Our Team
Chris Hough
Enhanced DBS: 001742346225
Update Service ID: C2684769018
Chris Hough has been playing drums for over 30 years and has worked for many bands and orchestras around the globe, from Brazil to Budapest. Chris has done various recordings at the BBC and other large studios. Currently, he is working with The Slow Show, a successful chart topping band touring Europe, Tipatina a New Orleans band and also Mel C of the Spice Girls fame. Chris plays all styles of music from rock to pop, classical and soul. Many of his students have gone on to great things. He also tour manages established acts including The Lightning Seeds, known for their Number 1 hit “Three Lions”.
Chris maddon
Enhanced DBS: 001743249295
Update Service ID: C6175922109
Chris Maddon has been in the music industry for over 15 years, working at Manchesters prestigious Blueprint Studios with clientele including Elbow, Snoop Dog, Rhianna, Paul Heaton & Jackie Abbott, Rick Astley and many more. Chris has been teaching 1 - 1 guitar, bass and drum lessons for over 10 years, and played in numerous bands, securing global sync and advertising with high profile brands, building up a solid reputation as one of Manchester’s most sought-after musicians & tutors. Chris also runs a successful wellbeing company “Take A Breather UK” where he and his team provide mindfulness and wellbeing sessions to schools and large corporate companies across the North West.
Daniel Jones
Enhanced DBS: 001801705253
Update Service ID: C1512629659
Dan has been playing guitar for over 25 years, and has performed, written and recorded with a variety of bands in styles ranging from rock to reggae. Dan hosts regular reggae/soul jam sessions and gigs within the local community. He has played live shows with number one selling artist Elbow and worked personally with Massive Attack on creative projects combining music and art. Dan has a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and has taught creative arts at both college and university level, as well as being a freelance illustrator and designer with experience within the film industry. He has also practiced martial arts for over 18 years and teaches regular classes in Manchester.
Patrick Kerr
Enhanced DBS: 001771221752
Update Service ID: C9660722115
Patrick has been involved in the production, the writing, and the teaching processes of music for much of his life. As well as teaching on a 1-1 basis and performing function gigs in bars, clubs and events across the country each weekend, Patrick also works within live entertainment, from setting up international stadium events/concerts to behind the sound desk at press conferences, giving him a well rounded look at the music industry and what goes in to being a professional musician and working within the music industry. Patrick has not just fell into music by chance, he also holds a BA (hons) in Professional Musicianship from well regarded BIMM, Manchester. Patrick teaches both guitar, piano and ukulele on a 1-1 basis as well as running our weekly junior band and rockulele sessions.
Harry Darbyshire
Enhanced DBS: 001892903831
Harry has dedicated over 18 years to learning and enjoying all different genres of music, he first started playing live at the age of 13 through different bands, ranging from gospel/prayer music to metal and rock as well as playing in jazz big bands. These different ventures has taken him to venues and festivals all over the UK.
After moving to Manchester over 6 years ago, he has now completed his degree in professional musicianship and is actively gigging with his band Wailing Banshee.
James (Jim) Wallace
Enhanced DBS: 001896739323
After graduating from Newcastle College of Music with a B.Mus in Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music Jamie moved back to his hometown of Manchester to begin a successful career as a freelance guitarist, bandleader and teacher. Over the last 15 years he has performed all over the UK and Europe as a freelance musician with artists such as Jesca Hoop, Guy Garvey (Elbow), Mike Joyce (The Smiths) and has appeared on live sessions for both BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.
He has taught guitar extensively from beginner to advanced levels in schools, colleges, music centres and privately around the northwest and has extensive experience in preparing students for both Rockschool and ABRSM grade exams as well as teaching music theory, general musicianship and improvisation.
Conal Horan
Enhanced DBS: 001795201635
Conal is a student at Salford University with over five years of experience in music education. He picked up his first instrument as a child, inspired by the music of The Kinks and Tommy Emmanuel, and taught himself the basics. Since then, Conal has worked on various compositional projects, including animation scoring, transcriptions, and video game music. He's performed in a wide range of styles with jazz, funk, rock, and pop bands and even played in the pit band for a production of Chicago during his time in college. A talented multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, piano, drums, and trumpet), Conal currently works as an interviewer for Access Creative College, supporting learners — including those with SEN — applying for music and media courses. Passionate about musical education, Conal is excited to help students apply music theory in their playing and develop their confidence as musicians.
Siobhan Waters
Enhanced DBS: 001796346841
Update Service ID: C3969525888
Siobhan has worked in Wales under the Government’s National Plan for Wales First Experiences project, personally delivering free music tuition to hundreds of Year 3 children in South Wales which confirmed to her the value of providing access to music education to all at an early age.
Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2022, Siobhan has worked with students aged 6-18 providing mentorship and guidance in various capacities helping them to realise their own passions and potential within music. Siobhan is a highly skilled vocal tutor working within pop, rock and musical theatre. She is also highly skilled at teaching Saxophone, Recorder and Flute to children in a 1-2-1 and group setting.
Tom Edney
Enhanced DBS: 001900502329
Update Service ID: E0873698108
Tom Edney is a songwriter and musician with over 20 years’ experience writing and performing music. With a background in education and social care, Tom has worked extensively with marginalised groups, using music as a tool for connection and empowerment. He sings, plays guitar, and is currently training to become a music therapist. Passionate about supporting young people’s engagement in music, Tom has a wealth of experience facilitating musical participation, helping individuals to write, record, and explore their own creative voices.
Josh Gurr
Enhanced DBS: 001766103017
Update Service ID: C7352214279
Josh has been playing guitar for nearly 20 years. Whilst predominantly specialising in rock and metal, Josh teaches multiple styles of music as well as different types of guitars (acoustic, electric, seven string and bass). Josh has successfully completed his MA Music: Interactive Music & Advanced Studio Production with a distinction as well as a BA (Hons) in Popular Music & Recording (1st) both at the University of Salford. Josh says “I remember the importance of having a great guitar teacher who can motivate and inspire passion for their instrument from my former tutors. I strive to share my passion for music and the guitar.”
James Gaskell
Enhanced DBS: 001732035091
Update Service ID: C7277462924
James busks and plays in rock, funk and folk bands with previous band Gold Jacks single “Black of the Night” featured on hit crime drama series “Luther”. He teaches privately and holds workshops for adults and children alike to reintroduce and strengthen that innocent part of ourselves that relishes creative expression without being self-conscious. James’s fun and excitable can-do attitude is infectious, and gets the most out of the children taking part in our rock band sessions without them even realising! It’s not just about the music they are making, but the key confidence and self-expression skills they are learning along the way. James’s day job involves working with vulnerable young people, helping avoid homelessness and get lives back on track.
Alfie Spink
Enhanced DBS: 001903683972
Update Service ID: C5812087949
Alfie is currently studying Popular Music and Recording at Salford University, where he is deeply immersed in his passion for music. He began his musical journey at the young age of 11 and ultimately graduated from college with top honors, showcasing his dedication and talent. He received an exciting invitation to perform in the pit band for Salford's highly anticipated production of Little Shop of Horrors, which was a significant opportunity for him. At present, he plays bass in the band Dig Up Her Bones and is looking forward to many upcoming gigs that promise to further enrich his experience. As a young and aspiring musician, Alfie firmly believes that his gaining experience and accumulated knowledge will enable him to effectively support and uplift others in their own musical journeys, fostering a sense of community within the industry.
Ryan Smith
Enhanced DBS: 001677696474
Update Service ID: E0636127989
Ryan is a professional musician from Manchester with over ten years of experience in SEND education, now leads music at Broadstones School. He’s played around the world with various entertainment agencies.
He aspires to be a Life coach for kids, helping young musicians build confidence and overcome anxiety through music; he uses tools like neurolinguistic programming and timeline therapy in his practice. If he’s not working, not practising, he’s probably playing video games, fat chance you’ll beat him at Mario Kart.
Gabe Raven
Enhanced DBS: 001907255027
Update Service ID: C1073132682
Gabe Raven is a skilled drummer and percussionist from Salford, currently studying Popular Music at Salford University. He learned the basics of drumming from his father and developed his passion by playing along to songs and exploring the world of percussion. He has performed with indie-pop artists like Dan Selwood and post-punk bands such as Earl Grey and Scout Hut, and is now involved in folk and ethereal projects. Gabe's extensive record collection influences his playing, drawing inspiration from artists like Weather Report, John Holt, and The Fall. He enjoys funk, soul, and Latin American music, and can skillfully use different percussion instruments. He creates his own charts for rehearsals in a Latin jazz group and has experience sight-reading from various educational materials. Gabe is passionate about teaching drums and inspiring others to find their own rhythm.