Uptown Drumming is a music education and mentorship service based in the South Bronx, NY, run by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, producer, and seasoned music teacher Robert Steadman.

Under his guidance, students ranging from beginner to advanced receive high-level musical instruction, tailored to their specific goals and abilities. Robert provides online and in-person music lessons for Drums, Piano, Guitar, Theory, Composition, and Production.

Born in South Africa and raised in Oxford, UK, Robert began his career as a professional touring and recording musician at the age of sixteen. As a member of the band Stornoway, he has toured the world and played drums on some of its most renowned stages, most notably Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage. He has performed live on “Later...with Jools Holland”, alongside Jay Z, Foo Fighters, Norah Jones, and Sting, recorded live sessions in the infamous Abbey Road studios, performed on some of the BBC’s main prime-time radio and television political programs, and received a silver record from BMI for record sales - all before the age of 25.
Robert has worked with all ages in the UK and US as a Private Tutor, Lead Teacher, Teaching Artist, and Music Therapist. Blending all the aspects of music that he’s learned from experience, he uses a unique teaching methodology focused on excellence, enjoyment, and creative rule-breaking. Having studied music throughout school, worked as an award-winning professional musician, and been trained as a music teacher, Robert’s knowledge and fluency in music is extensive. Uptown Drumming’s students never leave a lesson without a new piece of valuable information and something to add to their skillset.

What my students say

““Rob was a huge help to me in learning how to play the drums. Having never played an instrument before he was amazing in helping me pick up drumming. He was very understanding and worked around my scheduled in setting up lessons. I would recommend Rob to anyone that wants to learn to play the drums as he is an amazing instructor.””

— Jack D, NY ★★★★★

““Rob is an amazing piano and music teacher with great skills. I first found him about a year and half ago in the heat of pandemic as I was looking for a Piano teacher for myself and my 4 year old son. I was skeptical if remote learning would work for him. I was pleasantly surprised to see how patient he is with small kids and the amount of progress my son has made over the past 18 months, even with the limitations of remote music classes. My son is also improving by learning the fundamentals of music which is helping him with other instruments as well. Highly recommended!””

— Mark, OR ★★★★★

““Excellent tutor. I highly recommend Robert. He is knowledgeable with well rounded knowledge and nice to work with. He works with you and helps you accomplish your goals.””

— Sa, MI ★★★★★

““I am so pleased with Robert, he is the right tutor for me! I’m in my seventies now and I also a have an eye sight disability. I am still getting used to the experience of learning online and I am slower than I thought, but Robert is so helpful when I have any issues and he has helped me gain my confidence back so I can play my piano. Thank you Robert!””

— Dennis, UK ★★★★★

““Rob is an amazing teacher- in addition to his drum skills, he is an experienced producer and well rounded musician, so working with him has really improved my song writing! He is extremely patient (which is important with me!) but he holds me accountable and pushes me just enough so I don’t just get frustrated and quit, which I tend to do when I hit road blocks. I recommend him highly for beginners, intermediate players, or even experienced players looking to broaden their stylistic expression and improve their musicianship. Thanks Rob!””

— Kathleen, NY ★★★★★

““My 9 year old son is taking virtual drum lessons from Robert and loves it. He has come so far and has learned so much. Robert is engaging and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Uptown Drumming.””

— Brandi, TX ★★★★★

““First lesson for my son with Robert and he has already learnt new information. My son really enjoyed the lesson. He himself said Robert is a great teacher. We’re looking forward to a continued relationship. I’m so happy I picked a teacher I can tell my son will learn a lot from.””

— Kayleigh, UK ★★★★★

““Rob is a fantastic teacher who’s patient, fun, descriptive and super passionate about percussion. He’s inspiring and very receptive to any and all questions. Absolutely recommend him!””

— Michelle, NY ★★★★★