Darren Ashford

Darren has been playing drums professionally since 1991. In that time he has performed with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), The Drifters (also as musical director), in various West-End musicals (Mama Mia/Joseph) and with pop artists such as The Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Will Young, Phats and Small, Sean Paul, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Lucie Silvas, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Shola Ama, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Guthrie, Romina Johnson, Beverley Knight, Angie Stone, Roachford, Kelle LeRoc, Alex Holland, Me’sha Bryan, Omar, Roy Ayers, Maxi Priest, Carleen Anderson, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), Larry Carlton and Mattias ‘IA’ Eklundh.

More recently Darren has been touring with the D:REAM of ‘Things can only get better’ fame, the Dub Pistols and Laura and the Tears.

Darren’s previous teachers were some of the UK’s best: Bob Armstrong, Dave Hassel & Neal Wilkinson.

Darren teaches at all levels; from beginners to the more advanced in a soundproof studio on real drums covering topics such as:

* Hand /foot technique
* Double pedal playing
* Independence
* Moeller,
* Chart & sight reading
* Time playing
* Linear phrasing
* Listening skills
* Styles and grooves: Afro/Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Rock…

Darren is also an active member of The Drum Institute Faculty based at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in Kilburn, London.

Check out Darren’s new website the Drum Lesson Podcast which will be launching in the early part of 2010.

Also catch Darren’s column in Rhythm magazine entitled Beats working.