Didier

Siemy is a London (UK) based drummer, percussionist and composer. From the age of ten he trained in classical traditions of both Europe and Africa. He has performed with the likes of Roy Ayers, David Bowie, Mofro, S Club 7, Jimmy Sommerville, Zucchero and Emma Bunton (Baby Spice/Spice Girls).

With his fusion band ‘Anthony Clayton & Siemy Di’ they won the ‘Best Live Band Award’ for the Classic Rock Society (UK) in 2004 and Siemy was nominated as the best drummer of the year.

As ‘Siemy di System’, Siemy’s own project, he performed at Queen Elisabeth Hall, South Bank at Rhythm Sticks Festival, London, UK in 2006 supporting Tony Allen.

Since 2012 Siemy has been performing with Mothlite, a gothic-pop band (Kscope, Visible Noise).

Fascinated by different art forms, particularly dance & theatre, Siemy composed music and performed as the celebrated percussionist for the ‘Crazyblackmuthaf…inself’ play at the Royal Court Theatre, London, UK.

Siemy is the artistic director for Prâna-Max Roach, music/dance/theatre production which is an original blend of Indian, African and American Jazz rhythms celebrating the genius of Max Roach.

Siemy is currently exclusively endorsing Liberty Drums and Bosphorus Cymbals.

Tutoring Experience

Siemy has extensive experience of teaching in schools and universities including City Academy, Goldsmith University, University of Greenwich, delivering innovative rhythm masterclasses to music students, actors and dancers. He has experience of teaching percussion and body percussion to groups of children and young people in different educational settings.

He facilitates one to one lessons in his professionally equipped studio in East London.

He specialises in four way coordination, Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, African and Indian rhythm (konnakol).

He also teaches Latin percussion (congas), African percussion (djembe) and introduction to South Indian rhythm on the mridangam.

He facilitates regular drum clinics for Liberty drums and Bosphorus cymbals including clinics at Drum sense, Planet Drum, Hideaway in London (UK).

Siemy studied classical music at the Conservatoire de Tournai, Belgium; He also studied Jazz, Cuban rhythms and most recently South Indian classical music at Bhavan, Institute of Indian Classical Music, London (UK) under the guidance of guru M Balachandar.

Tutoring Approach

Holistic take on teaching-taking into account students’ professional and personal/cultural backgrounds. Lessons are fun but challenging as Siemy values regular practice.

Focus not only on technique but also tips on how to become an entrepreneur, secure sponsorship, work for the company and stay committed to every day practice!