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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 suppliment 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 .
When I turned 40 I decided to go back to college to study for a formal qualification in music.
I Graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2005 with a Higher National Diploma in contemporary music performance. During this time it gave me a great opportunity to study with both Mike Sturgis and Pete Riley. 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.’ I have also received Master Classes from the great Thomas Lang,
I also 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."
Thomas Lang and Myself after my Master Class in 2004
I now have the great pleasure of working with up and comming drummers from around West Yorkshire and assisting another drum teacher to develope a new drum school within the Yorkshire area . I am also looking forward to becoming a member of the Vic Firth Education team in the very near future.
I teach a wide variety of styles to all ages on a one to one basis with well structured lessons adapted to suit the individual needs of the student. Helping to keep a fun approach at all times. Students who have never played the drums before can expect to be playing simple drum patterns by the end of the second lesson. Students can develop their own skills and hone in on their playing styles, with various options including:-
- Stylistic vocabulary
- Click track playing
- Rudiments
- Rock school grades
- Music theory - reading
-Technique and posture
- Timekeeping and soloing
- As well as good unbiased advice!
Drums can often be a difficult instrument to accommodate; I am always willing to give friendly unbiased advice regarding all aspects of drumming and drum equipment.
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