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MEET OUR TUTORS

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JON BIDDINGTON

Director/Tutor

Jon has been drumming for Twenty years, Fourteen of those gigging professionally and eleven teaching professionally. Studying under Nick Gaffaney and Ted Meager at the CPIT Jazz School (now ARA Music Arts) taught him a wealth of knowledge across many styles. He has played Nationally,Internationally and on the high seas (Cruise ships) in his covers band  ‘Black and Gold’. He has a youtube channel, with one viral foot technique video even amassing 1.7 Million views! 2016 saw Jon take out first place in the ‘Christchurch drum off’ competition.

 

 In 2015 Jon opened Christchurch Drum Studios in Addington. “I really wanted to make lessons fun, engaging, practical and use the latest technology”. Since then Christchurch drum studios has expanded to having over 100 students and 4 tutors between two sites. Addington and Pegasus. In recent times Jon has put a lot of energy into making professional YouTube videos (Which can be found in the Tutor videos section). But would you believe it…the one that went viral with over 1.5 Million views was shot on an iPhone! 

 

Lessons with Jon will be first of all getting the student engaged ,seeing what works for them. Whether it’s formal lessons with a view of going through Trinity grading, practical lessons to get you started in your band, or just wanting the ability to play some of your favourite classics. Jon has you covered.

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SAM LANE

Tutor

Sam started pursuing his interest in drumming in 2006 at the age of 10. He found that during his studies in high school that this was the career path he wanted to pursue. Upon graduating high school, he was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to the Ara Music Arts program (formally CPIT Jazz School) in which he successfully completed a bachelor in music arts, graduating in 2017. Since then Sam has been performing live shows, providing session work for musical projects, and teaching students privately.


Sam has had classical training in music theory. This means he has a very good understanding of reading, transcribing and writing drum sheet music. This is reflected in his teaching style as many examples, grooves, fills and exercises will be explained using music theory.

Sam’s main focus is on live performance and what goes into playing in a band scenario. This means from the intermediate to advanced level there will be a large amount of improvisation, time keeping, coordination, and reading based teachings. There will also be a focus on particular grooves and fills and how to seamlessly incorporate them into a musical context. 

Sam is currently a full time drummer in 3 musical projects. His original rock band “Saint Peter’s Thursday” have released their debut single “Fisherman” with a music video available on YouTube. They have a fully fledged album in the works, recorded locally at Orange Studios which is due to be released in 2022.

Sam was also a former member of the music group “PRINS” is a commercial pop group gaining traction around the country. PRINS completed an international tour of the Philippines in 2019 and have since released an EP and 2 additional singles. Prins has also played as part of New Zealand’s festival circuit. Playing Bay Dreams and Electric ave in 2021. Sam was part of the live band and performed in several nation-wide tours with this group.


The third group is a cover band called “VOXY”. Voxy are an in-demand covers band based here in Christchurch. They often take the stage at Fat Eddies and play a variety of different bars around the city. They also often play private functions and wedding gigs, which have taken them all over New Zealand.

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MARC HANSEN

Tutor

Born and raised in Christchurch New Zealand, Marc was given his first set of sticks at 4 years old and his first drum kit at 5. Coming from a family of musicians, Music was in his blood from the start!

Originally under the wing of the late Tom (and son Geoff) Corlett. Then renowned NZ drummer Wayne Allen, Marc, At just 9 Years old started playing gigs in his Fathers cover band playing local bars and private functions. 

At 14 years old he was offered his first session gig, travelling around New Zealand with a backing band for Music awards and festivals and some television whilst still managing school.

 

Marc's musical interest grew and grew in his teens, seeking knowledge and watching almost every musician he came across, Sponging all the musical knowledge - grooves - feels from all that he could!

Not a single genre was safe! 

 

His versatility through multiple styles found him to be a sought after player able to slot into nearly any situation musically and play with some of New Zealand's best Corporate covers and Original bands. This also led to travelling and touring Australasia with various artists. 

Marc is a highly professional Drummer with 30+ years of experience in both Live and Studio settings in New Zealand and abroad. This includes Teaching, performing, touring and recording with some of New Zealand's finest musicians. 

 

Marc still enjoys getting out and playing sessions with artists of multiple genres whether it be at the local bar or on the big stage, but is a dedicated member of the band "1 Drop Nation" which has consumed a lot of his time and plenty of hard work over the last 3 years.

1 Drop Nation have just recorded their 3rd Album at The Surgery studios with Producer "Dr Lee Prebble" (L.A.B, The Black Seeds, Trinity roots, Phoenix foundation and more!) due for release Nov 2024, and had a massive summer playing festivals all over NZ with some of NZ's biggest heavyweights! In the last 3 years they have produced 3 albums, 2x Summer tours, about to start their 2nd winter tour, Multiple charted NZ singles and music videos. Watch this space!

 

Marc brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom and really cares about the students that he has under his wing! 

With a fun attitude and the determination to challenge, and see his students develop and succeed in what they want to achieve whether it is wanting to just play at home or make a full career of it!

JONTY O'CONNOR

Tutor

In the 18 years since Jonty O’Connor first sat down at a drum kit, he’s earned a reputation as one of Christchurch’s most sought-after drummers. Jonty has performed for the likes of Scribe, Terrible Sons, Finn Andrews, Kane Strang, Delaney Davidson, Barry Saunders, Emma Dilemma and Zen Mantra among others. He has also opened for international acts INXS, Slash, Anvil and Drab Majesty. 

Jonty aims to challenge his students and help them improve in anyway he can - he believes music should always be fun, and hopes that whoever he teaches can find enjoyment in playing the drums.

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