Buyers Guide for Music Hubs
Everything you need to make and justify instrument purchasing decisions under the Capital Grant
Drums for Schools are specialist suppliers of inclusive musical instruments for schools
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2006 by classically trained musician Andy Gwatkin, Drums for Schools
is a small family business based in Nottinghamshire. We manufacture and supply inclusive musical instruments and music sets, all specially designed and made for the Education sector.
What we provide:
• Bulk supply of high quality instrument sets, instruments and instrument storage cases.
• Highly competitive prices.
• Very long instrument lifetimes, thanks to the high quality materials and build quality.
• Excellent product warranties and support.
• Free teaching resources, which include Schemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Video and Audio support.
Why we do what we do
Our founding Director’s first hand experience of African Drumming and Indonesian Gamelan convinced him that these and other world music traditions allow anyone to learn genuine musicianship, playing skills and a range of social and emotional skills quickly and enjoyably. Realising also that the styles appealed to the 90% of pupils who aren’t interested in classical music, he focussed the company on making these traditions and instruments available to schools.
Why we are experts
For nearly 20 years, our mission has been to make high quality, highly inclusive musical instruments for the classroom, and to develop the teaching resources to help schools make effective use of them. We have collaborated closely with education experts, teachers and instrument makers to ensure that our instruments and resources are accessible, easy to learn, and that they fit with the realities of the classroom.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU ADMINISTER THE CAPITAL GRANT FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
For all orders made using the Capital Grant, we can provide:
TESTIMONIALS
• Highly competitive pricing.
• Payment plans to match the schedule of funding payments across 2024-2026.
• Quotes provided as standard with all orders under £12K.
• Flexibility to keep invoices under £12K and avoid the need to engage in a tendering process.
• Flexible bulk purchases bespoke to your organisation’s de minimis limits, ensuring that you meet the capitalisation requirements.
• Expert advice and support, including access to a free research project, to demonstrate how the instruments can meet your local needs.
• Detailed information on how each of our products meets the needs of SEND pupils.
• All the information you need to justify your purchasing decision including: cost, quality, numbers, lifespan, warranties/ guarantees, and maintenance/storage.
Drums for Schools has an impressive and unique product range that has obviously been developed in association with schools and teachers to provide music educators with the best in equipment and resources to deliver a diverse music curriculum.”
-Head, Regional Music Service
We appreciated the concern you showed for our desire to have the drums ASAP, and the substitutions you made. I can’t fault your customer care! One very satisfied customer!”
-Music Lead, Regional Music Service
“We could not fault any aspect of our interaction with you, from ordering to delivery. Everything was great and correspondence really prompt with any queries.”
-Regional Music Service
AFRICAN DJEMBE DRUMMING SETS
African Djembe Class Sets - Inclusive, culturally diverse and ready-to-play
These sets appeal to pupils of all ages (from KS1), backgrounds and abilities. The style is new to most children and so it’s a level playing field and disadvantaged kids have a chance to shine. Djembes are quick to set up and easy to play, so the whole class can be making a good sound and playing together from the very first lesson. SEND note: Djembe stands and belts are available.
All sets include free comprehensive teaching resourcesSchemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Audio and Video - suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers. All djembes supplied under the Capital Grant will include free protective Drum Hats.
Please contact us for special HLO bulk pricing
Quality
Drums for Schools djembes are made by hand using traditional techniques and high quality materials to give an authentic playing experience. Mahogany shells, sanded inside and out to give a smooth finish, natural goatskin heads, double-knotted stringing.
Traditional wooden djembes are a superior long-term investment compared to lower priced PVC pre-tuned instruments and they also give a superior musical and cultural experience. PVC djembes can be a good choice for school purchases, where budgets are particularly tight.
Maintenance / Storage
Djembes should be kept dry and the playing heads should be protected when not in use. All djembes supplied under the Capital Grant will include free protective Drum Hats. Please also see our range of innovative storage cases, designed for storing and moving large numbers of djembes.
Djembe pitch may vary depending on humidity and temperature and low pitches can be increased by drying/heating or, where significant increases are need, by traditional “Mali Weave” tuning. This technique is easy to learn and most djembes can be re-tuned this way in a matter of minutes.
DJEMBE SETS 10 Djembes 15 Djembes 20 Djembes 30 Djembes
Djembe Sets - KS1-2
Djembe Sets - KS3+
DJEMBE & PERCUSSION SETS10 Pupils
Djembe & Percussion Sets - KS1-2
Djembe Sets & Percussion Set - KS3+
INDIVIDUAL
Top quality wooden, double knotted
SAMBA
BRAZILIAN SAMBA SETS
Samba Class Sets - Inclusive, rhythmic and culturally diverse
These sets appeal to pupils of all ages (best from KS2), backgrounds and abilities. Samba rhythms are completely new to most children and so the style presents a level playing field and disadvantaged kids have a chance to shine. The authentic Brazilian instruments are quick to set up and easy to play, so the whole class can be making a good sound and playing together from the very first lesson. SEND note: the larger drums have slings and are traditionally played with beaters, but can be played with the hands; percussion instruments require varying degrees of holding and coordination skills.
All sets include free comprehensive teaching resources - Schemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Audio and Video - suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers.
Please contact us for special HLO bulk pricing
Drums for Schools samba instruments are made by Izzo, one of the longest established Brazilian samba manufacturers, and give an authentic playing experience. The bigger drums have aluminium shells and nylon or napa playing heads. Beaters and accessories are Drums for Schools own brand and are high quality and excellent value for money. Standard samba sets include nesting surdo drums and so they’re a good choice where storage is limited, or if the drums are going to be moved around regularly.
Economy sets include double-ended surdo drums and are a good choice where budget is tight, and where storage space is not an issue.
Maintenance / Storage
Samba drums use standard international sizes of playing head (same as for drum kits) and these are quick, easy and inexpensive to replace or tune using the small spanner provided with each drum.
It’s good practice to wipe the kit down after sessions, and to do a quick finger-tightness check of the tuning nuts. Samba kit should be kept dry and the playing heads should be protected when not in use. Please see our range of innovative storage cases, designed for storing and moving large numbers of samba drums.
* Warranty subject to proper storage and playing (excludes damage from sharp or hard objects, including rings, sticks etc.)
STEEL PANS
CARIBBEAN STEEL PANS SETS
Steel Pan Class Sets - very popular, inclusive and culturally diverse
The Caribbean steel pan style is familiar from carnivals and it’s very popular in the classroom with pupils of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The one octave Jumbie Jam pans produce a really authentic pan sound and are quick to set up and easy to play, so the whole class can be making a good sound and playing together from the very first lesson. Desktop and floor-standing versions are available.
The full size pans are relatively expensive but are an excellent long term investment and provide progression and a range of performance and outreach possibilities. They also lend depth to Jumbie Jam ensembles.
Jumbie Jam sets include free comprehensive teaching resourcesSchemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Audio and Video - suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers.
Costs
Desktop Jumbie Jam pans
Desktop Jumbie Jam pans + Percussion
Floor-standing Jumbie Jams
Floor-standing Jumbie Jams + Percussion
Please contact us for special HLO bulk pricing
Quality
The Jumbie Jams are made by Panyard in the USA, and provide a completely authentic playing experience with very accurate intonation. Each Jumbie comes with its own stand and appropriate mallets.
The full size pans are made by and specially imported from Trinipans, a long-established Trinidadian pan maker. They’re a top quality build and have a high quality chrome finish, giving a bright, full tone. Each pan comes with its own stand and appropriate mallets.
Maintenance / Storage
It’s important to avoid knocking or denting the pans, as doing so can affect the tuning. We recommend storing the pans in protective cases when not in use, or when moving them around.
Please see our range of innovative storage cases, designed for storing and moving large numbers of Jumbie Jams and full size steel pans.
JUMBIE JAM SETS
Chrome Trinipans - 6Bass, 3Cello, Seconds, Lead
Jumbie Jams and percussion
*Warranty subject to proper storage and playing (excludes damage from dropping, misuse, sharp or hard objects)
INDONESIAN GAMELAN SETS
Gamelan Class Sets - introducing a totally different sound-world and culture
Indonesian Gamelan introduces children to a totally different soundworld and a completely new culture. It really does broaden musical and cultural horizons and it’s great for all age groups from KS1 to KS5 and for children from all backgrounds. The instruments are easy to play and so the main focus can be on ensemble playing. Gamelan is particularly good for developing teamwork and social skills, as well as general musicianship.
All gamelan sets include free comprehensive teaching resourcesSchemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Audio and Video - suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers.
Budget Gamelan Sets
Standard Gamelan Sets
Premium Gamelan Sets
Please contact us for special HLO bulk pricing
Quality
Drums for Schools gamelan instruments are made by Balinese gamelan makers, using traditional methods and materials. The same makers have been making gamelan for generations and ours are the same instruments that are used in villages and schools all over Bali, though with a higher quality of finishing to make them suitable for the UK classroom. Drums for Schools gamelan instruments provide a completely authentic playing experience for the children and make for fabulous end of term performances.
Premium and Standard gamelan have jackfruit wood casings and solid steel keys; Budget gamelan have multiply casings and thinner steel keys, but all have authentic Balinese tuning (Gong Kebyar Pelog Selisir scale) and excellent sound quality.
Maintenance / Storage
Gamelan instruments should be kept dry and in reasonably constant humidity and weights should not be put on the keys or the nylon stringing may break.
Please see our range of innovative storage cases, designed for safely storing and moving gamelan instruments.
GAMELAN CLASS SETS 10 Pupils
*Warranty subject to proper storage and playing.
JAPANESE TAIKO
JAPANESE TAIKO SETS
Taiko Class Sets - an intensive musical and physical workout for everyone
Taiko is a brilliant and popular style for KS2 upwards. It gives everyone an intensive musical and physical workout and develops a wide range of personal skills, not least focus, teamwork, self-expression, selfdiscipline and self-confidence. Taiko adds a very physical dimension to music-making and it’s a very rounded experience for any child. And end of term performances can be spectacular and memorable for players and audience alike.
All Taiko sets include free teaching resources - Teaching Guides, Video -suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers.
Drums for Schools are exclusive UK distributors for Kagemusha’s Taiko practice “pipe” drums. The drums are virtually indestructible and can be used in and out of doors. They have been tried and tested for many years in schools and music services all over the country and are a genuinely long term asset.
Bachi (beaters), drum stands and carry bags are Drums for Schools own brand and are high quality and excellent value for money.
Maintenance / Storage
Kagemusha practice drums need very little maintenance, just wiping down after use and occasional tensioning of the heads. The drum shells are extremely tough and will withstand all weathers, but do be careful of the playing heads and keep very hard and sharp objects well away.
We recommend storing the drums in protective cases, or at least covering the heads when not in use. Drums for Schools make a special heavy duty storage/carry bag for the Kagemusha practice drum and can also supply replacement
JAPANESE TAIKO SETS 1 Pupil
Kagemusha Practice Drum Sets
WORLD PERCUSSION
SETS
World Percussion Class Sets - inclusive whole class music on a budget
These percussion sets are suitable for children from KS1 upwards, and for all backgrounds and abilities. The great attraction of World Percussion for schools is the low cost of the instruments. These sets enable whole classes to be taught musicianship and teamworking, allow schools to cover the music syllabus and make for easy progression to any other musical style.
SEND note: percussion instruments require varying degrees of holding and coordination skills and each set allows for a range of abilities.
All sets include free comprehensive teaching resources - Teaching Guides, Audio and Video - suitable for instrumental teachers, music teachers or class teachers.
Maintenance / Storage
Please contact us for special HLO bulk pricing
Drums for Schools world percussion instruments are made from traditional, natural materials using traditional techniques. They have been specially adapted by us for use in the classroom and are high quality and excellent value for money.
World percussion instruments generally don’t require any maintenance and can be played “out of the box”. We recommend wiping them down after use and storing them in the protective cases provided.
In addition to the instruments in the World Music Class sets, Drums for Schools have a wide range of other hand made musical instruments, from different world musical traditions, all made from sustainable, natural materials.
*Warranty subject to proper storage and playing.
WHAT ELSE DO WE OFFER
As well as ready-to-play Class Sets, inclusive musical instruments and innovative instrument storage solutions, Drums for Schools provide:
SEND Music Sets, instruments and resources
“Include, Empower, Transform” sums up our whole approach to music-making. Our musical instruments are naturally inclusive and tactile, and will support the development of any child or adult. They are robust, low-cost, and suitable for use in the home, as well as in SEND settings.
Built-in Progression
Each Class Set includes enough resources for 5-6 terms of learning, and by adding further styles you’ll have enough material for a 5 year progression. There are opportunities for all three types of musical progression: linear, depth, and breadth.
Early Years Music Sets, instruments and resources
Whether you’re a confident musician or a complete beginner, our “Sound Children” Early Years Music Sets give you everything you need to enjoy leading music-making sessions with your children, and to support their development across all areas of learning.
Music Teaching Resources
Our resources include Schemes of Work, Teaching Guides, Videos and Audio tracks and give instrumental teachers, music teachers and non-specialist class teachers everything they need to lead mixed ability classes from zero to first performance in just a term of lessons.
Ofsted Satisfaction
Our music sets and schemes of work can help your schools meet Ofsted’s Recommendations for Music and their Features of High Quality Music Education.
Curriculum Coverage
Music Sets and Schemes of Work can help your schools meet the National Curriculum for Music Requirements for Primary and Secondary Schools in England.
Enquiries:
Director
andy@drumsforschools.co.uk
+62 878 617 303 44
UK Operations
hilary@drumsforschools.co.uk
+44 07770 275182
Drums for Schools Ltd
Head Office: 21 Shaftesbury Avenue, Burton Joyce NG14 5GL
Warehouse: Buffer Storage, Trentside, Gunthorpe NG14 7FB
Andy Gwatkin
Hilary Harris