Jonathan began drumming aged 11, when he
joined his school orchestra. Since then, he has studied with various tutors and
professionals across the UK and Australia, played with many bands and projects,
and recorded in the studio. His band’s debut studio album is due to be released
this year, on which he not only performed, but helped to produce.
After achieving a distinction on his Trinity
Guildhall Grade 8 exam, Jonathan is now working towards his Associate Diploma.
His primary band, Old Maid, play a mixture of hard rock and heavy metal, while
many of his other projects play jazz and swing standards.
Jonathan currently teaches the drums in
Nottingham, as well as doing session work around the East Midlands. His
favourite styles of drumming are jazz and fusion, and his favourite drummers
include John Riley and Dave Weckl.
Jonathan’s approach to the drums is
artistic and expressive, yet technically based. When teaching, he encourages a
formal approach in which the rudiments, correct posture, and a familiarity with
the theory of what is being played combine to create a solid foundation for the
student; this attitude is reflected in his own playing.
Growing up on heavy metal from the likes of
Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, throughout his teens Jonathan progressed onto the
more extreme forms of death and black Metal. The drummers of these bands (for
example, George Kollias of Nile, Richard Christy of Death, Horgh of Immortal),
pushed the boundaries of what was physically possible with a pair of sticks and
a double bass pedal. This influenced Jonathan’s playing, causing him to explore
the more extreme side of drumming. This helped form his technique based
relaxation and proper form.
Since then, his musical tastes have
matured, incorporating strong bebop influences from the likes of Tony Williams,
Stan Levey and Jack DeJohnette. These pioneers of the bop style lead to a progression
into musical playing, time playing and structured soloing, as well as an
undeniable focus on swing.
After being exposed to the force of nature
that is Dave Weckl, Jonathan embarked on a journey to understand playing the
drums at the highest level, a journey that is likely as long as it is
impossible. Nevertheless, it is a journey that drives his playing and teaching
ethos. It is his enthusiasm for this understanding that lies at the heart of
his drumming and teaching.
When not drumming, Jonathan occasionally
dabbles in philosophy, for which he holds a Master’s Degree from a Russell
Group University. However, this has generally proved more useful as a
coffee-table certificate than anything else. He also loves to eat fish, and,
although happily married, frequents bars and clubs a little too often.
Jonathan plays a Mapex drum kit and
Bosphorus handmade cymbals exclusively.
Throughout October 2011 MLC-Academy is hosting a month of events, promotions and insight in to the world of drumming! Each weekday MLC will publish a blog post aimed at informing and inspiring you. The post will cover a range of topics and will include specials offers, free items and details about an event to be hosted by MLC Academy later this month.
About MLC Academy
Located in the centre of Nottingham and in West Bridgford, MLC Academy is a music school that emphasises the needs of the individual music student – be they a hobbyist or aspiring professional. As a result we have a number of unique syllabi that are thorough and stimulating yet flexible and fun. So whether you want to learn to play bass, guitar, drum kit, piano or keyboard or perhaps want to further your knowledge - we can help.
That's not all!
Developing your musical performance skills is at the heart of MLC-Academy in Nottingham. We also offer a series of classes, courses and qualifications aimed at assisting you in today's music industry. We have a number of programs that cater to the specific needs of different age groups.
For further information call 0115 941 7493 or click www.mlc-academy.com today.
