Tutor type: Music Performance Tutors

Dr Tom Atherton

Tom Atherton is a highly experienced drummer, percussionist & composer with an expertise comfortably bridging popular, classical & contemporary styles. He has written, toured and recorded throughout Europe and the US, with notable contributions to Metal (De Profundis, Thing), Prog (Tim Bowness, Jo Quail) & Contemporary Persian music (Ali Azimi, Ajam). He has also developed a profile as an improviser with over 10 years of performance in VLookUp Trio. As an MD, Tom has worked for the BBC, coordinating multiple artists for their World Service programmes. Additionally, he has even found the time to appear in a Hollywood film performing with Alice Cooper!

He studied under several renowned composer-percussionists including Bill Bruford, Joby Burgess & Seb Rochford, and was awarded his PhD in 2021. Today, Tom continues to pursue research interests in global underground music scenes, genre fracturing & the incorporation of tuned percussion to the rock band, as well as maintaining his busy composing and performing career.

Ineza Kerschkamp

Ineza Kerschkamp, a seasoned vocalist, brings a wealth of experience to ACM. Ineza’s credits include touring with renowned artists like Tom Odell and the Down For The Count Big Band, as well as performing with prestigious ensembles like the BBC Concert Orchestra. In addition, they have contributed to the soundtrack of the BBC 2 Documentary ‘Silverback’ and showcased their talent in the immersive theatre production ‘The Greatest Night Of The Jazz Age’ in London. At ACM, Ineza specialises in vocals, where they impart their expertise to aspiring musicians. Ineza values ACM’s vibrant community, emphasising the opportunity to connect and collaborate with diverse musicians, producers, and songwriters. Ineza’s top tips for students include networking actively, engaging in cross-pathway collaborations, and leveraging the invaluable experience offered by tutors through active participation and inquiry.

Steff Fish

Steff Fish brings a diverse skill set to ACM, drawing from their experience as a vocalist, performer, songwriter, and vocal coach. With their band Giant Walker, they’ve garnered acclaim from prominent media outlets and toured extensively across the UK. As a vocal coach, Steph is dedicated to empowering singers and performers to discover their unique voice, holding accreditation with Vocology In Practice and prioritising vocal health. At ACM, their specialism lies in vocals, where they share their expertise with students. Steph values the sense of community at ACM, fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive. Steff’s top tips for students include making the most of tutorials, emphasising consistency, and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, echoing the wisdom of renowned producer Rick Rubin.

Mike Nichols

Mike Nichols is an accomplished professional bass player and musical director. Specialising in all aspects of live performance as a cross-discipline senior lecturer at ACM, Mike brings a wealth of experience to their role. Mike’s credits include working with renowned artists such as Toyah Willcox, Robert Fripp, and Jools Holland, as well as performing with orchestras and in numerous West End shows. Currently serving as the musical director for Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp, Mike values ACM for its supportive community and professional connections. Mike’s top tips for students emphasise the importance of hard work, networking, and seeing projects through to completion.

Dr Madeline Castrey

Madeline Castrey is a musician, singer and researcher who enjoys a successful career in performance and academia. With a background in West End theatre and television, Madeline was the first ever 16 year old admitted onto a degree course at The London College of Music and now works as a PhD researcher. She is a professional opera and jazz singer, performing at many high profile venues including Opera Holland Park, Twickenham Stadium and The Shard in London, releases her own music with London labels and has had leading roles in several London shows including Les Miserables, Evita and The Lion King.
Madeline founded the charity Resonate, using music and singing to positively impact lives. Her work applying classical vocal technique to those living with serious neurological disability has been featured on several national outlets including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio, GB News and Channel 5 News. She has received several awards for her work and in 2022, she was honoured to judge the Princess Diana Awards as a past recipient herself, for young people making exceptional contributions to global communities. Alongside her performance and lecturing career, Madeline is also a musicologist and enjoys guest lecturing and voice/vocal coaching. She is passionate about the health/wellness benefits of using the voice and wrote her published book on this subject in 2023.

Neil Bullock

Neil Bullock, mentored by the esteemed drummer Mal Garrett from the Birmingham Conservatoire, embarked on a professional drumming career at just 17. Neil’s talent garnered recognition through awards such as the Musicians’ Union ‘Most Promising Young Musician’ and the BBC Big Band ‘Best Drummer Prize’. As a member of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Neil performed at prestigious venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival. He honed his skills further under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Morello and Jim Chapin in New Jersey. Neil’s career highlights include touring with Chuck Berry as part of The Red Lemon Electric Blues Band and supporting acts including Robert Plant. Neil has collaborated extensively with the BBC Big Band, showcasing his exceptional drumming prowess both live and on radio broadcasts.

Toby Drummond

Toby is a professional drummer who has performed with artists such as The Seahorses, Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson, Ray Davies, Celia Imrie, and Cliff Richard.

He comes from Vancouver, Canada, developing his music career, studying with Bob Armstrong at Masterclass Studios and with Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin in Long Island, New York.

Toby brings to ACM his wealth of experience, helping to mentor our students. Toby regularly performs on many West End Shows such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Wicked’, and ‘Billy Elliot’ among many others. He is also a regular contributor to ‘Rhythm Magazine’.