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
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).
Glen Armitage
Drums & Percussion Tutor
Experienced drummer and backing musician with 30+ years of experience, teaching jazz, funk, soul, rock, and sight reading.
Jessie Papa
Vocal Tutor
Jessie is a vocal tutor and performer who studied Music Education at Codarts Conservatory of the Arts and New Era University. She tailors every lesson to the individual student, focusing on healthy technique, musical expression, and building the confidence to enjoy their unique voice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
Rick Lunt
Ukulele & Specialist Stringed Instruments Tutor
Rick’s musical journey spans decades. His ukulele band in Manchester has performed at numerous charity events. For the past four years, Rick has been the video creator for Blackpool Music School’s YouTube channel, producing over 1,300 educational videos on a diverse range of instruments and styles.
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.
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.
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.
Registered Charity
Charity Number: 1120716
Without the support and generosity of local companies and volunteers, Blackpool Music School would not be what it is today.
Activities - How the charity spends its money
To advance the musical education for the benefit of the public, primarily but not exclusively for those who are disabled, and those who have need by reason of their social or economic circumstances. This will be achieved through the provision of classes and performances