About John
Playing since the age of 11, John studied drums first with a local tutor and then continued studying Education and Music with a focus on Drums and Percussion at Roehampton Institute (then part of the University of Surrey) where he graduated with a B.A. (Hons.)
Whilst in attendance at Roehampton Institute, he took part in many performances including the technically demanding African Sanctus by David Fanshawe. This incorporated Western drumming techniques with recorded material and a challenging choral piece. John had glowing reviews from all who attended including fellow students, the paying public, and tutors. This was only possible as John had studied many genres of music including: Rock, Sub-Saharan African music, other forms of African drumming and music techniques, Blues, Jazz and Folk drumming, He also regularly featured in the Wind Band and Orchestra performances; giving him a complete all round experience and knowledge base. These are skills he is able to directly share with his students, educational institutions, bands, amateur music groups and orchestras that he has been involved in.
Since graduating John has continued to develop and hone his skills through playing gigs at some of the most iconic venues in and around London, including the Rock Garden in Covent Garden and the Kings Head in Fulham, both of which have, sadly, closed down. As a freelance musician John has been able to play with various bands including “The Lost Eskimos” where he played on the album “Say Goodbye” which is available on iTunes. He has recorded other demos for other original artists and composers.
More recently John has been able to lend his drumming talents to various ensembles as a percussionist and providing sound effects for renowned shows such as “Grease,” “We Will Rock You,” “War of the Worlds” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” to name but a few. He is often gigging with bands in and around his local area and enjoys providing live music to those fortunate enough to be there to hear! He also provides drums and sound effects for companies and local church performances, as well as being experienced enough to fill in at short notice if needed for other performances.
John has been teaching drums in a variety of settings for many years. He regularly teaches in a number of schools including his current positions in Melksham Oak Community School, Sarum Academy, John of Gaunt School, Forest & Sandridge C.E. Primary School, & Walwayne Court Primary School. He has successfully coached many of his students through the beginning stages of learning drums and percussion, through to preparation for their exams, building confidence through having one of his students now in the prestigious and demanding Royal Marines Band Service.
Music Lessons should be for everyone, not just the “chosen few”
John is accredited by several very well-known and respected organisations in music and education such as a Roland Teacher Ambassador since 2013, The Sabian Education Network, The D’Addario Education Collective as well as being a Drumeo approved tutor since 2015. John is also proud to be an Associate Provider for Wiltshire Music Connect. He also holds a current and up to date Enhanced DBS check. Further to this, he creates his own bespoke sheets to help those to learn drumming techniques and will frequently write out special sheets for students to address their own questions.
There are several options for lessons with John; either in person in Johns studio in North Bradley, Wiltshire on his Roland TD-50 drum kit, at any of the schools he teaches at or over the internet on Zoom. All of these are following the most up to date guidelines from the Government regarding the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. John is very experienced in working with students who have additional needs and his aim is to share his love of music with those who wish to play. No student will be turned away due to additional needs. John is passionate that the music lessons he provides should not be elitist and is happy to make his lessons accessible for all.