Subjects

(click subjects to see other tutors in this area)

Personal Message

I teach my students according to their own aspirations, and give them the musical grounding needed to perform the music they want to play.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Drum Kit (all genres & styles)
Orchestral Percussion (Tuned Percussion, Timpani etc)
World Percussion (Cuban, Brazilian, Irish, West African, Eastern etc.),
Marimba
Jazz Vibes
Music Technology (Sibelius)

Tell me about your qualifications.
Bachelor of Music 1st Class Honours (Trinity College of Music) - Percussion & Drum Kit, extra modules in Arranging and Conducting.

ABRSM Grade 8 - Percussion
ABRSM Grade 5 - Jazz Piano
ABRSM Grade 5 - Music Theory

What kind of experience do you have?
Performing - BBC Radio, BBC Television, Toured China with the Amadeus Orchestra, Channel 4, Drum sessions at Pinewood Studios, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Cadogan Hall.

Teaching - I have been a private tutor for several years, teaching everything from Drum Kit to Xylophone. After graduating from Trinity I was offered the position as acting Head of Percussion at Croydon Music Service. A job which gave me invaluable experience with teaching children, coaching ensembles and leading group percussion tuition. I have lead workshops in samba and african drumming.

I have been an assistant tutor on the Trinity Jazz Summer School, gaining experience with teaching pupils of all ages and abilities.

How much do you charge?
Hour Lessons - £30
Half Hour Lessons - £20
Group lessons can also be arranged.

Where do you teach?
I can teach at your home and am willing to travel to most parts of London provided travel is fairly straightforward.
I'm also happy for pupils to have lessons at my house, I have a variety of top quality instruments for you to learn on.
I live in the Greenwich area within close walking distance of an overground station.

When are you available?
I'm flexible throughout the week.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I enjoy teaching all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners, through graded assessments to advanced level.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Trinity Guildhall
Rockschool

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of the Musicians Union.

Where and with whom did you train?
I am lucky enough to have studied with some of the best drummers and percussionists in the UK;
Kevin Nutty - Co-Principal; BBC Symphony Orchestra
Gary Kettel - Session
Mick Doran - Principal; English National Opera
Dawson Miller - World Percussion Session
Roger Beaujolais - Freelance Jazz Vibes
Gillian Mcdonagh - Marimba & Orchestral Percussion
Dave Wickens - Jazz Drums
Charles Fullbrook - Freelance Percussion/Timpanist

I have recently returned from several weeks study in Guinea, were I learnt traditional West African music, including the Djembe, Dundun, Bolon & Gongoma.

Tell me about some of your current students.
Some of my current students include...
Teaching a primary school aged drummer the basics of drum kit.
Working on grade 8 pieces with an 11 year old.
Showing a young professional some drum kit grooves so he can play with his blues band.
Teaching the Irish bodhran in small group classes.