Rhythm | Coordination | Community

Online Drumming Lessons for People With Parkinson’s

Find Your Rhythm Again – With Someone Who Truly Understands

Learn simple, structured drumming exercises from Charlie May, a professional drummer living with Parkinson’s. Build coordination, confidence and focus at your own pace, from home.

When Movement Changes,
Confidence Can Change With It

Parkinson’s affects everyone differently – from tremor and stiffness to slower movement and coordination challenges.

But one thing many people share is this:

Simple movements can start to feel frustrating.

Practice can feel repetitive.

And it’s easy to lose confidence.

Parkinson’s Drumming was created to offer a different kind of practice – one that feels human, engaging and grounded in rhythm.

Meet Charlie May – Your Guide

Charlie May is a professional drummer who has spent years performing and teaching music.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, drumming took on a new purpose – becoming a way to stay active, engaged and connected to rhythm in everyday life.

Parkinson’s Drumming is built from that real experience.

Not theory.
Not clinical instruction alone.
But practical, adaptable lessons from someone living it.

Why Rhythm-Based Movement Matters

Staying active is widely recommended as part of living well with Parkinson’s. Organisations such as Parkinson’s UK and the Parkinson’s Foundation highlight the importance of regular movement, coordination and exercise.
Drumming brings together:
– Timing
– Repetition
– Focus
– Movement
— in a way that feels musical, not mechanical.
With just a drum pad and sticks, you can practice rhythm patterns that support coordination and keep your mind engaged at the same time.

View Lessons

A Simple Way To Start – From Home

You don’t need a drum kit. You don’t need experience. Just a starting point.

Video Lessons

Step-by-step drumming lessons created for people with Parkinson’s.
Pause, repeat and progress at your own pace.

View Lessons

Starter Kit

A simple drum pad and drumsticks designed for a stress-free start.
Everything you need to begin confidently from home.

Shop Starter Kit

The Method

A structured approach built around rhythm, repetition and simplicity.
Designed to help you build confidence one step at a time.

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Get Going In Three Simple Steps

Getting started is easy – just follow these simple steps:

Get your drum pad and sticks

Follow the video lessons

Build a rhythm you can return to

Start Drumming Today

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Built With Care and Responsibility

Parkinson’s Drumming is designed to support enjoyable movement and musical engagement.

It is not a medical treatment and does not replace advice from your GP, neurologist or Parkinson’s specialist.

Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting any new activity, especially if you experience balance issues, fatigue or pain.

It Starts With One Person

This project didn’t begin with a group or a programme.
It started with Charlie — a professional drummer learning to adapt to Parkinson’s and find a new way to keep rhythm in his life.
Parkinson’s Drumming exists to share that approach with others.
As more people begin their journey, we’ll share their stories here too.

Parkinson’s Drumming FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Can drumming help Parkinson’s coordination?

Drumming can be a helpful way to practise coordination, as it involves repeated movements, timing and rhythm. While everyone’s experience of Parkinson’s is different, many people find rhythm-based activities engaging and easier to stick with than traditional exercises.
Parkinsons Drumming is designed to make coordination practice feel simple, structured and enjoyable — using patterns you can repeat at your own pace.

What exercises help Parkinson’s hand movement?

Exercises that involve repetition, timing and controlled movement can be useful for keeping hands active. This might include simple tapping patterns, alternating movements or rhythm-based exercises.
Drumming naturally brings these elements together, using both hands in structured patterns that are easy to follow and repeat without feeling clinical.

Can I learn drumming with Parkinson’s at home?

Yes. Parkinsons Drumming is designed specifically for home use.
All lessons are delivered through simple video sessions that you can pause, replay and follow at your own pace. You don’t need any prior experience, and most exercises can be done seated using a drum pad and sticks.

What equipment do I need?

You only need a small amount of equipment to get started:

– A drum practice pad
– A pair of drumsticks

That’s it – no drum kit required.

If you’d prefer a simple setup, you can use the Parkinson’s Drumming starter kit, which includes everything you need to begin.

Are these lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes. All lessons are designed for complete beginners.
You don’t need any drumming experience, and each session is built around simple, step-by-step patterns. You can go at your own pace, repeat sections as needed, and build confidence gradually over time.

Ready to start?

Find your rhythm with simple, supportive drumming lessons designed for people with Parkinson’s.

Start Learning → Get the Starter Kit →

Rhythm | Coordination | Community

Online Drumming Lessons for People With Parkinson’s

Find Your Rhythm Again – With Someone Who Truly Understands

When Movement Changes,Confidence Can Change With It

Meet Charlie May – Your Guide

Why Rhythm-Based Movement Matters

A Simple Way To Start – From Home

Video Lessons

Starter Kit

The Method

Get Going In Three Simple Steps

Built With Care and Responsibility

It Starts With One Person

Parkinson’s Drumming FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Ready to start?

When Movement Changes,
Confidence Can Change With It