Hello! I am Joe, the co-founder & Drum Tutor at North Atlantic Drum Academy, a venture I am proud to share with my wife, Naomi. I started teaching ten years ago and fell in love with watching students grow and develop into amazing musicians. After many years in London, I decided to move closer to my family here in beautiful North Devon, where I met my wife. I've been teaching in Bideford for three years now and have met some incredible people who have made it possible for me to pursue my dream of opening this drum academy. My goal is to provide the same level of learning and opportunities I received growing up, having lessons and experiences that allowed me to thrive within the music industry.
I hold a Higher Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, specializing in Moeller and drop doubles techniques. Over the past decade, I have accumulated over 100 studio hours, contributing to projects like Escape Artists' self-titled EP and You Me at Six's "We Know What It Means to Be Alone" EP. I have over ten years of live performance experience, having played more than 500 shows, including memorable gigs with You Me at Six.
1. To provide a high standard of drum kit tuition to all ages & UK schools, from primary to college level, with the outcome of inspiring kids & teens to play music with excellence and passion
2. To tutor students with the goal to achieve their own voice on the kit and have a good foundation to work from.
3. To ensure all drum students perform live and gain valuable experience
4. To make music lessons affordable in schools & 1-1 lesson and accessible for all children & adults who want to learn music and become great drummers
5. To introduce lasting techniques that will be with our students for a lifetime
Education and Qualifications
2009– 2011 Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildford Higher Diploma (Distinction) in Contemporary, Music Performance, specialising in Drum set.
2007-2008 Grade 8 Rock school Drums, Passed with Distinction.
2006-2008 Brooklands College, Weybridge, N.D Music, Jun 2008, Passed with Distinction.
2002-2007 Rydens School, G.C.S.E, Music, English, Science, Maths, I.T, Passed Grade C+
Recording
100+ hours Studio Experience Including:
2022-2023 – Bad Willow – Single ‘Dove’
2010-2014 - Escape Artists – ‘Self titled’ E.P
2007-2008 - You me at six - ‘We know what it means to be alone’ E.P
2006-2007 - You me at six – ‘self titled’ E.P
Live
10+ years live experience playing over 500 + shows, including:
‘Sajfest’ supporting Exit Ten, I Divide. w/Escape Artists
Mallory Knox, main support. w/ Escape Artists
‘Escape the Tour’ Tour w/Escape Artists. 10 dates
2007 – Soasin UK Tour support w/ You Me at Six
2007 – ‘All day festival’ Supporting Enter Shikari, Kids In Glass Houses. w/ You me at six
2007 – Paramore Support, Colchester Arts Centre. w/ You Me at Six
2007 – ‘Slam Dunk’ Festival supporting Paramore, Reel Big Fish, Mad Caddies, Sonic Boom Six. w/ You me at six
2006 – ‘You Know what it means to be alone’ Tour w/ You me at six. 16 dates.
Camden Underworld main headline w/You me at six
Camden Barfly Main Headline w/You me at six