Why Study Drums?
If you want to become a professional drummer, you’re going to want to be at BIMM University Berlin. After all, we started out as Drumtech – a dedicated drums teaching centre – so we know a thing or two about drums. With us, you’ll hone your drumming talent and harness your drive for music to end up with a lasting career.
Over the last 35 years, we’ve seen the likes of Jon Beavis (drummer for IDLES and listed as one of Music Radar’s 13 Best Rock drummers in the World 2018), Ben Thompson (Two Door Cinema Club) and Debbie Knox-Hewson (Charli XCX) walk through our doors and into the music industry.
In this three-year degree course, you’ll be taught by industry icons who will impart their wisdom and knowledge onto you. And, our Drums courses have been designed with the industry, for the industry. This means you’ll graduate with the know-how, contacts and skills needed to make your name in the business.
Key facts
Available as an industry-led undergraduate degree
Available at BIMM University Berlin Berlin
State-of-the-art facilities and top-of-the-range equipment from some of music’s leading brands
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
What to expect
Our courses at BIMM University Berlin are made for you to establish your own exciting route into the live music sector. And, because we’ve consulted with industry professionals, you’ll develop all the necessary employability skills they’re looking for – as well as the tools needed for you to achieve your personal goals and aspirations.
Each day, you’ll learn in large live rooms, smaller studio settings and lecture-based classrooms. And of course, you’ll be surrounded by our incredible facilities. In your first year, you’ll be learning modules to give you a broader understanding of drumming as well as the music industry itself.
You’ll learn core topics within your first year, such as:
- Performance Skills
- Digital Music
- Core (and Applied) Instrument Skills
- Applied Performance
Choose your path with optional modules
Every drummer is unique – you all have different goals you want to achieve. That’s why our Drums undergraduate degree includes optional modules so you can develop your own route to success.
Pave your own path with optional modules, such as:
- Improvised Music Performance
- Creative Band Performance
- Creative Performance with Mixed Media
Studying Drums can take you places you never initially thought of. With our optional modules, you can build your own path to success and launch that dream career.
Potential drums career paths:
- Creative Performer
- Session Specialist
- Commercial Band Performer
- Music Teacher
- Academic
For students wishing to maximise their instrumental and performance experience during their studies, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree stands unique amongst our courses for its live-performance focus for students within their first year, enabling graduates to have an expert level of knowledge and performance on their chosen discipline.
The Performance Skills module will take you through the process of effective live performance through individual preparation, live ensemble performance and reflective practice. Weekly instrument-specific prep classes will equip you with techniques for effective part-preparation, memorisation and rehearsal strategies. The Live Performance Workshop component will provide you with the opportunity to further your skillset through full-band live performance. Here you will receive guided feedback and feedforward from lecturers and peers to help further your own reflective practice. This will be recorded in a weekly Reflective Journal. You will be encouraged to develop confidence on stage, and the necessary arrangement and communication skills for professional live performance.
Exclusive networking opportunities
At BIMM University Berlin, we believe collaboration is key. That’s why we offer you access to exclusive networking opportunities, connecting you straight to the action. You’ll also get to join BIMM Connect – our exclusive social media platform. Here, you’ll team up and network with fellow students, alumni, bands, songwriters, press agents, managers and promoters to get even more out of your time here.
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful drummers in the music industry, stepping from behind their drum kit and out onto the world stage. Head to our BIMM University Berlin Alumni page to find out more.
Debbie’s skills have taken her to stages the world over, including arenas in support of Paramore, and have also secured her the endorsement of Tama Drums. Debbie says of the BIMM staff: “I cannot thank them enough – they have literally got me world-tour ready.”
As a self-employed Music producer and Session Musician, Chris has recorded and performed with the likes of Lucy Rose, Mamas Gun, Lone, Luke Sital-Singh and many others.
Martin is the founder and core member of internationally successful contemporary swing group Flash Mob Jazz. He keeps very busy as a freelance drummer covering all aspects of music, from band work to sessions and tuition.
At BIMM University Berlin, you’ll learn from world-class lecturers. These people live and breathe music – and they know a thing or two about having a passion for the kit and taking it onto the world stage or into the studio.
Our lecturers will provide you with those essential insider tips and exclusive knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s their role to help you step into the music industry with confidence.
Tim graduated in jazz and pop music in Frankfurt and has been working as a professional drummer for 25 years. More recently, he’s become very active in the electronic music scene, specialising in finger drumming (e.g. Maschine).
Tobias teaches drums at BIMM University Berlin and graduated from Drumtech, London, in 2011. He has toured globally, playing for artists like Gang of Four, Tricky, Ghostpoet, Jamie N Commons, and James McCartney. Tobias has performed on shows such as Letterman, Conan O'Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel, and recorded in various studios worldwide. Active in the Berlin music scene, he currently performs with Tricky, EERA, Tara Nome Doyle, and others. Tobias also has his own projects: Lawns, Golden Hours, and Zeit Raum Mensch. Additionally, he works as a freelance lecturer.
Budgie is internationally recognized for his self-taught drumming style. His major label debut was in 1979 with The Slits' album ‘Cut’ for Island Records. He later joined Siouxsie And The Banshees (1979-1996) and its side project The Creatures (1981-2004). Over his three-decade career, he has toured globally and since 2009, has been part of Juno Reactor. Notable collaborations include playing with Efterklang in 2012, CocoRosie in 2013, and Japanese Taiko master Leonard Eto in 2014. Esteemed musicians John Cale and Stewart Copeland have praised his unique drumming style.
BIMM University Berlin’s exclusive Masterclasses put you in the same vicinity as some of the best drummers that have ever lived.
At BIMM University Berlin, we’ve had the likes of Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ralph Rolle (Chic) have given our students career tips and insider insights that they never would have found in a textbook.
What better way to learn the tools of the trade than by getting real life experience under your belt? Our specialist Careers and Industry Teams are here to help you do just that. Thanks to their unrivalled contacts and insider connections, they’ll link you up with real-world experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Being a BIMM student also means you get access to exclusive opportunities other music students could only dream of. This includes the chance to play at some of the best festivals on the planet (like The Great Escape Festival, Brighton Pride and Glastonbury); performing at our end-of-term gigs; and collaborating with students from other disciplines including Music Business, Songwriting, and more.
Check out and bookmark our resources below to discover more about studying Drums at BIMM University Berlin. Hear from successful graduates, our world-class lecturers and students seizing each and every opportunity.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Drum courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM University Berlin, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.
