John Joy
Drummer & Drum Teacher
Drum Lessons that are Fun, Friendly and Designed for You
Awards & Professional Recognition
Wiltshire's only Trinity College London Champion Centre, recognised for 2025-2026 and 2026 - 2027
Drum Tutor of the Year (Wiltshire) - South West Prestige Awards 2026 - 2027
John is a natural teacher with a great sense of humour and is clearly well used to working with children (my son is 8). His Zoom lessons work very well for us, saving travel to a local teacher. John has a great many resources as PDFs and MP3s designed and delivered in a way that encourages motivation
.and progress
John
Parent of George
About John Joy
John Joy is an experienced professional drummer, percussionist and music educator based in Wiltshire, with a career spanning live performance, recording, musical theatre and instrumental tuition.
A Lifetime of Music
John studied at Roehampton Institute, where he developed a broad musical foundation encompassing Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, African drumming traditions, Wind Band and Orchestral performance.
During his studies, he participated in numerous performances, including David Fanshawe's African Sanctus, an ambitious work combining live musicians, choir and recorded African music.
Following graduation, John continued developing his experience as a performing musician, appearing at London venues including the former Rock Garden in Covent Garden and the King's Head in Fulham.
His recording experience includes contributing drums, lyrics and arrangements to Say Goodbye, an album by The Lost Eskimos, alongside working with original artists and composers on recording projects and demos.
Music lessons should be for everyone, not just the “chosen few”
Professional Performance
John continues to perform regularly as a professional drummer and percussionist across a wide variety of musical styles and settings.
His experience includes performing in musical theatre productions such as Grease, We Will Rock You, War of the Worlds, Jesus Christ Superstar, 9 to 5 and Bugsy Malone. He has also worked on corporate events, community performances, church services and other productions.
During the Oktoberfest season, John performs with The Oompapas, bringing Bavarian-style entertainment to audiences all over the country.
Drum Tuition and Music Education
Through John Joy Drum Lessons, John teaches approximately 60 students each week across local primary and secondary schools, alongside private tuition.
His current schools include Walwayne Court Primary School, Clarendon Academy, Melksham Oak Community School, St Augustine's Catholic College and The John of Gaunt School.
John believes that every student deserves the opportunity to enjoy making music. Lessons are tailored to individual abilities, interests and learning needs, with exercises and teaching approaches adapted to help each student progress confidently.
He has written and published his own graded drum tuition books and educational resources, providing structured learning materials that students can use both during lessons and at home.
Examination Success
As a Trinity College London examination centre and a Trinity Champion Centre for 2025–2026 and 2026–2027, John supports students working towards internationally recognised music qualifications.
Since his first student's examination success in summer 2003, he has maintained a 100% pass rate across all students entered for graded examinations, with almost all achieving Merit or Distinction.
His greatest satisfaction comes from helping students develop confidence, independence and a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Lesson Options
John Joy Drum Lessons offers friendly, personalised drum kit tuition for children, young people and adults, from complete beginners to more experienced players.
Lessons are available at John's dedicated teaching studio in North Bradley, Wiltshire, and through his partnerships with local primary and secondary schools.
Students can choose to learn for their own enjoyment or work towards graded examinations with Trinity College London. Every lesson is tailored to the individual, helping students develop their technique, musical understanding, confidence and creativity at their own pace.
John has extensive experience working with students who have additional learning needs and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy making music.
For information about lesson availability, fees or enrolling a new student, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Get in Touch
If you're seeking lessons in person, through Zoom, or a skilled musician for your project, don't hesitate to reach out. Please be aware that my schedule for Private Lessons is currently full, and I'm only able to accommodate new students at the schools where I am currently teaching.