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TUTORS drum tutors
Mike is Performance School Operations Manager at ACM and is recognised as one of the UK's most experienced and respected drum teachers and performers. While a student at the University of Miami, Mike performed with Paquito D'Rivera, Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer before eventually joining the band of legendary jazz keyboardist Bob James.
His versatility as a player has enabled him to perform on tours and recordings with artists including A-Ha, Asia, Wishbone Ash, Steve Winwood, 21 Guns and Psychomotel. His playing was memorably heard worldwide on the theme song to the James Bond movie The Living Daylights and 1997 remake of Lou Reed's Perfect Day. Mike is a monthly columnist for Rhythm magazine and performs and records regularly with international artists RB Funkestra - www.rbfunkestra.com. Join the ACM Drum School and come and meet Mike.
Richard has played at venues and festivals all over the world. He has worked with artists such as: Go West, Peter Cox, Roger Daltry, Tony Hadley, Victoria Beckham, Alex Parks and Martin Fry (ABC) to name but a few; and has played alongside artists like Leo Sayer and Girls Aloud and Ozzy Osbourne. Richard continues to freelance and also play in his own band, Headspace. Richard can also be found on ACM's drum courses as one of our drum tutors.
Joe is a graduate of ACM’s Drum School. In 2006 he earned his Degree in Contemporary Popular Music with First Class Honours.
Joe’s first major session came for the LEXUS advert in February 2011 – a solo performance at Wembley Arena, followed by the HEINEKEN advert within a few months. Joe has also performed live on Japan’s top national network Fuji TV with artist iMMa, for the 38th New Year’s World Rock Festival 2011, and Britain’s Next Top Model Live 2010 at ExCel Arena for Molly Smitten-Downes (Ministry of Sound; Stunt).
In past years Joe has worked with a diverse range of producers such as Brio Taliaferro (Sophie Ellis-Bextor; Sugababes; James Blunt); and Rob Granville; artists and musicians including Jesse James Kingston (Arista Records); Luciana (Bodyrox); Simon Merry (George Michael; Natalie Imbruglia) and Andy Nunn (Morcheeba).
Joe endorses Zildjian cymbals and he offers his experiences as an ACM drum tutor.
ACM's drum tutor Toby Drummond is a UK drummer born in Vancouver, Canada. Toby studied with Bob Armstrong at Masterclass Studios, and with Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin in Long Island, New York.
His theatre credits include National Tours; The Rocky Horror Show, Dancing in the Streets, Grease, Cats, Whistle Down the Wind and The Witches of Eastwick (Depping). West End credits include; The Rocky Horror Show (Victoria Palace, London), Dancing in the Streets (Cambridge Theatre, London) and Wicked (Apollo Theatre) – depping for Guy Richman.
Pop credits include; Toby has worked with Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson and Seahorses and various television and live performances.
Pete is a technically outstanding drummer with a huge amount of live and studio experience across an incredible array of styles. Pete has an impressive list of TV, radio and session credits culminating in his work with Top 40 act Republica. Pete has also worked with guitarist Phil Hilborne, is writing a series of instructional columns for Rhythm magazine, holds regular clinics demonstrating Premier drums and plays in Guthrie Govan’s noisy fusion band ‘Erotic Cakes’. As a drum tutor at ACM's Drum School Pete offers students his vast experience and knowledge.
Jon is a vastly experienced player and contributes to Rhythm magazine. He specialises in developing time keeping, groove playing and his proven techniques generate quick progress. As a drum tutor Jon is involved in Live Performance Workshops, taking drum students through the full time drum course repertoire, developing skills such as playing to a click and tone production.
Frank began his musical studies at the Musicians Institute Of Technology in Los Angeles. Having returned to the UK & the piano, Frank then studied for 2 years in composition & arranging studies at the Trinity College of Music, where he played in several bands with school friend Courtney Pine including disco group, Hi Tension. In 1982, Frank went on the road with OSIBISA ( the band his father had formed 20 years previous) and toured extensively around the world for 4 years. In 1986 Frank formed the Jazz Warriors with Courtney Pine then formed his own group, Desperately Seeking Fusion, influenced by John Scofield, Mike Stern & Weather Report. Frank has toured, recorded and played with numerous big selling artists such as Tanita Tikaram, Aztec Camera, Edwyn Collins, Jason Donovan, Al Green, Level 42, Tasmin Archer, Zucchero, George Michael on MTV unplugged, Gary Barlow, Conner Reeves, Paul Young, BB Mak, Des’ree, Lewis Taylor, Damage, Andrew Roachford, Frank McComb, Lamont Dozier, Don Blackman, Mis-teeq and Gabrielle. Since September 2000, Frank has been running the RnB/UK garage superstar and in 2007/2008 was Craig David’s musical director.
Frank recorded & toured with the late Amy Winehouse on her 'Back to Black' album and at Somerset House in London. Frank is currently touring with Jack Bruce, Ernest Ranglin, Matt Bianco and Percy Sledge. Frank is musically influenced by iconic stars such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea, John McLaughlin, Jeff Lorber Fusion. Courtney Pine, Steely Dan, Lewis Taylor. His Drum influences include Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Steve Jordan, Narada Michael Walden, Jeff Porcaro, Gary Husband, Adam Deitch and Karim Ziad.
Since graduating from ACM's Drum School as ‘Outstanding Drum Student of the Year’, Windsor has gained musical performance experience with a variety of artists including; Hugh Cornwell (ex-The Stranglers), Fish (ex-Marillion), and B.J. Cole (Elton John, Sting, Bjork, etc) amongst others and has participated in numerous international tours, including a support slot to Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers, Blondie.
To date, Windsor’s recording experience includes; work with Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T-Rex), Brian Tench (Kate Bush, Tina Turner), Danny Kadar (Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Andy Todd (Republica, S-Club).
His contributions to music education include; drum tutor at the ACM (from the part-time drum school right through to drum course degree level) and the Bath Rhythm Course, as well as providing written content for the ACM drum courses and Rhythm magazine. Windsor also endorses Zildjian cymbals.
TUTORS drum tutors
Drum Tutors
Meet the Drum Tutors who teach on our drum courses: Pete Riley, Mike Sturgis, Jon Duff, Frank Tontoh, Richard Brook, Joe Yoshida, Windsor McGilvray and Toby Drummond. Learn from the best by joining the ACM Drum School.
Featured Tutor - PETE RILEY
Mike Sturgis – Operations Manager
Mike is Performance School Operations Manager at ACM and is recognised as one of the UK's most experienced and respected drum teachers and performers. While a student at the University of Miami, Mike performed with Paquito D'Rivera, Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer before eventually joining the band of legendary jazz keyboardist Bob James. His versatility as a player has enabled him to perform on tours and recordings with artists including A-Ha, Asia, Wishbone Ash, Steve Winwood, 21 Guns and Psychomotel. His playing was memorably heard worldwide on the theme song to the James Bond movie The Living Daylights and 1997 remake of Lou Reed's Perfect Day. Mike is a monthly columnist for Rhythm magazine and performs and records regularly with international artists RB Funkestra - www.rbfunkestra.com. Join the ACM Drum School and come and meet Mike.
Richard Brook - Lecturer
Richard has played at venues and festivals all over the world. He has worked with artists such as: Go West, Peter Cox, Roger Daltry, Tony Hadley, Victoria Beckham, Alex Parks and Martin Fry (ABC) to name but a few; and has played alongside artists like Leo Sayer and Girls Aloud and Ozzy Osbourne. Richard continues to freelance and also play in his own band, Headspace. Richard can also be found on ACM's drum courses as one of our drum tutors.
Joe Yoshida - Lecturer
Joe is a graduate of ACM’s Drum School. In 2006 he earned his Degree in Contemporary Popular Music with First Class Honours.Joe’s first major session came for the LEXUS advert in February 2011 – a solo performance at Wembley Arena, followed by the HEINEKEN advert within a few months. Joe has also performed live on Japan’s top national network Fuji TV with artist iMMa, for the 38th New Year’s World Rock Festival 2011, and Britain’s Next Top Model Live 2010 at ExCel Arena for Molly Smitten-Downes (Ministry of Sound; Stunt).
In past years Joe has worked with a diverse range of producers such as Brio Taliaferro (Sophie Ellis-Bextor; Sugababes; James Blunt); and Rob Granville; artists and musicians including Jesse James Kingston (Arista Records); Luciana (Bodyrox); Simon Merry (George Michael; Natalie Imbruglia) and Andy Nunn (Morcheeba).
Joe endorses Zildjian cymbals and he offers his experiences as an ACM drum tutor.
Toby Drummond - Lecturer
ACM's drum tutor Toby Drummond is a UK drummer born in Vancouver, Canada. Toby studied with Bob Armstrong at Masterclass Studios, and with Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin in Long Island, New York. His theatre credits include National Tours; The Rocky Horror Show, Dancing in the Streets, Grease, Cats, Whistle Down the Wind and The Witches of Eastwick (Depping). West End credits include; The Rocky Horror Show (Victoria Palace, London), Dancing in the Streets (Cambridge Theatre, London) and Wicked (Apollo Theatre) – depping for Guy Richman.
Pop credits include; Toby has worked with Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson and Seahorses and various television and live performances.
Pete Riley - Fellow of ACM
Pete is a technically outstanding drummer with a huge amount of live and studio experience across an incredible array of styles. Pete has an impressive list of TV, radio and session credits culminating in his work with Top 40 act Republica. Pete has also worked with guitarist Phil Hilborne, is writing a series of instructional columns for Rhythm magazine, holds regular clinics demonstrating Premier drums and plays in Guthrie Govan’s noisy fusion band ‘Erotic Cakes’. As a drum tutor at ACM's Drum School Pete offers students his vast experience and knowledge.
Jon Duff - Senior Lecturer
Jon is a vastly experienced player and contributes to Rhythm magazine. He specialises in developing time keeping, groove playing and his proven techniques generate quick progress. As a drum tutor Jon is involved in Live Performance Workshops, taking drum students through the full time drum course repertoire, developing skills such as playing to a click and tone production.
Frank Tontoh - Senior Lecturer
Frank began his musical studies at the Musicians Institute Of Technology in Los Angeles. Having returned to the UK & the piano, Frank then studied for 2 years in composition & arranging studies at the Trinity College of Music, where he played in several bands with school friend Courtney Pine including disco group, Hi Tension. In 1982, Frank went on the road with OSIBISA ( the band his father had formed 20 years previous) and toured extensively around the world for 4 years. In 1986 Frank formed the Jazz Warriors with Courtney Pine then formed his own group, Desperately Seeking Fusion, influenced by John Scofield, Mike Stern & Weather Report. Frank has toured, recorded and played with numerous big selling artists such as Tanita Tikaram, Aztec Camera, Edwyn Collins, Jason Donovan, Al Green, Level 42, Tasmin Archer, Zucchero, George Michael on MTV unplugged, Gary Barlow, Conner Reeves, Paul Young, BB Mak, Des’ree, Lewis Taylor, Damage, Andrew Roachford, Frank McComb, Lamont Dozier, Don Blackman, Mis-teeq and Gabrielle. Since September 2000, Frank has been running the RnB/UK garage superstar and in 2007/2008 was Craig David’s musical director.Frank recorded & toured with the late Amy Winehouse on her 'Back to Black' album and at Somerset House in London. Frank is currently touring with Jack Bruce, Ernest Ranglin, Matt Bianco and Percy Sledge. Frank is musically influenced by iconic stars such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea, John McLaughlin, Jeff Lorber Fusion. Courtney Pine, Steely Dan, Lewis Taylor. His Drum influences include Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Steve Jordan, Narada Michael Walden, Jeff Porcaro, Gary Husband, Adam Deitch and Karim Ziad.
Windsor McGilvray - Lecturer
Since graduating from ACM's Drum School as ‘Outstanding Drum Student of the Year’, Windsor has gained musical performance experience with a variety of artists including; Hugh Cornwell (ex-The Stranglers), Fish (ex-Marillion), and B.J. Cole (Elton John, Sting, Bjork, etc) amongst others and has participated in numerous international tours, including a support slot to Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers, Blondie. To date, Windsor’s recording experience includes; work with Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T-Rex), Brian Tench (Kate Bush, Tina Turner), Danny Kadar (Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Andy Todd (Republica, S-Club).
His contributions to music education include; drum tutor at the ACM (from the part-time drum school right through to drum course degree level) and the Bath Rhythm Course, as well as providing written content for the ACM drum courses and Rhythm magazine. Windsor also endorses Zildjian cymbals.
