My name is Jonno Gaze and I am a percussionist, composer and improviser based in Birmingham, UK. Born in 1999, I grew up playing djembe and drum-kit with friends and family, singing songs and making lots of noise. At school, I played in various bands and orchestras before finding musicians that really inspired me to make music.

From 2016-2017 I was an Aldeburgh Young Musician, where I was lucky enough to meet musicians from different cultures all over the world who celebrated creativity, collaboration and the artistic nature of every individual. I felt most alive when playing with others and improvising, which I still do now, and ultimately wanted to study music further after realising my heroes also studied.

From 2017-2021 I studied jazz at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Now, music is a big part of my life and how I express myself and share with others, and I get a bit lost without it! Currently, I am involved in the eclectic jazz, electronic, folk and improvising scenes in the UK while teaching 1-1 drum lessons and leading creative music workshops.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

• Bachelor of Music (Jazz) from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
• Grade 8 Distinction on Drum-kit
• Young Drummer of the Year UK Finalist in 2014 & 2016