Why Study Drums?
Did you know that BIMM University started out as Drumtech in Brighton, England? It’s safe to say we know a thing or two about drums. And with us, you’ll hone your drumming talents to fuel a lasting career.
Over the last 35 years, we’ve seen the likes of Jon Beavis (listed as one of Music Radar’s 13 Best Rock drummers in the World), Ben Thompson (Two Door Cinema Club), and Debbie Knox-Hewson (Charli XCX) walk through our doors, and out into the music industry.
In this three-year degree course, you’ll be the beating heart of our music faculty. Taught by industry icons who will impart their wisdom and knowledge onto you. We have worked closely with a variety of music professionals to ensure you graduate with the right skills and experience needed to make your name in the modern music industry.
Key facts
Available as an industry-led undergraduate degree
Available at BIMM University Berlin
Cutting-edge facilities and top-tier 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
If you’re a drummer looking to take your performance skills to the next level in the studio as a session player, or you’re looking to find your place in the wider music industry, you can achieve this and more at BIMM University Berlin.
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
By studying drums, your career will lead you down many creative avenues. With our optional modules, you can streamline your path to success to better prepare for your dream career.
Potential drums career paths:
- Touring Drummer
- Session Musician
- Composer / Songwriter
- Music Teacher
- Academic
For students with a passion for live performance, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree offers a unique emphasis on live playing within the very first year. You’ll develop expert-level knowledge and performance skills in your chosen discipline, preparing you for a career in the live music industry.
The Performance Skills module will guide you through the process of developing an authentic live performance, from individual preparation and rehearsal to ensemble performance and reflective practice. Weekly instrument-specific preparation classes will help you develop effective rehearsal techniques and strategies tailored to your discipline.
Through the Live Performance Workshop, you’ll put these skills into practice through full-band performances, receiving constructive feedback and advice from lecturers and peers. You’ll use this feedback to develop your reflective practice, which you’ll document in a weekly Reflective Journal.
Throughout the module, you’ll build confidence on stage while developing the arrangement, communication, and collaborative skills needed for professional live performance.
Exclusive networking opportunities
At BIMM University Berlin, we believe that collaboration is key. That’s why you’ll have access to exclusive networking opportunities that connect you to the people who can help you find your place in the music business.
After stepping onto our campus, you’ll be surrounded by the very musicians, vocalists, music business professionals, producers and filmmakers that will populate the future creative industry. Not just in Berlin, but across Europe.
At BIMM Berlin, your success is our success. We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful drummers across 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.
You’ll learn from experienced lecturers with extensive industry backgrounds, many of whom continue to work professionally across the music industry.
Drawing on their first-hand knowledge and expertise, they’ll guide you through your studies and help you understand how to navigate the ever-changing music business. Their goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to take your first step into the industry.
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.
BIMM University Berlin’s regular Masterclasses give students the opportunity to learn directly from some of the most influential drummers in the industry right now. Held on campus throughout the year, these sessions offer first-hand industry insight and knowledge you simply won’t find in a textbook.
At BIMM University, this has previously included:
- Nick Mason (Pink Floyd)
- Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Ralph Rolle (Chic)
The best way to establish yourself in Berlin is by doing it for real. And our specialist Careers Team (Creative Futures) are here to assist with just that. Armed with invaluable contacts and industry connections, they’ll find you the opportunities that other universities can’t and help bring your portfolio to that next level.
Being a BIMM student also means you get access to exclusive opportunities other music students could only dream of. This includes the chance to perform or attend some of the best festivals on the planet (like The Great Escape Festival, Tons of Rock, Reeperbahn, and Glastonbury). You will also regularly collaborate with fellow students across our music, production, and filmmaking faculties.
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-university.de.
