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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 since 2008 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 since 2011 in schools across Herts, Beds and Bucks including his students at Rhythm Room. He teaches students of all ages and has 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.

Dan Moreton

Drums

Studio, Peripatetic

Dan is very passionate Drummer and Producer with over 20 years experience. He has studied a vast range of musical genres and has a Grade 8 Distinction in Rock School Drums, this gave him opportunity to perform live underscores in Musical theatre at the Royal & Derngate as well as performing on lineups alongside familiar names such as The Slaves, Paul Gilbert, Jon Gomm, Mark Morris, The Mariachis and Yvette Young. His performances have included highly rated venues and festivals such as Boomtown Fair, The Stables, Wilkestock and Rhythms of the world. He has played as a live resident percussionist in nightclubs, performing an array of rhymical transitions to club music, featuring alongside DJ Kate Lawler. Dan has recorded numerous studio albums with the eclectic acoustic instrumental group Inlak'esh, and has further experience in music writing and EDM production, having recently released a remix for The Lula's which was aired and commended by BBC introducing.

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.

Kaiying Wang

Vocals, Piano

Studio

Kaiying received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Performance from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Her passion for music was influenced by her mom who’s been a vocal and piano teacher for 28 years. Kaiying has 7 years teaching experience. She works on technique, performance, musicality, and confidence with students. She is inspired by helping her students reach their full potential and motivating them to have a drive and passion for music. Due to her outstanding performance, she won the first prize in the ‘Best Grieg Performance’ international competition and got second place in the ‘Edward Brookes Lieder Prize’. During her undergraduate, one of her performance highlights was being the only person chosen on behalf of Xiamen University, to record the "Flowers in May" Spring Festival Gala on China Central Television.

Kara Badham

Vocals

Studio

Kara received her Level 3 in Musical Theatre at Arts1 School of Performance and went on to complete a Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre from The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD College). Kara has a particular passion for contemporary musical theatre and pop music. Kara has had experience in solo, duet and choral singing and is looking forward to breaking down techniques and acting through song work with the rhythm room students.

Marlene Beahan

Piano

Studio, Peripatetic

Marlene has been working professionally as a pianist and singer since 1989. She learnt to play the piano at the age of 10, and studied both classical and contemporary music. She went onto Study singing at Stockholm's High School for Music for 3 years and also with a Swedish opera singer for technique and voice projection. Deciding to persue her passion for music and performing professionally, Marlene started out as a piano bar pianist and singer, perfoming solo in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Later on Marlene worked as part of a duo, touring in all corners of the world such as Shanghai, Marrakech, Abu Dhabi, Monte Carlo, Egypt and Madeira and on Baltic and Mediterranean cruises. Marlene trained to become a teacher and has had over 10 years teaching experience in schools, colleges and as an independent tutor and holds a Level 5 diploma in Education and Training. Marlene is still performing and works as a pianist and singer in hotels and venues in England.

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.

Seb Whyte

Piano

Studio

Sebastian has played piano for over 15 years and has performed in a variety of settings, including solo performances, musical theatre bands, a jazz quartet and a pop band. He achieved Grade 8 Piano in 2017, and went on to graduate from Coventry University with a First Class Degree in Music. Sebastian has covered a large repertoire of music, from the Baroque era through to mid-20th Century Jazz. Sebastian also composes, and has written classical sonatas, jazz songs, choral works and music for video games. Sebastian aims to provide students with a myriad of opportunities to expand their interests and follow their passions.'

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.

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

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.