Chris Mansbridge

Drums

Studio, Online

Chris is an extremely passionate musician and teacher who has been drumming for over 25 years. One of the co-founders of Rhythm Room, Chris has dedicated his life to music and has been teaching drums for over eight years. He and Kev created Rhythm Room in 2017 to help students of all ages and abilities take up music, be it for fun or professionally. Chris’ work has taken him on numerous tours throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and America. He is a graduate from Drumtech Drum and Percussion school London, UK, and currently plays with accomplished UK metal outfit Heart Of A Coward. Chris also has various recording sessions, tours, and releases on his musical CV, and he has worked directly with highly influential bands such as Fellsilent and Enter Shikari. His experience spans a wide range of musical genres, and he has a passion to inspire and guide aspiring drummers on their path to becoming a better player. Chris is endorsed by Natal drums and Paiste Cymbals, read more about Chris on his personal website: cjmdrums.co.uk

Kev Hickman

Drums

Studio, Online, Peripatetic

Kev has been playing drums professionally for over 12 years and is one of the founders of Rhythm Room, his work with blues and rock musicians has taken him to Brazil, Canada, the USA and almost every country in Western Europe. He has supported Slash, Deep Purple, The Darkness, Joe Satriani and Magnum on international tours and has recorded with members of Deep Purple and Robert Plant's band. Kev has been teaching for 10 years and he teaches at six schools all across Beds, Herts and Bucks including his students at Rhythm Room. He has over 50 weekly students of all ages and a 100% exam pass rate with all of his students from grade 1 to 8. This wealth of experience makes him a very versatile and enthusiastic teacher, whether you're a beginner to the instrument or a gigging drummer Kev will happily guide you through every step in becoming a better musician.

Ali Wilson

Guitar, Piano

Studio, Online

Alistair has been playing guitar for over twenty years. As a two-time graduate of both the Academy of Contemporary Music and the Los Angeles Music Academy (now LACM), Alistair has studied directly under a powerhouse of renowned guitarists such as Frank Gambale and Guthrie Govan. As a player, he has worked with Grammy-nominated and Brit Award-winning producer Jake Gosling, Emmy-nominated producer/composer Philip Giffin, and Puerto-Rican pop star Noelia. Alistair has worked directly with some of the biggest names in rock music (Slipknot, Korn, Killswitch Engage, Gojira and more). He is also an accomplished keyboard player of over twenty years. Alistair has over ten years of teaching experience and covers the entire spectrum of contemporary styles. In addition to improving your lead and rhythm playing, Alistair teaches "musicality" which focuses on the best approaches and attitudes towards what you play in any style, so as you improve you don't just get faster and tidier, but smarter too.

Dale Parker

Drums

Studio, Online

Dale has been playing drums for 19 years, 10 of which have been professionally. After graduating from Sussex University (BIMM, Brighton) in 2010 where he achieved a 2.1 BA Hons Professional Musicianship degree, Dale spent 4 years playing all around the world on cruise ship contracts and other exciting locations like the Maldives. As a tutor, Dale is highly dedicated to all his students and strives to provide the best for them and their musical development. His teaching style is a mixture of many different methods, including reading and writing of musical notation, practical, techniques, routines, ear training and so on. This way Dale provides his students with a full understanding of the instrument, ensuring they can become a well-rounded musician.

Dave Forster

Drums

Studio, Online

Dave has been playing drums for over 20 years, with over 15 years as a professional musician. He has worked with original artists touring and recording in America and Europe. Dave graduated from Drum Tech in 2006 with a BMus(hons) in Popular Music Performance and it is the knowledge he has gained and developed that he passes on to his students. Dave currently does recording sessions from his studio, The Rockin' Horse Recording Studio, Northamptonshire, for a wide range of artists, and is also on the live circuit with variety of different acts. Find out more about Dave on his website www.daveforster.co.uk.

James Hansford-White

Drums

Studio, Online, Peripatetic

James has been playing drums for over two decades and has been performing in bands from an early age. Whilst studying Audio Production at university he toured the UK with a heavy metal outfit blending his passion for education and live performance. James is passionate about drum education, both personally and as a tutor. He has been awarded a Grade 8 with Distinction in drumming and continues to push his skill and knowledge by studying with great drummers such as JP Bouvet and Dave Elitch in order to provide a rich experience for his students. James’s passion for the instrument follows through into his versatile, relaxed and friendly teaching style. Covering all aspects of drumming in a multitude of genres, James is able to educate in a strong foundation of the basics, diversity in styles, modern concepts and techniques, through to an experienced drummer who wants to hone efficient practice methods and more advanced techniques.

Nicola Lyons

Piano, Violin

Studio, Online, Peripatetic

Nicola began her playing career with the Fosbrook Folk Education Trust in Stockport (directed by Liza Austin-Strange MBE) where from an early age she learned to play both classical violin and folk fiddle as well as piano. In addition to the violin and piano, Nicola is also an accomplished clog dancer! She is currently a member of alternative folk quartet, 4Square, who have appeared at many festivals in the UK, Europe and Canada, including Fairport’s 2009 Cropredy Convention, before an audience of 20,000. They went on to sell every last copy of their debut album, 20.20 Manchester, becoming The Cropredy Convention’s 2nd biggest selling band of all time. Nicola brings her fun musical style to all her lessons and works positively with all the students to teach them in a way to supports them best.

Sarah Ashfield

Piano

Studio, Online, Peripatetic

Sarah has been playing piano for over 30 years, both as a soloist and accompanist. She began her teaching career after graduating from St. Martins College with a BA (Hons) Music with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Sarah has had a diverse career from being a primary school teacher, peripatetic piano teacher; flute, piano and choir leader at the Watford School of Music and has even taught sign language to babies through music! As well as piano and flute, Sarah enjoys singing, playing the ukulele and composing. Sarah is passionate about teaching piano and having fun at the same time, whilst being successful at guiding students through exams if they wish to. A flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher, with vast experience teaching children and adults, Sarah matches the style to the student and inspires the learner to become more confident in their own abilities.

Will Thomson

Guitar

Studio, Online

Will is both an academically qualified musician and seasoned performer. Graduating from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (London), he achieved a first-class Ba Hons in Creative Musicianship Guitar, and prior to this, attained his Grade 8 guitar qualification. Will’s musical career begun as a session guitarist; he has recorded in some of London’s top studios, such as Tileyard and Metropolis, and collaborated with a range of respected names in song writing. Will also highly enjoys performing live and boasts experience of working with artists associated with BBC Introducing and Island Records. Expanding his skillset and sharing his knowledge, Will now aims to inspire and nurture students. He has a dedicated passion for the instrument, which he delivers in an informative and friendly style, encouraging and dynamizing his students through their journeys.

Abbie Ingold

Vocals

Studio, Online

Graduating her Popular Music Performance degree with a first, Abbie is qualified both academically and with experience in singing. She has performed in a diverse range of situations – from choirs and musicals to rock bands and solo performances. Abbie is also a skilled singing teacher and choir leader, having recently led a choir of 20 mixed age and ability singers in performing backing vocals for the Queen classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” at a showcase event. Abbie guides students through vocal techniques that will enable their abilities to grow and progress, but she also includes methods of confidence building and stage presence to lead to successful and enjoyable performance. Abbie is deeply passionate about supporting her students and works with them to find the best material for them to showcase their voices and develop their skills.

Christopher Burrett

Drums, Vocals

Peripatetic - Schools Only

Christopher has a wide range of drumming and percussion experience. He is a former member of Aylesbury Music Centre’s Brass Band and Dance Band, and is now part of the alumni, known as the Nick Care Big Band. As well as drumming for the Dunstable Town Band, Shambles Big Band and his own Jazz Quintet, Christopher has played in several local theatre productions, which inspired him to write his own musical which premiered in October 2019. As a singer he has performed in locations such as at St Paul’s Cathedral and St George’s Chapel Windsor. He has been a percussion tutor to the Bedfordshire County Youth Band for the last three years and has been teaching in local schools for four years. Christopher is passionate about teaching an also coaches young singers at the Dunstable Priory to maintain a challenging repertoire and attain the RSCM singing awards.

Dave Cookson

Bass Guitar, Guitar, Ukulele

Online, Peripatetic- Schools Only

Dave has been playing guitar for over 26 years and teaching for almost 20 years. He attended guitar institute (now known as ICMP) and achieved a higher diploma in guitar performance. Dave has played in bands since he was 14 and has toured the uk and released an album. He teaches a variety of different styles including rock, metal, jazz, blues and funk. Dave has worked with many students to take them through rock school and Yamaha grades, and always teaches high energy and motivating lessons to his students.

David Boraston

Guitar, Trombone, Trumpet

Peripatetic - Schools Only

As a professional trumpet player and teacher, Dave has a wealth of experience in modern session player (recordings/tours), small ensemble, orchestral and big band playing. Dave is a skilled teacher and brings all this knowledge to each of his students, keeping them focussed and engaged. He has worked and toured with Paul Weller, Stone Foundation, Nine Below Zero, Dr Robert and Jesse Malin; as well as all over the world on various theatre tours including Celebrating Sinatra 100 Years international tour, Elvis world tour, Hello Dolly, Singing in the Rain, Ratpack, Glenn Miller Story UK tours and BBC Music festival at sea. Dave has played on numerous occasions with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and London Jazz Orchestra which has given him invaluable experience in ensemble and big band playing. Regular club and festival appearances include, Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express, Jazz Cafe London, Blue Note (Tokyo), 100 Club, Union Chapel, Glastonbury festival, to name a few.

Dennis Elvie

Clarinet, Piano, Violin

Peripatetic - Schools Only

A budding musician from a young age, Dennis won a scholarship at the age of 12 and attended Trinity College of Music, London. Whilst there learning violin, he was also afforded the opportunity to learn piano and general musicianship under the direction of Ken Paige. After 6 years at Trinity, Dennis became a full-time student at the same establishment and attained numerous violin and piano qualifications and a First-Class Hons. Following this, he studied at the University of London, Institute of Education where he attained his music teaching qualification. A keen performer, Dennis has performed at a Prince Charles Garden Party and on BBC radio, BBC TV and Sky TV. Dennis is also an accomplished composer and has had his works performed at the Dominion Theatre, London and on national radio. Dennis bring all this expert knowledge and drive to every lesson, enabling students to best possible learning experience.

Hannah Corcoran

Flute, Recorder, Saxophone

Peripatetic - Schools Only

Hannah has just completed her Master of Arts degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London, after previously attending the Royal Northern College of Music for her Bachelor of Music degree. She has performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in the Last Night of the Proms, the London Sinfonietta at the Royal Festival Hall and as a soloist at Wigmore Hall. She has also performed live and recorded with artists including Paloma Faith, Craig David, Cory Wong, Emeli Sandé, Sigma, Zak Abel and the Sugababes. Hannah has performed at festivals across the UK and Europe and live on BBC Radio 1. She has also performed with the Ignition Orchestra in venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo, Barbican Centre and the Royal Albert Hall. Hannah’s extensive experience and passion for performing mean she is highly accomplished and able to use this knowledge and her modern and adaptable teaching style to teach her students everything they need to know.

Laura Manship

Clarinet, Flute, Piano, Recorder, Saxophone

Peripatetic - Schools Only

Laura studied at the Royal Northern College of Music. As a freelance musician, Laura plays on various West End and UK touring productions including; Book of Mormon, Only fools & horses, Company, Young Frankenstein, Kinky Boots, Aladdin, Ministry of Sound, ‘The Annual Classical’ UK tour, Anton & Erin, ‘Dance those magical musicals’ UK tour, Anton & Erin, ‘From Broadway to Hollywood’ tour and many others. She has also played arena tours with Russell Watson, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. Her long and varied career makes her an excellent teacher of students of all ages.

Michael Whiteman

Drums

Peripatetic - Schools Only

An experienced musician, Michael has been playing and teaching drums and percussion for over 20 years. He is a versatile performer, who has played with both orchestras and smaller ensembles, as well as jazz bands and varied styles of popular music – such as rock, blues, pop, ska, reggae, funk, soul and disco. Michael studied music at Kingston University before beginning a varied career around his passion. He has worked on stages, in recording studios and taught in schools. An ardent musician, Michael also plays guitar and piano and enjoys singing and writing music. He brings enthusiasm and professionalism to his lessons and is dedicated to providing a practical student experience where pupils are inspired to play.

Tom Oldfield

Bass Guitar, Guitar

Peripatetic - Schools Only

Learned musician Tom has been playing guitar for over 10 years. His academic musical career has seen him study professional musicianship with a focus on guitar at undergraduate level with the British Institute of Modern Music (Brighton), followed by a postgraduate course in teaching and learning. This induced his interest in teaching guitar, and he has been tutoring on a one-to-one basis ever since. Tom has been an active member of several bands, performing in and around Brighton and has had notable success and featured on BBC introducing.He has also taken to the theatrical stage, when he played at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Other Palace Theatre' for a production of the musical 'Spilt Milk'. Tom’s students vary in age, ability and interest and he prides himself on his ability to adapt lessons to meet individual needs and desires. Tom can confidently and successfully educate students through their grades using the Rock School syllabus and has been the proud tutor of many students achieving this.