Drum lessons from a working professional — with 40 years of real stages behind him.
Who Am I
I'm Gary O'Toole — a professional drummer, touring musician and drum teacher based in High Wycombe. Over a 40-year career I've recorded with Kylie Minogue, Chrissie Hynde, Mel C, S Club 7, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. I spent 19 years as drummer for Steve Hackett, toured with the Dire Straits Experience and Colosseum, and deputised for 20 years on the West End show Cats. I played at Prince Charles' 40th birthday at Buckingham Palace, and later worked with Phil Collins in Geneva for the Millennium.
I'm not a full-time teacher who used to play. I'm a working musician who also teaches — and that makes all the difference.
Why Choose Me
I've been teaching drums since my mid-twenties — privately, in schools, and at university level. I was Head of Jazz Studies at Drumtech, a campus of Thames Valley University, where I also wrote the Percussion Programming module for the Contemporary Music degree. I ran the Gary O'Toole School of Music on Denmark Street and in London's West End for 15 years, teaching complete beginners through to advanced players. I currently teach at primary schools and privately from my home studio in High Wycombe — in person and online.
What I Offer
Private lessons — £60 per hour
One-to-one lessons tailored entirely to you — your goals, your level, your pace. Whether you're picking up sticks for the first time or looking to break through a plateau, I'll work with what you bring and take you further than you thought possible.
Lessons are available in person at my home studio in High Wycombe, where I teach on a full acoustic kit — or online via video call for those who can't travel.
Who I Teach
Beginners, intermediates, teenagers and adults. If you're serious about improving, I'm serious about helping you get there.
Ready To Start?
Get in touch and we'll have a quick conversation about what you're looking for.
No pressure — just drums.
📞 07778 157 034
Based in High Wycombe — lessons available in person or online.