RockBeats Drum Tuition

Formed in 1999 RockBeats was established by Colin Appleby, providing individually tailored drum tuition to students ranging from 6 to 60 + years old.

A highly experienced musician and educator teaching a variety of ages, levels and learning styles in different environments from secondary schools through to Further Education colleges and Higher Education institutes.

Colin has invested in his education over the years and holds an Master of Arts in Music Industry and Management (Distinction), Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Media Technology (2:1), Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and is fully DBS checked.

Colin has played in many working and touring bands and a variety of musical styles since switching from guitar to kit drumming as his main instrument in 1984. Influenced by drumming greats such as John Bonham, Neil Peart, Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd to name but a few.

Beats Working

Colin's philosophy on music tuition and live music is that it has to be fun and accessable. You need to listen and appreciate many different styles of music, technical ability and musicality as well as developing as an individual musician, which means finding your own musical voice. Each drummer is unique, moulded from a host of influences and role models. The power to evaluate and analyse yourself and others is a vital tool in developing weaknesses into strengths and producing a better rounded musician.

Music is the key to what we do, you must play for the song and give your individuality to that piece of music. It touches us all in different ways and brings out a range of emotions in all of us. In the words of the late, great Jon Lord "Doctor Music will fix it". Colin has performed alongside the likes of Ian Kirkham (Simply Red), Roddy Byers (The Specials) and Rico Rodriguez (The Specials and Jules Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra). Former students of RockBeats have performed professionally across the United Kingdom and Europe, including as a member of Lionel Richie's band.

Annual Drum Student Showcase

We host our annual drum student showcase again at The Waterloo Music Bar in Blackpool on Sunday 9th of August as a part of building experience and confidence for our drum students performing with a specially selected band of friends and fellow musicians to perform live with the support of their friends and family members of all ages.

Showcase 2026 advance tickets are £4.00 (adult) and £2.00 (child) available at SKIDDLE. Tickets will also be available on the door priced at £5.00 (adult) and £3.00 (child). Doors open at 3 pm for event with all ages welome. We expect to finish by 8 pm.

Student Ethan Smith performs at the UK Drum Show aged 8 years old UK Drum Show 2024 in Liverpool	Drum Student Showcase - August 2025 William and Lucca perform with local band Boomshanka
RockBeats Drum Student Showcase 2025 Wes, Tash and Maxine perform with local musicians	Ethan Smith - the first 9 months of tuition Short video showing Ethan's progress

WHERE ARE WE?

Located at the end of the M55 motorway Blackpool in Lancashire RockBeats provide their 1:1 drum tuition services in their studio with a self-contained waiting area for parents and guests to relax whilst lessons are underway.

GET IN TOUCH

RockBeats UK
Unit 7, Spen Business Park, Ashworth Road,
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 5LP
T: (01253) 224 702
M: (07866) 983 820

E: Email Enquiry

HOURS

Monday; 10:00 to 7 pm

Tuesday; 10:00 to 7:30 pm

Wednesday; 10:00 to 7 pm