Marc works as a percussion tutor at Brentwood School where he teachers a range of students age 7 - 18 and of all standards from beginner to professional. Marc is a wonderful teacher of music, because of his prestigious musical talents and his optimistic, approachable and nurturing style, which always encourages the best from students, whatever the stage of their musical development. He also organises regular workshops, jazz courses and opportunities for his students to perform and is a stand-out example of how and why music education can be life-changing to young people.
Florian Cooper - Director of music - Brentwood School.
“Marc Cecil is an inspirational music teacher who I've had the pleasure of being taught by for the last 6 years. I started my lessons with him having no knowledge or experience in the field of drumming and he has taught me vast amounts, with my current focus being on grade 6.
He makes drumming fun and engaging and something that I can look forward to doing every week, inspiring me to practice to push my ability further. Each lesson is filled with a variety of activities that help me to keep my progress on track and keep improving.”
Matthew Trevellian- (Age 16)
"Mr Cecil has been my drum teacher since I was very little (year 3 I think), he's a great drummer himself which is very inspiring for me, and he's also a fun teacher, who has been very supportive of me as I like to take my time over my pieces to get them all right! He always encourages me to keep trying and reminds me that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
One of the things I love most is that he teaches me all the cool tunes, I also love playing in his drum concerts with the cool lights and dry ice on stage!
If you're looking for a drum teacher who will inspire and guide you, I highly recommend Mr Cecil. He's the best!"
Rosie Ofoche- (Age 11)
I have been having drum lessons with Marc for the past few years and my musical journey has been profoundly enriched by his expertise. Marc is not only an incredibly talented and versatile drummer but also a skilled teacher who has honed his craft in jazz, groove, and Latin styles. His wealth of experience as both a drummer and a teacher allows him to tailor each lesson to suit my specific needs.
Under Marc's guidance, I successfully prepared for drum grade 5, and he has equipped me with the essential tools to continuously improve my skills as a drummer. His dedication and passion for teaching are evident in every session, making him an invaluable resource for anyone trying to refine their craft or seeking to elevate their drumming.
I would recommend Marc to aspiring drummers or even those simply seeking to take their drumming to new heights.
Abe - Adult Student.
***Brilliant and TRULY inspiring teacher! My 12-year-old studying at Brentwood Independent school has been drumming with Marc since Year 3… I still remember the day when my 8-year-old walked home saying “Mummy! I have decided to join the drum club at school with Marc and I need a drum kit”. Having known my son who hasn’t in the past had any interest in music it came as a bit of surprise to all of our family members!! ……Apparently my son went past the drum hut in school and something inspired him to pay a visit and eventually after just 15 mins trial lessons with Marc he decided he wants to be a drummer.
I know Marc is not only a patient, relaxed, humorous and very engaging teacher but himself a passionate drummer playing at gigs & concert. His friendly nature puts everyone in particular children at ease and makes him approachable.
Infact, I had the opportunity to visit Marc’s home studio for my son’s summer lessons – it’s a perfect set up for teaching; thereby allowing students to have lessons with Marc even during school holidays as his home studio is very well equipped, sound proofed and a lovely little lounge for the spectators as well!
Now my son has just given his exams for Grade 3 and moving to Grade 4 and with Marc’s constant encouragement he has performed confidently at a few concerts at school. We are really proud of him…all credits goes to Marc!
Madhu Manikandan - Mother
Marc is a totally professional, enthusiastic and inspiring musician and teacher. He has the ability to capture the imagination of wannabe drummers and musicians of all ages and abilities by devising a bespoke programme for engagement across a wide spectrum of different styles. Marc balances a busy drumming career with a commitment to individual 1-2-1 drumming lessons. Your quest for a drum teacher should start with Marc - you will not be disappointed!
David Revells- Assistant Director of music - Brentwood School.
“For the last seven years Marc has been teaching me to play the drums, and I have massively improved over that time. When I first arrived I enjoyed playing music and was looking forward to developing my own skills as a musician, however I wasn’t particularly confident and my musical ability was significantly less than some of my peers. Under Marc’s tutelage I have significantly grown as a musician, working through different grades and vastly bettering both my technique and understanding of drum music.
Marc has been an excellent teacher. He has encouraged me when I was struggling and was always willing to explain and demonstrate whatever I was struggling with until I understood it. Furthermore he has worked around my busy schedule and was happy to adapt my lessons depending on what I wanted to learn or how strenuous my workload was that week.
At the start of this year I performed on drums in my school’s House Music concert, something which I would not have had the confidence or ability to do seven years ago, which I think shows just how much I have developed as a musician. I am exceptionally grateful to Marc for all the help he has given me to improve my playing and for providing a break from the academic pressures of school through the fun of learning the drums.”
Abigail Rice - (age 18)