Meet Our Tutors

Ray Jones

Saxophone, Clarinet & Akai Windsynth Tutor

At 14, Ray studied at Poulton School of Music under Dougie Drake, then privately under Leo Robson. Ray joined the Royal Air Force Music Services at the age of 18 and toured all over the world playing for Royalty and Heads of State. He also played for cup finals and England at Twickenham and the old Wembley stadium. After leaving the RAF, Ray played for two years at the Ice Drome and Horseshoe Bar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. In the 80’s he joined Rakes Parade Jazz Band and Rock ‘n’ Roll band FBI from 1987-1994. In 1995 he studied computers, music and film at the University of Wales at Wrexham and since 1998 to this present day, Ray has teamed up with former pupil Ray Williams to form Hip Hip 2 Rays, a Jazz, Swing and Soul Duo.

Thomas Durkan

Electric & Acoustic guitar tutor.

Tom has been playing guitar for over 20 years, starting at the age of 9, and performing professionally for 15 years in various bands across multiple genres. His career has seen him perform and sound engineer at numerous events and venues throughout the UK. With more than a decade of experience teaching guitar, he has also dedicated the past six years to teaching music performance and production from levels 2 to 5.

Tom holds a BSc in Sound Engineering & Design and is currently pursuing an MSc in Sound Design at Edinburgh Napier University. His extensive experience in performance, production, and education makes him a valuable mentor for aspiring
musicians.

Tom is available for one-on-one lessons or group sessions, welcoming
students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

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Peredur Ab Alan

vocals

Hi I’m Peredur (Predz). A Welsh language speaker originally from Aberystwyth. I learned to play piano when I was young and have a BTEC in Performing Arts.

My passion for music goes back to my younger days. Music is one of the most important aspects of my life and from a very early age I began performing. I would compete at the Eisteddfodau across Wales singing and reciting.

In my 20s and 30s I sang with various musical theatre companies and was lucky to travel to many amazing places around the world to perform.

I teach piano and voice training techniques to all ages and can teach beginners guitar. I spend most of my time perfecting new techniques, writing songs and performing with other musicians. I enjoy all aspects of music and I am open to work with different genres.

I am very exited to share my knowledge of music.

Danny Barclay

Drums (currently a guitar support tutor for group lessons Friday only)

I adore all genres of music but has a special love of Rock and Punk.
I have been playing for about 15 years and can teach all ages from beginners to those more advanced. Whether you’re looking to play to start a band or just looking to annoy your neighbours, book a lesson. I can teach one to one and groups, and available Saturdays 10am – 7pm. Book a taster session now.

Richard Lunt

Ukulele

Richard is Blackpool born and raised and grew up on a constant stream of summer shows, he started going aged five and hasn’t stopped. That was several decades ago now! Music and entertainment is something he always wanted to do. He mainly teaches ukulele (all styles/sizes), tenor guitar/banjo, harmonica and have even been known to teach people how to play the spoons.

Chloe Hart

Vocals

Chloe started teaching here just over two years ago after completing her MA in Popular Music at the University of Chester. She has over 10 years experience performing and singing in bands, choirs, musicals and as a solo act across the North-West. Most recently she has been performing with the cover band Encore de Funk, and singing as part of a piano/vocal duo with fellow tutor, Caroline.

Chloe is available to teach one to one or group vocal lessons, from children (aged 5+) to adults! Whether you’re wishing to pursue a new skill or rekindle an old passion, lessons are created and adapted to fit each student’s personal aspirations.

Chloe is also one of the tutors working with the Rock Star Youth Band, a project created to bring young people together to create and perform music!

John Mcalpine

Guitar

John Mcalpine started playing guitar at age 14 after hearing The Beatles. He has toured extensively round the UK playing for the likes of Muti platinum soul singer Kenny Thomas as well as cruise ships contracts for Princess and P&O. He has played in the pit band for theatre productions of Annie and Avenue Q and is currently playing guitar for Jersey Boys and Queen theatre productions.

John has over 25 years experience as a Professional guitarist and teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Music(Hons)Degree and a Level 6 Licentiate in Music Teaching(LRSL) Rockschool.

Joe Hughill

Drums & Percussion

Joe started teaching at the school in September 2018. Prior to this he completed both his teaching degree and his Popular Music (Hons) degree and currently works at a local college.

Joe has been playing the drums and performing in bands as both an artist and session player for over 10 years playing all over the UK. He also has a passion for recording and production and has credits on several albums and singles.

Joe is available to teach one to one lessons or as part of a group. You can have lessons from the age of 5 all the way up to adults. No previous experience is required, Joe teaches the basics right through to advanced techniques.

Joe is also working alongside other tutors in the Rock Star Youth Band which is aimed at bring people together to create and perform music.

Glen Armitage

Drums & Percussion

A professional drum tutor with many years’ experience, Glen offers 1:1 drum lessons at Blackpool Music School. If you have a drum kit and would prefer to learn on your kit in your home, Glen will come to you by way of Skype.

Over 30 years as a professional and semi-professional drummer and backing musician, specialising in jazz, funk, soul, rock, and sight reading.
Currently employed by Lancashire Music Service as a peripatetic drum teacher in schools and colleges throughout the county.
Private lessons with some 40 pupils, teaching all ages and abilities.

Asha Yarwood

Vocal tutor, producer and singer-songwriter

Asha Yarwood –
Blackpool based and Polish-born, bilingual vocalist, vocal tutor, producer and singer-songwriter with over 20 years of experience, holding BA and MA in Jazz and Popular Music (vocals), obtained at Karol Szymanowski’s Music Academy in Katowice, Poland. A lead and backing singer with a broad experience performing live on stage, in studio, as well as on TV shows. Her passion and area of expertise involves work on lead and background vocal arrangements. She has worked with some of the most prominent icons of Polish music industry, as well as collaborating with American and British producers, musicians and artists. She believes that music, especially singing, is one of the most natural form of self-expression, an outlet for human emotion, as well as a form of therapy helping overcome various psychological barriers, build confidence and simply bring a sheer joy that comes from pursuing one’s passion regardless of age, gender or nationality.

Our Other Tutors

Leanne Farrer – keyboard/piano
Willy Fluss – guitar – acoustic/electric