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SPECIAL GUESTS drum masterclasses
Graham Hawthorne came to ACM to talk about playing with the likes of Dave Leibman and Jon Hendricks and touring with numerous pop acts including Aretha Franklin, Liza Minelli, Debarge, Crystal Gayle, Melissa Manchester, and Burt Bacharach.
Having played and recorded with such varied artists as David Byrne, Bon Jovi, James Brown, Joan Osborne, N’dea Davenport, Donna Summer, Francis Dunnery, Lori Carson, Linda Eder, Randy Brecker, Hubert Laws, Noel Pointer, David Lynch (Lost Highway), and Todd Solondz (Welcome to the Dollhouse). In 2001 he took over the drum chair with Paul Simon from drumming legend Steve Gadd.
In recent years Graham has made frequent trips to Africa, South America, and various islands to study and research music. The fruits of these labours are reflected in his work with world music artists Hasan Hakmoun (Morocco), Tohnino Horta (Brazil), Harry Belafonte, El General/C+C music factory (Latin dancehall), Aster Aweke (Ethiopia), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Ruben Rada (Uruguay), and others.
Top Session musician and musical director Ric Chandler dropped by The Academy of Contemporary Music to give a very special drum masterclass. Students from the academy were astonished by Ric’s drumming ability as the artist, known for his work with dance music dominator Calvin Harris, and 80’s hitman Gary Numan, demonstrated his diversity behind the drum set through programmed electronic triggering and sampling to compliment his already unique and characteristic sound.
Ric was the musical director for much of Calvin’s first tour, which saw the chart topper, who penned hits like ‘Respectable in the 80’s’, join UK dance giants Faithless on the road.
Hungarian jazz sensation Gabor Dornyei came to ACM for a special masterclass. Awarded 'Drummer of the Year' in his naitive country of Hungary, Gabor won the 'Golden Drumstick Award' in 2004. He worked for 3 years, as the drummer of the Hungarian National Radio's Big Band and played many times for Walt Disney Corp. in studio sessions. Students were mesmerised by his talent. One student said “This guy has chops”...says it all really.
Latin hitman Phil Maturano made a welcome return for another afro cuban workout that got those senses well and truley overloaded. Phil is a regular guest lecturer at ACM and for good reason. If you like your beats complex and want to see real passion, Phil is the man you want to pay a visit!
Students at ACM were treated to a funk-fuelled masterclass courtesy of Jamiroquai band members Paul Turner, Rob Harris and Derrick McKenzie.
Together with front man Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have been one of the nation's favourite contemporary acts, selling well over 21 million records worldwide since the early 1990's. The musicians exclusively took time out of their busy recording and performance schedule to speak to budding musicians at the academy about their inspiring music career and exclusively performed tracks from the Jamiroquai repertoire.
Bass player Paul Turner said: “We like to visit the Academy as often as possible. It’s always a pleasure coming here and talking to the students. There is a lot of talent here”.
After finishing the clinic, the musicians sat and chatted with students who were keen to get some one to one time with them before leaving for more funk-focused fun!
Big thanks to session drum sensation Rick Latham for another welcome return to ACM. Rick offered students his knowledge and wisdom, of which he has in abundance.
Rick was supposed to be doing the afternoon masterclass but arrived early to give the students a first look as he hooked up on stage for the first time with Greg Koch, Reggie Hamilton and Supertramp's Carl Verheyen.
The Academy of Contemporary Music was once again honoured by the presence of the legendary drummer that is Chad Smith of Californian quartet Red Hot Chili Peppers. Chad was joined by friends and fellow drummers Steve White of Paul Weller fame and Feeder stixman Mark Richardson.
Feeder skin-smasher and long time friend of ACM, Mark Richardson came in to give students the lowdown on Feeder's brand new album; how it was conceived, what the inspiration was behind it and how the band go about promoting a new project. Mark is also known for his work with Little Angels and Skunk Anansie and can often be seen walking the halls of ACM and giving a helping hand in the live performance classes from time to time.
Drum students enjoyed a top masterclass by the world renowned stixman Phil Maturano.
Phil is part of the faculty at The Collective in New York and is a world class author and clinician. He treated the packed out lecture theatre to some awesome tub-thumping demonstrations, injecting some Afro-Cuban flavour to ACM!
Drummer Derrick McKenzie of Jazz funk legends Jamiroquai dropped in with band members Paul Turner and Rob Harris to show students how to work in and execute an effective rhythm section. After wowing the audience with their trademark sound, they answered questions from a number of students before taking part in a much appreciated signing session. Thanks guys and see you again soon!
All round drum-meister and cat-in-the-hat, Zoro visited ACM to give a banging masterclass. As one of the world’s most renowned and respected drummers, he has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons and Lisa Marie Presley, among many others.
ACM welcomes Stanton Moore back to ACM for another eagerly anticipated masterclass.
The diverse drum guru from New Orleans, who is experienced in playing all styles from jazz-funk to heavy metal, showed off his mesmerising drum skills to the appreciative audience. Hope to see you again soon, Stanton.
Walfredo, one of the nicest and most in demand musicians in the world today, recently brought his one-man percussion show to ACM. Students were treated to a top drumming demonstration from a man who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Gloria Estefan, Smokey Robinson and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.
New York spiritual drummer Tony Bianco gave what was possibly one of the most unorthadox classes so far this year. Tony's style derives from Jazz but has a very spiritual and mysterious undertone that proved to be a welcome change for students. Tony walked students through his career to date, as well as what it was like growing up in the Big Apple and how that influenced his drumming. Top!
Session drummer Russ Miller gave up some of his time to tutor at ACM recently. The sticksman showcased his talent and discussed technique with a packed room of drummers. Russ is internationally known as one of the top touring and session drummers of today.
As a Multi-Platinum recording artist, he has played on multiple Grammy award winning recordings with international artists including legends like Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Cher, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner & Bobby Caldwell through superstars such as Andrea Bocelli, Nelly Furtado, The Psychedelic Furs, Al Jarreau, Hilary Duff, Steve Perry, Daniel Bedingfield and Meredith Brooks. As a star of the Los Angeles studio scene, the Modern Drummer Magazine Readers Poll voted Russ in the top 5 Studio Drummers in the world, 3 years in a row.
Heads most definitely turned when drumming sensation Simon Phillips gave the last masteclass of 2008 to ACM students. Simon's signature TAMA drum set was on full and magnificent display for this one, and he wasn't shy in showing just how creative he can be with the awesome monster! To date, Simon has toured and recorded with many bands and artists, including; AC-DC, Mick Jagger, The Who, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Joe Satriani, Tears for Fears, Judas Priest, Roxy Music and so many, many more.
A big thank you to session player Geoff Dunn for the outstanding drum masterclass that had the audience captivated till the end. Geoff started his career with acid jazz pioneers Incognito, recording their first two 'cult' albums before moving on to play and record with an amazing array of artists including Shalamar, Spyro Gyra, Georgie Fame, Bob Dylan, Van Morrisson, Jimmy Page, Eric Burdan, Joe Cocker, Hamish Stuart, 10cc, Randy Crawford, Elvis Costello, John Lee Hooker, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Neil Finn and Steve Winwood amongst many others.
Martin Ranscombe – a.k.a. The Drum Guru lead a rather unique masterclass in drum set tuning. Martin specialises in tuning education and gave his audience some useful and practical tips on how to get the best sound from your drum set.
Another high-voltage drum masterclass for this years' drum students. This was Terl’s second visit to ACM and by the looks of the turnout, no the last. Terl got straight to business with a blistering showcase of his talent and skill before taking well-constructed questions from the audience.
Terl has worked with some of the industries greats like George Micheal, Sir Cliff Richard and friend of ACM, Russell Watson.
All hail the welcome return of the drumming institution that is Steve White.
ACM had to appoint someone to go around and collect the jaws laying on the floor after a visit from ultra-talented Cuban sensations Richie Flores and Horaccio 'El Negro' Hernandez.
Another great masterclass, another great drummer! Pat Petrillo explained how he creates and shapes his sound from the drum set and how he practises with his unique, tiered practice pad.
International drumming sensation Akira Jimbo paid his first visit to ACM and went down a storm! He displayed his dynamic playing style and crazy rhythms, as well as fielding questions from the audience on topics ranging from musical influences to equipment choices.
Yet another welcome return to the ACM halls. This time, it was the turn of highly experienced drum tutor Steve Rucker, Head of Drum Kit Studies at the University of Miami and drummer for the Bee Gees.
John Blackwell Jr. kindly took time out of his hectic tour with Justin Timberlake to come and show eager drum students his blistering skills and showmanship, as well as treating them all to the side-splitting exploits of his career to date. John has worked alongside artists such as Prince, Patti LaBelle, Timberland and many others.
Big thanks to legendary LA drum sensation Dave Weckl for his recent visit to ACM. Many of the students that attended the clinic were there because they had high expectations of extracting valuable technique and knowledge from Dave’s arsenal and nobody was disappointed. After running through the technicalities, he knocked everyone’s socks off with a seven time blow out that was met with rapturous applause! Thanks Dave, Come back soon!
By far, one of the most popular master classes ACM have held as far as attendance goes! Dan ‘Lord’ Foord and James Leach came to ACM with the sole intention of tearing the place apart with their indescribably tight percussion and aggressive style which did not disappoint the star struck onlookers.
Top UK session drummer and Musical Director for Kylie Minogue, Andrew dropped into ACM to talk about what he refers to as his 'meat and potatoes' drum style. Students got a glimpse of what life is like on the road with one of the world's biggest artists. Andrew, who has also worked with such artists as Massive Attack and Jamelia, thoroughly enjoyed his visit and said "...this place is amazing! The students are very privileged."
SPECIAL GUESTS drum masterclasses
Drum Masterclasses
Russ Miller, Graham Hawthorne, Ric Chandler, Simon Phillips, Gabor Dornyei, Geoff Dunn, Martin Ranscombe, Terl Bryant, Rick Latham, Steve White, Mark Richardson, Chad Smith, Pat Petrillo, Derek McKenzie (Jamiroquai), Hernandez and Flores, Akira Jimbo, Phil Maturano, Zoro, Stanton Moore, Walfredo Reyes, John Blackwell Jr, Dave Weckl, Tony Bianco, Steve Rucker, Dan Foord, Andrew Small
Graham Hawthorne
Graham Hawthorne came to ACM to talk about playing with the likes of Dave Leibman and Jon Hendricks and touring with numerous pop acts including Aretha Franklin, Liza Minelli, Debarge, Crystal Gayle, Melissa Manchester, and Burt Bacharach.
Having played and recorded with such varied artists as David Byrne, Bon Jovi, James Brown, Joan Osborne, N’dea Davenport, Donna Summer, Francis Dunnery, Lori Carson, Linda Eder, Randy Brecker, Hubert Laws, Noel Pointer, David Lynch (Lost Highway), and Todd Solondz (Welcome to the Dollhouse). In 2001 he took over the drum chair with Paul Simon from drumming legend Steve Gadd.
In recent years Graham has made frequent trips to Africa, South America, and various islands to study and research music. The fruits of these labours are reflected in his work with world music artists Hasan Hakmoun (Morocco), Tohnino Horta (Brazil), Harry Belafonte, El General/C+C music factory (Latin dancehall), Aster Aweke (Ethiopia), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Ruben Rada (Uruguay), and others.
Ric Chandler
Top Session musician and musical director Ric Chandler dropped by The Academy of Contemporary Music to give a very special drum masterclass. Students from the academy were astonished by Ric’s drumming ability as the artist, known for his work with dance music dominator Calvin Harris, and 80’s hitman Gary Numan, demonstrated his diversity behind the drum set through programmed electronic triggering and sampling to compliment his already unique and characteristic sound.
Ric was the musical director for much of Calvin’s first tour, which saw the chart topper, who penned hits like ‘Respectable in the 80’s’, join UK dance giants Faithless on the road.
Gabor Dornyei
Hungarian jazz sensation Gabor Dornyei came to ACM for a special masterclass. Awarded 'Drummer of the Year' in his naitive country of Hungary, Gabor won the 'Golden Drumstick Award' in 2004. He worked for 3 years, as the drummer of the Hungarian National Radio's Big Band and played many times for Walt Disney Corp. in studio sessions. Students were mesmerised by his talent. One student said “This guy has chops”...says it all really.
Phil Maturano
Latin hitman Phil Maturano made a welcome return for another afro cuban workout that got those senses well and truley overloaded. Phil is a regular guest lecturer at ACM and for good reason. If you like your beats complex and want to see real passion, Phil is the man you want to pay a visit!
Jamiroquai - Derrick McKenzie
Students at ACM were treated to a funk-fuelled masterclass courtesy of Jamiroquai band members Paul Turner, Rob Harris and Derrick McKenzie.
Together with front man Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have been one of the nation's favourite contemporary acts, selling well over 21 million records worldwide since the early 1990's. The musicians exclusively took time out of their busy recording and performance schedule to speak to budding musicians at the academy about their inspiring music career and exclusively performed tracks from the Jamiroquai repertoire.
Bass player Paul Turner said: “We like to visit the Academy as often as possible. It’s always a pleasure coming here and talking to the students. There is a lot of talent here”.
After finishing the clinic, the musicians sat and chatted with students who were keen to get some one to one time with them before leaving for more funk-focused fun!
Rick Latham
Big thanks to session drum sensation Rick Latham for another welcome return to ACM. Rick offered students his knowledge and wisdom, of which he has in abundance.Rick was supposed to be doing the afternoon masterclass but arrived early to give the students a first look as he hooked up on stage for the first time with Greg Koch, Reggie Hamilton and Supertramp's Carl Verheyen.
Chad Smith
The Academy of Contemporary Music was once again honoured by the presence of the legendary drummer that is Chad Smith of Californian quartet Red Hot Chili Peppers. Chad was joined by friends and fellow drummers Steve White of Paul Weller fame and Feeder stixman Mark Richardson.
Students spent the previous week practising a selection of Chili classics to ensure the amazing opportunity of joining Chad onstage and rocking out!!! Always a pleasure, Chad. Never a chore!
Mark Richardson
Feeder skin-smasher and long time friend of ACM, Mark Richardson came in to give students the lowdown on Feeder's brand new album; how it was conceived, what the inspiration was behind it and how the band go about promoting a new project. Mark is also known for his work with Little Angels and Skunk Anansie and can often be seen walking the halls of ACM and giving a helping hand in the live performance classes from time to time.
Phil Maturano
Drum students enjoyed a top masterclass by the world renowned stixman Phil Maturano. Phil is part of the faculty at The Collective in New York and is a world class author and clinician. He treated the packed out lecture theatre to some awesome tub-thumping demonstrations, injecting some Afro-Cuban flavour to ACM!
Derrick McKenzie
Drummer Derrick McKenzie of Jazz funk legends Jamiroquai dropped in with band members Paul Turner and Rob Harris to show students how to work in and execute an effective rhythm section. After wowing the audience with their trademark sound, they answered questions from a number of students before taking part in a much appreciated signing session. Thanks guys and see you again soon!
Zoro
All round drum-meister and cat-in-the-hat, Zoro visited ACM to give a banging masterclass. As one of the world’s most renowned and respected drummers, he has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons and Lisa Marie Presley, among many others.
Stanton Moore
ACM welcomes Stanton Moore back to ACM for another eagerly anticipated masterclass. The diverse drum guru from New Orleans, who is experienced in playing all styles from jazz-funk to heavy metal, showed off his mesmerising drum skills to the appreciative audience. Hope to see you again soon, Stanton.
Walfredo Reyes
Walfredo, one of the nicest and most in demand musicians in the world today, recently brought his one-man percussion show to ACM. Students were treated to a top drumming demonstration from a man who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Gloria Estefan, Smokey Robinson and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.
Tony Bianco
New York spiritual drummer Tony Bianco gave what was possibly one of the most unorthadox classes so far this year. Tony's style derives from Jazz but has a very spiritual and mysterious undertone that proved to be a welcome change for students. Tony walked students through his career to date, as well as what it was like growing up in the Big Apple and how that influenced his drumming. Top!
Russ Miller
Session drummer Russ Miller gave up some of his time to tutor at ACM recently. The sticksman showcased his talent and discussed technique with a packed room of drummers. Russ is internationally known as one of the top touring and session drummers of today.
As a Multi-Platinum recording artist, he has played on multiple Grammy award winning recordings with international artists including legends like Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Cher, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner & Bobby Caldwell through superstars such as Andrea Bocelli, Nelly Furtado, The Psychedelic Furs, Al Jarreau, Hilary Duff, Steve Perry, Daniel Bedingfield and Meredith Brooks. As a star of the Los Angeles studio scene, the Modern Drummer Magazine Readers Poll voted Russ in the top 5 Studio Drummers in the world, 3 years in a row.
Simon Phillips
Heads most definitely turned when drumming sensation Simon Phillips gave the last masteclass of 2008 to ACM students. Simon's signature TAMA drum set was on full and magnificent display for this one, and he wasn't shy in showing just how creative he can be with the awesome monster! To date, Simon has toured and recorded with many bands and artists, including; AC-DC, Mick Jagger, The Who, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Joe Satriani, Tears for Fears, Judas Priest, Roxy Music and so many, many more.
Geoff Dunn
A big thank you to session player Geoff Dunn for the outstanding drum masterclass that had the audience captivated till the end. Geoff started his career with acid jazz pioneers Incognito, recording their first two 'cult' albums before moving on to play and record with an amazing array of artists including Shalamar, Spyro Gyra, Georgie Fame, Bob Dylan, Van Morrisson, Jimmy Page, Eric Burdan, Joe Cocker, Hamish Stuart, 10cc, Randy Crawford, Elvis Costello, John Lee Hooker, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Neil Finn and Steve Winwood amongst many others.Martin Ranscombe
Martin Ranscombe – a.k.a. The Drum Guru lead a rather unique masterclass in drum set tuning. Martin specialises in tuning education and gave his audience some useful and practical tips on how to get the best sound from your drum set. Terl Bryant
Another high-voltage drum masterclass for this years' drum students. This was Terl’s second visit to ACM and by the looks of the turnout, no the last. Terl got straight to business with a blistering showcase of his talent and skill before taking well-constructed questions from the audience.
Terl has worked with some of the industries greats like George Micheal, Sir Cliff Richard and friend of ACM, Russell Watson.
Steve White
All hail the welcome return of the drumming institution that is Steve White.
As always, Steve's skin thrashing prowess was under eagle-eyed observation by mesmerised students as he took them through the techniques he uses for both stage and studio.
One happy onlooker said; “The last time Steve was in, he was with Chad Smith so I didn't get to speak to him much. I am so glad I caught him this time. The guy is an absolute legend!”
Hernandez & Flores
ACM had to appoint someone to go around and collect the jaws laying on the floor after a visit from ultra-talented Cuban sensations Richie Flores and Horaccio 'El Negro' Hernandez.
El Negro took the students through the use of 'Clave' within Afro-Cuban music and demonstrated it with blistering results. Flores picked up from Hernandez by showing the audience why he is known for having some of the fastest percussion hands on the planet by sailing across his eight full-size congas. Blimey!
Pat Petrillo
Another great masterclass, another great drummer! Pat Petrillo explained how he creates and shapes his sound from the drum set and how he practises with his unique, tiered practice pad.
Pat is part of the faculty at The Collective in New York and is a world class author and clinician. He is recognised as one of today's most accomplished and versatile drummers, having performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists including Gloria Gaynor, Patti LaBelle, Dee-Lite and many more.
Akira Jimbo
International drumming sensation Akira Jimbo paid his first visit to ACM and went down a storm! He displayed his dynamic playing style and crazy rhythms, as well as fielding questions from the audience on topics ranging from musical influences to equipment choices.
Steve Rucker
Yet another welcome return to the ACM halls. This time, it was the turn of highly experienced drum tutor Steve Rucker, Head of Drum Kit Studies at the University of Miami and drummer for the Bee Gees.
Steve always pulls a crowd thanks to his unique explanatory style that has benifitted such artists as Enrique Iglesias, drummer Van Romaine and even ACM's head of faculty, Mike Sturgis. Steve gave his usual 100% for the class and watched some very happy drummers walk away inspired.
John Blackwell Jr
John Blackwell Jr. kindly took time out of his hectic tour with Justin Timberlake to come and show eager drum students his blistering skills and showmanship, as well as treating them all to the side-splitting exploits of his career to date. John has worked alongside artists such as Prince, Patti LaBelle, Timberland and many others.
Dave Weckl
Big thanks to legendary LA drum sensation Dave Weckl for his recent visit to ACM. Many of the students that attended the clinic were there because they had high expectations of extracting valuable technique and knowledge from Dave’s arsenal and nobody was disappointed. After running through the technicalities, he knocked everyone’s socks off with a seven time blow out that was met with rapturous applause! Thanks Dave, Come back soon!
Dan Loord
By far, one of the most popular master classes ACM have held as far as attendance goes! Dan ‘Lord’ Foord and James Leach came to ACM with the sole intention of tearing the place apart with their indescribably tight percussion and aggressive style which did not disappoint the star struck onlookers.
Regarded as one of the most technical drummers in the UK, Dan Foord mixes complex rhythms and difficult time signatures. Add bass player James Leach to the mix and you have the driving rhythm section that is the unmistakable Sikth.
Andrew Small
Top UK session drummer and Musical Director for Kylie Minogue, Andrew dropped into ACM to talk about what he refers to as his 'meat and potatoes' drum style. Students got a glimpse of what life is like on the road with one of the world's biggest artists. Andrew, who has also worked with such artists as Massive Attack and Jamelia, thoroughly enjoyed his visit and said "...this place is amazing! The students are very privileged."
DAYS TO ENROL
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