Student Stories: Nene

Music has a way of sticking with people. For many students, it becomes one of the few things that consistently brings joy and a sense of purpose while growing up. For one sixteen year old drummer, that journey has been shaped by persistence, great teaching, and rediscovering the fun in playing.

Meet Nene, an extremely promising student here at TMH who is working hard and growing fast in his understanding of the world of drums. His passion is undeniable and he feels music with every fibre of his body.

The first spark often starts somewhere unexpected. In my case, it began at church. Among the entire worship team, the instrument that stood out the most was the drums. When the drummer sat behind the kit, it filled a space that no other instrument quite could. Something about the rhythm, the energy, and the presence of the drums just clicked.

Not long after, my first drum kit arrived as a seventh birthday present. Like many beginners, though, learning without guidance can be difficult. Without a teacher or a clear path to improvement, progress slowed down and eventually the drums were put aside.

The instrument didn’t stay forgotten forever. At age eleven, drum lessons at school offered another opportunity to learn. However, the experience highlighted something important about music education: focusing only on grades and exams can sometimes remove the enjoyment that makes music exciting in the first place. Without strong foundations or space to explore the instrument creatively, the motivation to keep playing faded once again.

For a while, drums became an occasional activity rather than a passion. Playing happened rarely — sometimes just once a month at a youth club, sharing the kit with several other drummers. It was fun, but there was always the feeling of being behind everyone else.

Things changed in Year 9 with the start of lessons at The Music Hub. At the beginning, the reality was clear: years of learning bits and pieces from YouTube, church, and school meant that the basics weren’t fully there yet. But having a good teacher and a clear plan, made all the difference.

Lessons quickly became something I looked forward to each week. Instead of feeling like a classroom, sessions felt relaxed and welcoming, creating an environment where learning music could be both challenging and enjoyable. With the guidance of Alistair, skills began to develop quickly, and confidence behind the kit started to grow.

Being involved in music outside of lessons also played a huge role. Joining my school’s soul band and performing at concerts and events introduced a new perspective on drumming — understanding how rhythm fits within a full band and how each instrument connects together. Playing in these settings helped highlight areas to improve and gave real motivation to keep practicing.

Over time, the transformation became clear. I started as a self-taught drummer trying to copy others but now I am developing into someone capable of playing with confidence and understanding. Learning how to transcribe drum parts, perform in bands, and even help friends learn the instrument became part of that journey.

One of the biggest lessons along the way is that great teachers don’t just encourage students — they challenge them. Honest feedback, strong foundations, and constant encouragement to improve can reignite a passion that might have faded before.

The Music Hub environment has played a huge role in that growth. Surrounded by passionate teachers and talented musicians, it becomes a place where students can truly develop their skills, whether they want to sing, drum, or play another instrument entirely.

For any young musician starting out, the advice is simple: just pick up the instrument and play. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be for hours. Even five minutes of playing can keep the connection to music alive.

Music has a way of giving back the more time you spend with it. For many students, it becomes more than just a hobby — it becomes a way to express who they are.

So don’t be afraid.

Just play.

Nene