About Hugh

Drum and percussion teacher | Working professional drummer | Inventor

I have taught drums and percussion since 1997 and worked as a freelance drummer for nearly 30 years. During that time I have played hundreds of gigs—in jazz clubs, theatres, concert halls, festivals, function bands, touring productions and venues ranging from small pubs to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

That experience is central to my teaching. I am not teaching drumming only from books or exam syllabuses: I have learned through thousands of hours spent rehearsing, performing, listening, adapting and working alongside other musicians. I help pupils develop the technique to play the instrument, but also the awareness, confidence and musical judgement needed to play with people.

Teaching experience

I currently teach at Cheadle Hulme School, where I have worked since 2007, and Hartford Church of England High School, where I have taught since 2019. I also teach privately from my studio in Hartford, working with pupils from age five to adult—from complete beginners through to advanced students preparing for higher-level exams and music college.

Previous teaching posts include the University of Salford, Sandbach High School and Sixth Form, North Cestrian Grammar School and Bridgewater School. I previously ran private teaching practices in Kettering and Salford.

Former pupils have progressed to undergraduate music study at the Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire, the University of Salford, the University of Huddersfield and BIMM.

A working drummer for nearly 30 years

My playing has covered jazz, soul, salsa, funk, pop, rock, theatre and commercial work. Musicians and groups I have performed with include Alan Barnes, Mike Walker, Steve Berry, Stuart McCallum, Neil Yates, John Hallam, Andrzej Baranek, Descarga, Salsa Pa Gozar, 52 Skidoo, The Hot Jazz Biscuits, The Magic Hat Ensemble and The Retrosettes, among many others.

I have backed visiting American artists including The Contours, Dee Dee Sharp, Gloria Jones, The Miracles, The Velvelettes and Swamp Dogg. Performance highlights include Glastonbury Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Buxton International Festival and touring and engagements across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Musical education and mentoring

I gained a first-class degree in Music from the University of Salford in 2002. My own teachers have included Rick Dior, Peter Erskine, Dave Hassell, Jim Blackley, Felix Navarro, Jim Chapin and Dom Famularo. I have also mentored Royal Northern College of Music undergraduates studying music education in the community.

Other work

I booked and promoted jazz at The Lowry in Salford from 2005 to 2008. I am also the inventor of Cymbomute and the patented Magnetic Drummers Brush Holder, developed with input from Peter Erskine.

A few memorable moments

• Performing “Do You Love Me” with The Contours

• Backing Peter Kay when he appeared on stage to sing “L-O-V-E”

• Playing at a late-night rumba in Santiago de Cuba

• Performing at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai on New Year’s Eve 2009

• Playing a jazz gig to an audience of one, two days before the 2020 lockdown

Hugh Lawrence BA (Hons) MISM