Information About Darren - Harpenden teacher

Personal Description:

Born in 1978 and based in the Hertfordshire, Darren has been playing the drums since the age of 13 and followed the familiar route of school bands and local orchestras. With a passion for Jazz and Big Band music, Darren went on to become the drummer with the National Youth Youth Orchestra for 3 years - performing at festivals and gigs across the UK and abroad. Highlights include an annual headlining slot at London's Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club along with performances for BBC TV and Radio and also Sky TV. This platform enabled him to receive endorsements from Premier Drums, Vic Firth Sticks and Evans Drumheads.

From Feb-May 2011 Darren was the Musical Director of "The Hurly Burly Show" at The Garrick Theatre in London’s West End. This was another opportunity to work with Kylie Minogue's amazing creative team of Steve Anderson, Will Baker and Terry Ronald.

In December 2010 Darren recorded the drums and rhythm section from his home studio for Kylie Minogue’s Xmas release of "Let It Snow". The track was used for Kylie to perform at the opening of The Rockafella Centre’s Xmas celebrations in New York City. The song was also released by EMI records.

Tutoring Experience:

Darren has studied under two of the principal drum kit tutors in the UK, namely Bob Armstrong and Dave Hassell. Both fantastic teachers, human beings, and a constant source or inspiration for his teaching ideals. Much of the material used by them is present in his teaching, as he believes it forms the basis of a good playing technique, irrespective of style.

Darren completed his studies for a degree in Music in 2001 - graduating with first class honours.

Darren's own teaching practice, **Removed By Admin****Removed By Admin**" plays an important role in his life. Darren takes great pleasure in passing on some of his knowledge and seeing his student’s progress, not only as players, but also by encouraging them to seek the careers in the music business. Several of his past pupils have gone on to study and become music lawyers and sound engineers.

Tuition takes place at his home studio and are taught on a weekly basis either 30 or 60 minute sessions. For more advanced students longer lesson times are available as and when you feel you need one! Lessons are always backed up with musical examples either audio or visual. Students are often recorded to highlight strengths and weaknesses in their performance, normally along to backing tracks in various styles. Thie ability to hear one's performance back instantly is incredibly important in the progress of a student, as it documents their real playing, not what they perceive their playing to be!

Graded examinations are undertaken as they provide focus for the student in a set time frame. However, they are not considered essential as much as the material contained in the syllabuses is taught in the early stages of the student’s development. If you are interested in studying with Darren please call ****Contact Detail Removed**phone Number Removed** arrange an informal chat and FREE introductory lesson.

Tutoring Approach:

The learning of an instrument has many benefits for people of ALL ages. Skills such as co-ordination, increased I.Q, social awareness, stress reduction and most importantly, FUN can all be developed by learning the drums.

The basic principals required to play drums are applicable to all styles. Whether you are into progressive rock or small group jazz, the fundamentals are the same. What one needs to address is the development of a facility that allows us to access all these different styles of playing. The Moeller technique, stick control and the ability to play with a relaxed posture form the foundation of this teaching method. Darren has over 17 years experience teaching drum kit, both in schools and also conducting workshops on a national level. He currently teaches 25 pupils per week ranging from beginners to advanced.