Backbeat Percussion Studios, Derby

When award-winning percussionist Paul Peterson isn't showcasing his rhythmic skills live, he trains budding beat keepers at Backbeat Percussion Studios. During private lessons, he focuses not only on more common instruments, such as drum sets and snare drums, but on what he calls total percussion. This encompasses most of an orchestra's percussion section, from the rumbling timpani to the soft patter of two pillows banging against one another. Such well roundness lends Paul's students an advantage as they audition for ensembles such as drum lines or all-state orchestras. Equally useful are Paul's group lessons, where activities like drum circles help pupils adjust to playing with other musicians.