get playing their own music quickly and having fun!

Everyone is different and every student has a different way of learning. It is therefore important to put the student first when considering the best curriculum. I tailor my lessons to each individual, depending on age, experience, learning style and student goals.

I can work from graded syllabuses such as Rockschool or Guildhall Trinity and have several years experience preparing school age children their National Qualification Exams(SQA). However, becoming a good musician does not require doing exams. With most students, we will discuss and set goals together in an initial lesson based on things such as musical taste, current ability, time commitment and general motivation level. I then create a customised curriculum to help the student achieve their own goals and fully realise their potential as a musician!

For beginners, lessons generally are 30 min, once a week. 30 min allows the most efficient use of lesson time without overwhelming a beginner student with too much information and homework!

60 min lessons are also available for intermediate and advanced students or beginners who are making good progress and feel they need the increased instruction.

Weekly lessons are the best way to get the most out of learning an instrument and are the most conducive to steady and rapid improvement. However, I do offer one off or block bookings if a regular schedule is difficult to commit to.

If you are interested but not sure drumming is for you, I suggest trying four lessons initially. It usually takes several lessons to see if a teacher or instrument is the right fit. If you are not sure and would like to discuss, or if you have any specific questions about the lessons and what to expect, get in touch here and I will respond promptly.

Pricing:

Individual lessons cost £22 for 30 min or £44 for an hour

Direct Debit Subscription payment is also available for weekly lessons. Lessons on a monthly subscription cost £20/30min or £40/60min. Payment is taken in advance each month and pro-rated over 10 months.

Lesson schedules are in line with Glasgow school holiday calendar. Subscription based students may book additional lessons during holiday times at the same discounted price. For exact dates please click here.

FAQs

  • This is more a matter of the individual student. As a general rule, 7 years old is a good time to start playing drums. However, I have taught some younger students than this and it can be very successful. Very young students require encouragement and supervision from their parents in order to succeed. However, if they are provided with this it can be very rewarding. Very young students may also require a modified drum kit as they are often to small to sit at a full kit. Please get in touch with me to discuss individual situations.

  • No! You are never too old to learn an instrument. I have vast experience teaching adults of all ages and have a particular way of approaching adult lessons that differs from children. I can help make you feel comfortable and help you progress incrementally until you achieve your goals. I have taught many adult students of all skill levels. Including, total beginners looking for a new hobby, parents wishing learn alongside their child, intermediate students looking to dust off their old childhood kit and revisit drumming as well as accomplished musicians looking to learn a second or third instrument.

  • You will firstly require a set of drum sticks. If you are a beginner “5A” size is recommended. You will also require something to practice on, so if you do not already own a drum kit or snare drum, you will need a “practice pad”. A practice pad is a rubber pad that is small, portable and allows drummers to practice quietly. Both sticks and practice pads can be found at many local music shops.

  • You do not need a drum set for your first lesson if you are a beginner, however you will need to purchase or at least have access to one moving forward. There are many different styles and brands of kits for sale today, both acoustic and electric. Buying drums as an inexperienced drummer can be a proverbial minefield. I am happy to make recommendations on what to purchase or alternative solutions so please don't hesitate to get in touch.

  • There are several possible solutions if you feel you cannot afford or can't fit drums in your home. This is not an impediment to success on the drums! Again, I am happy to discuss so please feel free to get in touch.


  • Due to the nature of the instrument, in person lessons allow for a more effective and rewarding experience for the student. I use acoustic drum kits to teach in my studio as it gives a much more realistic experience for the student. Being in person allows students that may not be able to have acoustic drums in their home, the opportunity to play an acoustic kit. In addition, as a result of the sonic qualities of the drums,(i.e. They can be loud!) it can be difficult to hear over zoom and therefore makes it difficult to evaluate a student. Similarly, it can also be difficult for both student and teacher to see what each other are doing due to the nature of the physical size and dimensions of the drums.

  • Yes! I teach advanced students up to and including post secondary level. My qualifications include: Bachelor of Music degree majoring in performance jazz drums, 17 years gigging and 10 years teaching experience.


  • Yes. While weekly lessons are usually the most conducive to steady and rapid improvement, I do offer one off or block bookings if a regular schedule is difficult to commit to.