Over 20 years providing drumming lessons and workshops with a sense of fun and inclusivity. Informed by extensive live performance experience and inspired by studies with West African master drummers and the legendary Arthur Hull. Graduated from ACM in 2001 with distinction (Professional Development Certificate-Drums).
Up to date safeguarding, PLI and DBS registered to the online update service.
Over 20 years professional experience as a teacher and facilitator in a wide range of settings including: primary and secondary education, community groups, corporate teambuilding, SEND schools, arts in health, private events and festivals.
In one to one lessons a sense of fun is encouraged with a focus on technique and reading if appropriate for the student and only to the level of their comprehension. As well as having a vast repertoire of popular music to draw on, students are encouraged to think about what songs they want to learn.
In workshops participants are encouraged to have fun whilst learning basic concepts around technique and rhythm. Participants are also guided to create their own rhythms through vocalisation and games which helps to help create a relaxed learning environment in order to achieve the highest potential of the group.
All my teaching is informed by a long career performing with a multitude of bands in a variety of musical styles at venues and festivals around the UK and Europe. My workshops have been inspired by studying with several West African Master Drummers such as Seckou Keita, Mohamed Gueye and Siddiki Dembele as well as training with the legendary Arthur Hull, who has pioneered a community centred focus to drum circles. As well as attaining a professional development course in drums at the Academy of Contemporary music in Guildford, I have also engaged in self-motivated learning from a variety of resources and have a passionate interest in a wide range of musical styles.
C.V.
Upon graduating with distinction from the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2001, I began my career as a peripatetic drum-kit tutor at 3 schools in the Medway area.
After moving to London in 2003, I began working as a workshop facilitator delivering African drumming sessions in Primary and Secondary schools around the country. Up until 2010 this was my main professional occupation and I worked freelance and for a number of providers including: Education Group, Wise Moves Dance, Kaya Drums and Drum Jam.
Upon moving to Bristol I worked with BANEs music service as a workshop facilitator and drum-kit tutor from March 2011 until July 2021. During this period, I also taught as a freelancer at Norton Hill School.
Between January 2018 and July 2022 I taught one to one and delivered workshops for Rhythm Instinct at schools in Wiltshire.
Since moving to Devon in 2021, I have continued to facilitate drumming workshops at On The Hill CIC as well as teaching drum-kit to a few students locally plus a series of evening classes in Totnes. Since February 2024 I have been delivering one to one drum kit lessons for Devon Drum School at primary schools in Okehampton and Teignmouth.
Since May 2021, I have also delivered outdoor education sessions to teenagers including SEND cohorts at On The Hill CIC and with young carers and asylum seekers at Coetir Anian.