Drumsense: Learning drums? Teaching drums? Use Drumsense!

Tutor Profile: Geoff Tonkin

Biography

I first had an interest in live music, and in the particular the drum kit, at the age of twelve in Vauxhall London. During the evenings, week-ends and the school holidays I would spend a lot of time listening to Big bands, Funk outfits and Rock bands, realising that it was the sound of the drums that attracted me. I would go to see bands at gigs and also at rehearsals and just soak up the sounds and the styles of the players. I had drum lessons from Graham Willeard at Drumland in Dartford Kent for three years from age eighteen to twenty one.

Over the years some of my favourite players have been Kenny Clare, Jack Parnell, Ronnie Stephenson, Ian Paice , John Bonham and Pete York. Now Peter Erskine, Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Ferrone, Steve White, Dave Weckl, David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd and Tom Brechtlein are current influences. I have been a gigging drummer since I was eighteen playing all styles.

I studied at Drumtech in Acton London for four years as a private student. It was after this period in 1994 that I started to teach in my own studio in Bucks. In December 2000 with my family I moved to East Yorkshire where I continue to play and teach.

A couple of students in Bucks brought along a copy of Colin’s’ Drumsense’ book, I was impressed then. Being more aware of the Drumsense programme now and seeing it is structured progress for the student, noting that it gives me ready made material and the bonus of seeing the potential for growth in my own playing I am excited to become involved in using it for teaching my students in East and North Yorkshire, whether beginners or intermediate, enabling them to make good progress and maintain their enthusiasm for playing.

Teaching location: Langtoft, East Yorkshire and surrounding areas

Email:

Phone 1: 01377 267321

Phone 2: 07900 877211

Back to tutors in North East