I have recently finished my Masters degree in Music Performance from ICMP in London having specialised in teaching. I have been playing for 16 years and teaching for 10 years. I can cater to students who want to study the drum kit grades (Grades 1-8). I enjoy and teach all styles including Rock, Pop, Jazz, RnB, Blues, Latin, Metal and Hip Hop to name a few. I teach children, teenagers and adults. I have an understanding of safeguarding procedures when working with children. I teach all levels from beginners to advanced.

My teaching ethos; “Teach students to speak the language of music through imitating, assimilating and innovating” The phrase seems cliche however I believe that music is a language. Everyone has a unique voice and something to say. In my early years of learning the instrument, I was proficient at copying others, however, I struggled to be creative and take initiative and think for myself. This is similar to someone who can regurgitate/imitate a phrase in a conversation (like a parrot) but has no ability to express their own opinion and think for themselves. My goal as a teacher is to help the student imitate other musicians, assimilate their ideas, and finally innovate to find their unique voice. I let the student guide the lesson and study what excites them. I know too many students who gave up their instrument because they were forced to learn something which didn’t interest them.

Many teachers put a lot of time into technique and little effort into making music which can be uninspiring to the student. Using language as an analogy, this is similar to focusing on grammar and neglecting sharing ideas. I don’t know many musicians who were inspired to pick up an instrument because they were moved by technique. Whilst technique is important and is something I teach, I aim to balance topics to keep the student engaged and excited.

Achievements:

• Performed at Ronnie Scott’s World Famous Jazz Club 9x in 2022
• Performed at European Parliament, Strasbourg France (2021)
• In-house drummer for Waterloo Sunset (2021-present)
• Percussionist & Drummer of the year, Malvern College (2013)

Skills:

• I have been playing for 16 years (since 10 years old)
• Sight Reading/Reading Music
• Teach Grades 1-8 for the 2 main exam boards
• Session Drumming (supporting artists)
• Function Drumming (playing covers for events and weddings)
• Creative Drumming (writing original drum parts)
• Live and Studio Drumming (live performance and recording)

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

• Masters Degree in Music Performance at ICMP, specialising in teaching/pedagogy (2022)
• Peer Academic Mentorship Scheme, at ICMP. Mentor/teacher in drums (2022)
• Higher Diploma in Music Performance, at ICMP. Distinction (2021)
• Grade 8, Rock School Drums (17 years old, 2013)
• Qualified Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, RICS (2019)
• BS in Asset Management and Appraisal at the University of Reading (2014-2017)