Matt Furness – The gig calendar to see Matt playing drums

See Matt play drums at one of these gigs

Please click on any of the events for full details.

2025

The Claire Barker Band

Sep 6 @ 19:00 – 23:45

Matt plays with The Claire Barker Band, who produce a high energy performance with top class musicians.

With a highly eclectic mix of music the band aim to play the forgotten classics and differ in their arrangements to your average party band, not being afraid to play the songs that others don’t tackle.

Every song is sprinkled with their own CBB flair!

The band has been booked to play at a private function on this date. Why not book them to play at your event?

Categories: The Claire Barker Band Tags: Private Function The Claire Barker Band

September 2025 Sep 2025

Matt Furness Drummer

5.0

Based on 104 reviews

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Katie Simpkins

16:42 29 Mar 24

Matt is a fantastic teacher! I had absolutely zero experience, however had always wanted to learn how to play the drums (I just never had the confidence to try) As a mum of two young girls, life can be very busy leaving little time to myself. My lessons with Matt give me the time to switch off from mum mode & enjoy learning in a relaxed & friendly environment. In just a few weeks I am already learning how to read music which is something I never thought I’d be able to do. Matt’s teaching style is brilliant - very relaxed & fun, he is super talented & I would 100% recommend him.

Simon Bell

18:04 08 Dec 23

Thoughtful, fun, challenging and genuinely interested in your progress. Matt is both an excellent drummer and a considerate teacher. He understands the psychology of music and the therapy (and joy) which drumming can provide.

Leanne Leveaux

18:06 05 Dec 23

Matty is a great drum tutor - I had very basic experience making unorganised noise on my home kit, and Matty very quickly brought me up to speed with everything I needed to know. I was chuffed to bits to have finished my very first lesson with him jamming together on a piece of music which I never would have thought possible. Matty's really intuitive and makes every lesson thoroughly enjoyable, he understands what motivates each of his students and plays to those strengths, as well as ensuring they have a well-rounded knowledge of all musical drum styles. Every lesson I've learned something new, and he's always setting new challenges to try and practice at home which is really fun. I've only been learning with Matty for 6 weeks, but he's already got me to a level where I'm comfortable to take my first drum exam which I'm thrilled about! His studio is also lovely and has a very relaxed feel to it.I'd highly recommend Matty to anyone looking to take drum lessons, whether you're new to the instrument, or looking to build on what you already know, Matty is incredibly knowledgable and experienced and will guide you to hitting your drumming goals. Look forward to my next lesson, Matty!

Tim Sowinski

07:53 22 Oct 23

I can only echo everything else that’s been said in past reviews. Matt is a seriously talented drummer and is just as good at being a teacher. The lessons are chilled and well laid out, but Matt’s equally happy to adapt and make them be whatever you want them to be. Regardless, you’ll always have learnt something by the time you walk away - these are the only music lessons I’ve ever had where I’ve actively wanted to keep coming back and I would highly recommend him to any aspiring drummer.

Liam Clayton

13:48 20 Oct 23

I've been having lessons with Matt for 2 years now, starting with no experience at all and he's just been absolutely brilliant. For anyone wanting to start drumming completely fresh like I did, then Matt is 100% the right teacher for you. His patience & enthusiasm is a key asset for me to feel comfortable which is really helping me progress through the grades. He has a great knack for breaking down complex techniques and making them easy to understand. I've also been to see a few of Matts gigs in various bands that he plays for, and to watch how he performs in a completely different environment as opposed to just teaching one-on-one is just utterly awesome. A real talented drummer and great guy who I couldn't recommend highly enough.

Will Davies

12:06 20 Oct 23

Matt is a fantastic teacher who goes above and beyond to make sure his students get the most out of every lesson they have with him.

Cameron James

13:18 13 Oct 23

Matt is an incredibly talented drummer who has created a professional yet relaxed and comfortable space in his home for teaching his students.I've been having lessons with Matt for a number of months, he will always welcome you with a big smile on his face and a positive attitude. His lessons are always well prepared and structured, however will adapt lessons to your individual needs or wants.Matt's teaching style is very relaxed, he makes you feel very comfortable and gives you the encouragement and support you need. I had zero experience at all but we made very quick progress.Matt is a fantastic guy who becomes your friend as well as your teacher and I would highly recommend him to anybody.

Kate Manley

11:26 13 Oct 23

Matt is a fantastic drum teacher.. he has a great rapport with his students and he always makes the lessons fun and engaging. Drum lessons with Matt have really improved my son’s confidence and it’s been amazing to watch his progress.

Holly Stibbon

09:54 06 Oct 23

Matt is a highly skilled drum teacher, who has been providing lessons for my son for the past year.He is patient, methodical and creates a comfortable learning environment.Highly recommended.

Paul Frost

12:39 30 Sep 23

Matt is a good, experienced, professional drummer, with a nice personality, and it is always a pleasure play alongside him.

Nor-folk

10:19 08 Sep 23

Our Son Fin has been having drum lessons with Matt now for the last few months and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He has truly inspired Fin - he literally cannot wait for his next lesson! Fin regards Matt as not only his teacher, but also a friend making for a fantastically productive yet highly professional learning environment. Very very highly recommended without reservation.

Joy

17:02 31 Aug 23

My husband surprised me with a drum lesson with Matt. I enjoyed it so much that I am continuing. Matt is extremely patient, encouraging and very professional. I would highly recommend him to everybody of all ages.

Matthew Shipp

14:40 20 Jul 23

I have been having lessons with Matt since May and in a short space of time I feel I have progressed, He is a brilliant teacher and would highly recommend him for anyone starting out or just wanting to give it ago.Its an easy going environment and doesn't feel like a typical lesson,its fun but without knowing he will get the best out of you.

Fiona Wolstenholme

20:27 24 Jun 23

Matt is a drum teacher and drummer of extraordinary skill, his ability to communicate and adjust to his pupil is quite incredible, and as much as he gives, he is equally good at listening, making the whole experience just so easy and enjoyable to learn, and very personal. I was very keen to learn when I began, and after an hour with Matt... I was wishing the time away until the next lesson. I never feel over-faced, and yet I am learning so much, and find the explanations and help are always given to the level that I can truly absorb and to the limit that is making significant steps forward. The best money I spend all week..... anyone thinking of having a go or wanting to improve, no matter what their level, this guy is the one to call.

Sinead

09:34 11 Jun 23

Matt has been teaching my son for over a year now and I cannot recommend enough. He is patient with him and is really keen that he has fun whilst simultaneously making sure he is making progress. Great teacher.

Simon Hipwell

10:26 10 Jun 23

It's isaac again :D

V Minister

09:41 30 May 23

I’ve had drum lessons with Matt every week for the last few months having always wanted to play but never had the confidence to just give it a go.Matt is professional, motivating and genuinely wants every success for his students. I always leave lessons looking forward to the next.I only wish I’d started learning sooner!

Jessica Taylor

11:28 27 Mar 23

Matt was recommended by a few people when I enquired on Facebook. Im so glad we found him as my 10 year old son was self taught and needed to go to the next level. After just a handful of lessons my son was ready for his first grade exam and passed it with ease thanks to Matt’s help. Matt is great with my son and has built his confidence, his lessons are both fun and educational and my son looks forward to seeing Matt every week as they can just both talk drums and music. Highly recommended

Harry Stibbon

12:11 04 Mar 23

I recently began taking drum lessons with Matt, and I cannot recommend him enough. From start to finish, my experience is always fantastic, and I come away feeling more confident and skilled as a drummer.First of all, Matt is an incredibly skilled drummer with years of experience as a teacher. He has an exceptional understanding of rhythm & timing. He is able to convey these concepts to me in a clear and easy-to-understand way.But what really sets Matt apart is his passion for teaching. He genuinely cares about his students and takes the time to understand their individual goals and learning styles. With his guidance, I am making steady progress week after week and achieving my goals a lot faster than I thought I would.The best thing about working with Matt was how much fun it was! He has a great sense of humour. His enthusiasm for drumming is great, and I always leave each lesson feeling motivated to practice and improve.Overall, I cannot recommend Matt highly enough. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced drummer looking to take your skills to the next level, he is an excellent teacher who will help you achieve your goals and have fun while doing it.

Susan Bond

18:25 22 Jan 23

I have known Matt since he started his teaching career and my son was one of his first drumming students. He is not only very talented but also passionate about drumming and teaching and has passed on that enthusiasm.My son has neurodiversity and Matt has successfully adapted his teaching and time with him to bring out the best in him and promote his strengths. Every lesson is looked forward to and there are always smiles all round at the end. They have built a good relationship over the years.Matt is talented, professional and skilled in his career and he genuinely wants the best for all his students. He approaches each student individually and I know that their achievements are rewarding for him.

Clare Free

18:09 11 Jan 23

I would 100% recommend Matt as a drummer. He has played with my band both live and in the recording studio and he's always 100% spot on. He works hard to make sure he knows the music inside out and plays with great feel. Matt is always my first call if I need a drummer.

Delcine Dunsmore

23:06 06 Dec 22

Matt is an incredible teacher. I started drum lessons to learn basic technique for a project I was involved with and instead of leaving it there, have became hooked on wanting to become the best player I can be. I come from a very musical background myself and primarily play the flute, so to learn the drums has been quite the challenge! The support, enthusiasm, patience, guidance and joy he brings always leaves me looking forward to another lesson and leaving having learnt something new. He is a true professional. Matt constantly helps to broaden my own knowledge in music and pushes me out my comfort zone so I can continue to improve. He’s without a doubt, a very talented musician and teacher.A good teacher teaches, a great teacher inspires. I can’t recommend Matt highly enough.

Clare Robinson

12:05 03 Dec 22

My son absolutely loves his drum lessons with Matt. He keeps him engaged and interested. My son always comes out of his lessons beaming and feeling positive about his drumming skills. Matt has an enthusiastic approach at every lesson and a great energy which is wonderful for my sons wellbeing too.

hugh lynch

17:14 11 Nov 22

I have known Matt for 14 years, as his Performing Arts teacher, then as a band member and ultimately as friend. I have seen his remarkable progress as a player, fueled by a love of music and a desire to be the best he can be.Matt contributed to concerts, gigs and full-blown school productions as a pupil at Old Buckenham High School. He developed a discipline, responding to cues and having an innate ability to know how to approach a particular piece.As a band member, he provided a rock-solid foundation on which to build a group sound and had an appetite to learn music well outside his personal listening, something he still does to this day.As a friend, he has been willing to prepare and perform large swathes of music for particular occasions, such as my recent 70th birthday celebrations where he played alongside a number of musicians new to him, yet never dropped the beat required. In addition, being the magnanimous teacher he is, he even coached a young student in a couple of pieces for the event, watching intently and with no little pride as the student acquitted himself in a manner reflecting Matt's own trademark reliability, accuracy, and sense of fun.I have seen him mature into a communicative and mature young man, characteristics that pervade his playing.And did I say...he rocks!!I commend Matt to anyone who requires a musician who is steadfast and amenable: I wish him every success, and I envy the good fortune of his future collaborators.Hugh Lynch 11/11/22

Michelle G

14:51 11 Nov 22

Matt is a superb drummer, passionate and professional. I have worked with him in performance, as well as taken drum lessons from him. He can play any style and deliver exactly what is needed, and is a joy to work with - so friendly and engaging. His lessons are enjoyable and consistently well structured, and he is always positive and encouraging. Highly recommended.

Andy Kiddell

00:13 10 Nov 22

Matt has been teaching my daughter for a while now. She absolutely loves her lessons with him and has progressed to level 7 herself and continues to learn more skills with him every lesson. His relaxed style of play is inspiring for her. Not only is he a great drummer and teacher but a really lovely guy with loads of patience so even beginners will feel relaxed him. Thanks for all you have done Matt.

lauren lefevre

20:46 03 May 22

Matt is an amazing drummer and teacher. He has passion, patience and enthusiasm which all add to varied and exciting lessons. As an adult learner having never played drums before it has been brilliant to take up a new hobby, Matt is highly personable and makes the lessons relaxed and fun.

See Matt playing drums

See Matt play drums at one of these gigs

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