Darren Ashford

Darren has been playing drums professionally for 19 years. In that time he has performed with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), The Drifters (also as musical director), in various West-End musicals(Mam 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, Omar, Roy Ayers, Larry Carlton, D:REAM and The Dub Pistols.

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.

Darren has written for both of the most popular drum magazines in the UK. He is currently writing an article for Drummer magazine entitled 'Rhythm Matters' which features FREE downloadable backing tracks for working on odd times. These are available at: www.rhythmmatters.co.uk