Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music has announced legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor as its new Patron for Music.
He joins the Academy alongside Patron for Industry, respected music executive Nigel Elderton, and Patron for Education, the esteemed Lord Lingfield.
Surrey resident Roger is no stranger to ACM, having cut the ribbon last year on the Academy’s 80-seat Roger Taylor Zildjian Studio.
During his visit, Roger delivered a master class to a packed room of ACM students and donated Queen memorabilia to display in the performance studio.
Among the memorabilia is a drum kit that Roger played on stage in America, South America, Asia, Europe and the UK during Queen’s Game tours of 1980 and 1981.
“I am delighted and honoured to be a patron of the Academy of Contemporary Music. Amazing places like this didn’t exist when we were learning to be a group.
I can’t imagine the impact it would have had: I guess we would have been a whole lot better. I wish all students at least some of the luck, life and career that I have had!”
Roger Taylor Queen
“Roger embodies everything about ACM, from his passion for performing, to the talent and hard graft on which he has built his astonishing career.
His lifetime of experience meant he had some amazing stories to tell at his master class and he was great with the students too.
Roger is a musical icon who our students and staff really look up to. We are incredibly proud to have him on board.”
Julia Leggett Executive Director ACM
Find out more ACM’s Patrons.