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I have 35 years of playing experience, starting at the age of eight listening to the Big Band greats such as Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Louis Bellson. By the age of 15, I was having lessons with the late Geoff Myers who at the time was playing with the Sid Lawrence Orchestra. By the age of 18, I was playing Pubs and clubs around Yorkshire whilst also playing with the Bradford Metropolitan Big Band and Concert Band. I was also studying piano at the Leeds College of Music; this not only gave me knowledge of time, but also of melodies and taught me to listen to other musicians. Just recently I have gained valuable experiance from the London jazz scene, I have also done Weddings and corporate Gigs. When I am not playing my Drum kit i am refining my Bodhran playing as I am also a fan of Irish music.
In my thirties I studied Accountancy and finance to supplement my music career. I have worked for a number of companies "Large and Small" as a Management Accountant doing contract work ,gaining valuable business knowledge. This has proved invaluable when dealing with finance people in the music industry .
In 2003 I decided to go back to college to study for a formal qualification in music.
In 2004 I received a Master Class from the great Thomas Lang, whilst studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music .
Thomas Lang and Myself after my Master Class in 2004
In 2005 I Graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music with a Higher National Diploma in contemporary music performance.
For two years I studied with both Mike Sturgis Credits include (Wishbone Ash, A- HA, Asia,) and Pete Riley ( Kieth Emerson). They are both great session musicians and contribute to Rhythm Magazine and produce the play along CDs for the magazine. They have taught me essential session skills ‘be on time, be polite and know your stuff.’
Whilst at the Academy I learnt a great deal about music Production, Session work, live work (London Jazz Scene), and also about the business side of the music industry. I got to work with local bands doing some session work whilst also teaching . My business knowledge background has helped me assist my friend Anthony Rodriguez in the setting up of a new independent record label and events management company. "Maestro Musik Entertainment."
In 2006-2007 I had the pleasure of assisting another drum teacher to develop a new Music school within the Yorkshire area.
In 2008 I had the great pleasure of sitting in for Angie Shaws drummer to promote her first Album (The Other Side of Blue).
2009 - See's me working on a project along side some Great Musicians from York (See News Page) as well as continuing to help up and coming drummers from around the West Yorkshire area. I am also proud to have become a member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild and also looking forward to being a part of the Teachers Integration Program with Hudson music.
2010 - Has been a great start for me as I am now expanding my business to teaching students at the 309 studios in Leeds as well as being able to offer skype lessons to my students who live further afield.
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