Based on his well-known books, his teaching experience at Berklee College of Music and his extensive performing experience playing with James Brown bandleader, Maceo Parker and many others, Jim’s School of Funk is a comprehensive resource and a fun and exciting way to improve your Funk drumming.

 

Objective
To seriously improve your skills and knowledge of Funk, one of today’s most significant and in-demand styles of music.

The School of Funk is built around an in-depth series of 22 progressive lessons designed for intermediate students. The lessons take drummers step-by-step from the simpler basics to more advanced techniques and grooves.

 

 
Sample Lesson Plan

Sample Lesson Plan

24

Lessons

The progressive course contains topics like ghost notes, displaced backbeats, linear style, hi-hat patterns, multi-tasking, and the King Kong groove.

56

Videos

The School of Funk video library includes thorough explanations, demonstrations, and play-along exercises.

86

Audio Files

Including song examples, tracks with and without drums, and even slowed down beats—an excellent practice tool!

 

Workbook

The Workbook section at the end each lesson is the fun part! It includes specific exercises and Funk tracks to play along to.

FREE Bonus Material

The School of Funk also has an extensive library of free bonus material: The Power of 3 in 4/4 Funk, Funky Stickings, 4-Way Coordination, A Short History of Funk, and much more.
View Sample Bonus Material

1-on-1 with Jim

In both study models (see below) you can send your instructor questions and recordings of yourself playing the Workbook tracks. Your instructor will respond with their professional, individual feedback.

 
 
“I’ve known brother Jim Payne for many years. He’s one of America’s funkiest drummers and a great teacher. Hanging out with Jim Payne is one of the finest things you can do for your career.”
— Clyde Stubblefield
"The Funky Drummer," James Brown

About Your Instructor

Labeled the "Buddy Rich or Billy Cobham of funk drumming" by Jazz Times Magazine, Jim Payne has a long career as a drummer, educator, producer and collaborator with the best musicians in jazz and funk. He teaches Funk & R&B Drums online for Berklee College of Music.

Watch Jim Play with funk gods J.B. Horns, former horn players in James Brown's legendary backing band the J.B.'s

Some of Jim’s Students

Students from all countries, ages, and walks of life. You can be one of them!

 

It’s Time to start groovin’!

Choose your plan:

Subscription Course

USD 29.95/mo

  • Access to all 24 lessons of the School of Funk

  • Plus Bonus Material

  • Feedback: You send a text or video submission once a month. This can be a question in text format or a video from one of the Workbook tracks. You will then receive personal audio feedback and suggestions for improvement.

  • Plus you get a free digital copy of Advanced Funk Drumming including all audio & video examples.

  • Special offer: Sign up for 6 months and pay only USD 150 (save USD 29.70!)

  • Cancel any time

School of Funk

$29.95

Every month

 

Sign Up

$150

Every 6 months

Save $29.70!

Sign Up

$299

Every 12 months

Save $60.40!

Sign Up
Learn More
 

Personal Study Course

USD 450.00/four lessons

  • Access to all 24 lessons from the School of Funk, which are taught in four-lesson segments.

  • Plus Bonus Material

  • Feedback: You receive individual feedback after each lesson, establishing a one-on-one personal relationship with your instructor. He will review all of your submissions and send you audio comments and suggestions for improvement. It’s just like taking private lessons! And we accommodate foreign language students.

  • Plus you get free digital copies of Advanced Funk Drumming and Give The Drummers Some! including all audio & video examples.

Send Jim an email to inquire.

*Required Materials:
The following books are required for the first 11 lessons of the course. The purchase links will be provided after sign-up.

  • Funk Drumming by Jim Payne
    Paperback + online audio: $24.99
    eBook + online audio: $19.99

  • Advanced Funk Drumming by Jim Payne
    Value $24.99
    Free with 1st month’s sign up

  • Groove Essentials, The Play-Along 1.0 by Tommy Igoe
    Paperback + audio files: $24.99
    eBook + audio files: $14.99

  • Give The Drummers Some! by Jim Payne (optional)
    Paperback + audio files: $24.99
    eBook + audio files : $24.99
    Free with purchase of 6 months access