Bayleigh Plumptre, Rock & Pop

We meet a very talented 10-year-old who achieved her Grade 8 Rock & Pop Drums in 2020

Bayleigh started playing drums at six years old and soon wanted to take Trinity grade exams. She is devoted to music and also plays guitar and ukelele but drumming is her real love. She worked through the early grades working with a private drums tutor, then was able to jump to Grade 8 because she practises 8-10 hours per week and plays regularly with the Nottingham Band, West Bridgford.

Bayleigh’s dad, Tim, is a huge support, learning to play drums with Bayleigh (his own lifelong dream), ferrying her and her kit to rehearsals and concerts and even building her a soundproof drum room in the garden so she can practise without disturbing others!

Who inspires you, Bayleigh?

My inspirations are Danny Carrey, the drummer from Tool and Sheila E, who was the drummer for Prince...but my favourite song artist is Billie Eilish and I would love to drum for her one day. 

I play a lot of Tool songs because of the complexity and changing time signatures and the power and speed of the songs. This really challenges me. I’m currently learning Rosetta Stoned by Tool and Blind by Korn. I’m also working on improvisation, group techniques and Moeller whip action.

How did you find the experience of working towards a Trinity qualification?

What I liked about the Trinity process is that it gave me lots of information about the songs and I also like the fact that the songs were ones I recognised and enjoyed playing to.

Being in a band really helps me with my Trinity grades because I learn new songs and it gives me lots of confidence playing with fellow band members, a conductor and often in front of a large audience. We mostly play epic film scores or classical music. So playing Trinity Rock & Pop numbers is always a nice change.

I push myself really hard because I know I have a chance of success in drumming and I need to be exceptionally good and distinguish myself from other drummers. That’s why learning the drums through Trinity and being able to read sheet music really helps me to ensure I’m hitting every note and getting all the dynamics right. I like the fact I can play the drums whilst sight-reading the sheet music, especially if it’s a new song that I haven’t been able to memorise. 

In 2020 I found the new digital Trinity exam works well and is a fantastic way to sit exams. Also Trinity Enquiries are extremely helpful and always return any questions you may have promptly.

What’s next for you, Bayleigh?

My ambition is to gain a science degree and become a session drummer for famous bands and artists.  But first of all my next steps are

  • Learning to transcribe music using Sibelius or Finale
  • Creating my own music 
  • Learning to arrange 
  • Playing ever more difficult pieces! 

Do you have any advice for other young people?

I would like more girls to get into playing the drums as I’ve definitely noticed girls don’t really play the drums, especially girls from BAME backgrounds like myself.

From my experience playing drums is so much fun and very addictive. I also play electric guitar, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and singing which I enjoy but it’s not the same feeling I get from playing drums, riddle me that one!

There are so many male drummers out there so it would be great to have more girls playing drums and Trinity is the best way to learn drums in my opinion

Header Image Credit: Bayleigh Plumptre

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Voice Magazine

Voice Magazine

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