About Us
A Brief History
In 2007, Blackpool Music Academy became a registered company, BMA CIC, by Guarantee. Within a year, John recruited Tom Vernon as a specialist tutor for younger students and attracted over 80 youngsters for affordable musical classes.
In 2008, Blackpool Music School registered as a charity, securing future funding. BMA CIC became the trading arm for the charity.
In 2009, Phil Roberts introduced exams, with options for guitar and percussion (Rock School) and keyboard, piano, and organ (ABRSM or ICMA).
In 2010, the Academy expanded outreach work with MIND and care-home residents, and provides music therapy sessions for the deprived and disabled.
With a £200,000 investment and the Social Enterprise Loan Fund, John who had always seeked improvement, relocated the BMA CIC to its own premises on Waterloo Road in Blackpool. Tragedy struck in May when Phil, dedicated to the academy, passed away to leukaemia.
The derelict premises required extensive renovations to comply with Health & Safety and Fire Regulations. Facing financial constraints, John sought free legal advice and found Banks Carrington Solicitors in Blackpool town centre. They provided free advice, helped set up the mortgage, and waived legal fees.
Inspired by this generosity, John approached local businesses for donations. To his astonishment, 48 businesses generously donated materials worth £45,000. With overwhelming support from the local community, the BMA CIC and the Blackpool Music School charity opened their new home in June 2012.
The academy offers recording facilities, a conference room, a stair lift, a disabled toilet and a breakout area. It also hosts community events like sing-along sessions and sells musical instruments and accessories.
Meet John, Our Founder
John Shaw
Founder & Head of Trustees
John faced a life-altering injury that left him unable to work. Despite initial setbacks, he founded the Blackpool Music Academy to provide accessible music education for disabled individuals, aiming to bring joy and aid in their rehabilitation (as it did for him after his surgery).
Meet The Tutors
Ray Jones
Saxophone, Clarinet & Aerophone Go Tutor
Ray studied music at Poulton School of Music and joined the Royal Air Force Music Services, touring internationally, playing for dignitaries and at major sporting events. Later, Ray played in various bands, studied multimedia, and currently performs in the jazz trio 'Take 3.'
Thomas Durkan
Electric & Acoustic Guitar Tutor
Tom has over 20 years of guitar playing experience, 15 years of professional performance, and extensive experience in sound engineering and music education. He has a BSC in Sound Engineering & Design and pursuing an MSC in Sound Design.
Peredur Ab Alan
Piano & Vocals Tutor
Originally a Welsh language speaker, Peredur has a passion for music - he trained in piano and performing arts and sang with musical theater companies, travelled the world performing, and currently teaches piano, vocal, and beginners guitar. He enjoys songwriting and performing with various musicians.
Joe Hugill
Drums & Percussion Tutor
Joe, a professional drummer and music teacher, offers drum lessons for all ages and skill levels. He has a passion for recording and production and has credits on several albums and singles.
Glen Armitage
Drums & Percussion Tutor
Experienced drummer and backing musician with 30+ years of experience, teaching jazz, funk, soul, rock, and sight reading.
Edith Thompson
Piano Tutor
Performed at Fleetwood Music & Arts Festival; Blackpool Unitarian Church; weddings; and art galleries. She has a grade 8 in pianoforte and learned under Lanceford Roberts (of Nice Opera).
Megan McGuinness
Drum Tutor
With over 8 years experience and a grade 7 at distinction level, Megan has experience in teaching fun lessons based on student interests whilst still developing the students technical ability to allow them to work towards their grade exams and/or end goals. Megan plays live gigs across multiple genres and currently plays with Poulton Brass Band as their kit player.
Lucy Ray
Vocals Tutor
With over 40 years of experience, Lucy specialises in pop, contemporary, rock, and jazz styles. A former lecturer in Commercial Music and Songwriting at Bath Spa University, Lucy has performed across the UK at venues including The Hackney Empire, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and Butlins. She has toured nationally and released four acclaimed albums in the 1990s that received international airplay and press coverage.
Leanne Farrer
Piano & Music Theory Tutor
Leanne is the musical director for stage shows, including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She has a particular love for music theory and arranging Church performances.
Willy Fluss
Acoustic/Electric Guitar & Bass Tutor
Willy is an experienced guitarist across genres including soul, jazz, blues and reggae. He has previously played alongside Geno Washington, Courtney Pine and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Harry Gordon
Vocals, Piano, Violin & Theory Tutor
Harry is a Durham University Music graduate with Grade 8 proficiency in Singing and Piano, and Grade 5 in Violin, plus extensive performance experience. His teaching blends crucial technique with the science and psychology of music to foster confidence, expression, and holistic musicianship in every student.
Tom Vernon
Acoustic/Electric Guitar & Bass Tutor
Experienced musician and guitar teacher with a diverse background in live performances and studio work. Offers a holistic approach to musical learning, incorporating creativity and musicianship skills.