And The Beat Goes On. Simon Saynor
Ah, the drummer. A sometimes misunderstood creature. Always the butt of the musician’s joke. Nevertheless a proud race and, let’s be honest, a drummer who knows his craft can transform an average band into something special. One such talented man is Mr. Dean Cousins who runs Drumbeat Studios, located above The Hallcross pub. Dean began hitting anything drum like aged 10, playing along to his parents Shadows records. He fully admits to ‘never having a proper job’ and as a session player in the 80s performed on several hits for the likes of Nik Kershaw, Living In A Box, Five Star and others. That much maligned genre Progressive Rock is Dean’s first love though and he helped form the Rush tribute band Bravado and The Prog Doctors. All this time he was imparting his skills as a teacher and it was this love of teaching that inspired him to start Drumbeat Studios in 1989.
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He teaches all ages, literally from 8 to 80. Some do it for a hobby, for others it’s on their bucket list but most seriously want to make their way as a drummer and want to learn from the best. I caught up with Dean for a chat and a glass of chardonnay.
The presents shows were an idea of mine, my tech Matt Edgington, and my wife Carolyn’s. The point is to give drummers a ‘real’ experience of playing live with a band onstage in front of an audience. It’s a unique learning experience that a thousand certificates can never replace.
You’ve had a successful career from drumming. What made you start teaching too?
I’ve had the pleasure of attending some of the Drumbeat Presents afternoons and they truly are a moving and humbling experience. The next one will be at The Hallcross in October and will be a Queen special.
I have always believed that teaching is merely an extension of my own love and enthusiasm of the drums. If my students can have even half the joy I have had from playing the drums, then I’ve done my job. I’ve taught literally 100s of drummers, most of who are working on the scene now. You organise the Drumbeat Presents sessions where you’re students get to play on a stage, with a full band, to a crowd, often for the first time. How did that come about?
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