About

My Influences

I’ve been studying and playing drums since I was ten and I still love learning. I’ve been fortunate enough to have studied with some illustrious players and teachers including the wonderful Ralph Salmins, the funky Ash Soan, the rambunctious Billy Ward and the no-nonsense Todd Bishop. More recently I’ve studied with the virtuosic Asaf Sirkis who has been a huge inspiration to me as a player and a teacher. I’ve also worked with the one and only Dave Elitch who’s helped me tremendously with the mechanics of drum technique.

Background

In the nineties I found myself living in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. I had a regular gig with an expat covers band and sat in with several Nepali bands. My introduction to teaching came with an American friend of mine who asked me to help him improve his drumming skills. Soon I came to the attention of the leader of a Finnish scheme which brought kids with troubled backgrounds to Nepal. Part of their education was to get a band together and perform to their fellow students. I instantly acquired 5 students and learned that giving drum lessons was great fun and an interesting challenge.

After I returned to the UK I continued to teach alongside my other activities. During a period employed at Galaxy Records I coached drummers from the label’s bands and continued with individual tuition on the side.

In 2008 I moved back to London and started giving lessons at Mill Hill Music Complex. Soon after, I was offered a position as drum teacher at Ebony & Ivory School of Music. I have experience teaching a broad range of students from beginners who’ve never held a stick to experienced drummers who want to improve their technique, musicianship and repertoires. My students’ ages range from five to eighty and their musical tastes and attitude to the drums are all unique.

In The Pocket Music School

In The Pocket Music School has been running band workshops for young musicians in North-West London throughout the school holidays for over a decade. It was established by myself and other experienced music teachers to work with talented young players at all ability levels, bringing singers, guitarists, pianists, bassists, drummers and more together to learn songs, jam, and perform. The whole thing is built around an easy-going, supportive atmosphere where young musicians can take ownership of their learning, play alongside others, and have some “groovy music-making fun!” All young musicians are wecolme. To find out more, visit In The Pocket Music School website.

Sample recordings

Here are a few tracks I played drums on.

Impro demos

Me just noodling around the kit.