Drum Teachers
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Drumtek Founder, Drum Educator, Author & Industry Leader
Frank Corniola is a highly respected drum educator and industry leader with over 40 years of professional experience as a session player and live performer. His contributions to drum education and the percussion industry have established him as one of Australia's most influential figures in the field.
Frank has authored several groundbreaking educational texts that have become international standards:
Rhythm Section Drumming (1985) - Now distributed worldwide by Hal Leonard Corporation, this pioneering publication introduced a unique educational approach for drums and bass that set a new industry benchmark.
Rudiments and Motions (2001) - This innovative text demystifies the notational approach to drum rudiments, earning recognition as an international educational standard.
Contemporary Popular Music (CPM) Series - Four comprehensive drum set books (Steps 1-4) for the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB), establishing formal examination standards for contemporary drumming in Australia.
In 1992, Frank established Drumtek in Northcote, Melbourne - a specialist drum and percussion retail and education complex. For over three decades, Drumtek has been Australia's premier destination for drummers and percussionists.
The Drumtek School of Music features state-of-the-art teaching studios and an in-house auditorium. Under Frank's leadership, Drumtek has consistently pushed the boundaries of drum and percussion education.
In 1993, Frank created Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend, now recognized as one of the world's premier drum festivals. This annual event combines performances, workshops, and expo, showcasing international artists and the latest equipment.
DRUMscene Magazine - As Chief Editor, owner, and publisher, Frank created Australia's leading drum magazine in 1995, distributed throughout Australia, featuring the world's most influential drummers.
Musictek - Frank's distribution and publishing company specializing in drum and percussion educational materials, including DVD releases of Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend.
For over four decades, Frank Corniola has shaped drum education and the percussion industry in Australia. His vision and commitment to excellence continue to inspire generations of drummers.
ROBI PAROLIN
Robi Parolin graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 1994, since then he has performed with many top artists from Australia and around the world.
He cut his teeth freelancing in Melbourne’s vibrant music scene playing in a variety of settings and backing many local singing talent shows.
He then performed with “Relax with Max” and “Coup De Ville” over a period of seven years before joining Ex Chocolate Starfish frontman Adam Thompson embarking on a 4 year performing, recording, and touring stint throughout Australia. After this period, Robi was involved in forming RADIODOGS where he wrote, recorded and produced for the band performing live on GMA and The Big Night In with John Foreman, also co-writing the bands singles.
As an Endorsee for Gretsch drums, Vic Firth and Paiste cymbals, Robi has performed clinics for all three companies.
Robi is also actively involved in teaching, having held positions at Box Hill Institute for over 20 years, and also teaching Tech classes and Ensembles at Melbourne Polytechnic. He is also one of the longest serving teachers at Drumtek, having taught some of Australia’s best working drummers including; Oliver Bugg, Oliver Collins, Leigh Fisher, Robert Brens, Jim Rindfleish, Daniel Luttick, Georgia Flipo (GFlip) Kempton Maloney (School of Rock) and Prince Peng.
Robi has a vast knowledge of drum texts and styles and has successfully prepared countless students for auditions to nearly every music institution in Victoria as well as AMEB and VCE exams.
Robi has recorded and performed live, with country “vocalist of the year” Steve Eales, and Guitarist James Ryan, and worked extensively with Melbourne producer Reggie Bowman. He has also graced the stage with the Legendary Robben Ford in the Fender Blues Jamm,
and appeared on television with Vanessa Amorosi, Shania Twain and Sophie Ellis Bextor.
Robi has also performed with Ross Wilson, Wendy Stapleton, Glen Shorrock and legendary Australian Band the Skyhooks. He has also worked with up and coming artists, having performed with “Australia’s got Talent” winner Bonnie Anderson and “the voice" and "Australian Idol's" Jacob Butler.
Presently Robi is part of the touring line up for the biggest Bee Gees tribute show in the world “The Australian Bee Gees Show” (ABGS) based in Las Vegas. This has led to multiple performances in Singapore, India, Las Vegas, Manila, Kuala Lumper, Guam and Germany, as well as touring extensively throughout Australia.
Other current projects have also included the Adele (tribute) show and CANYON DUST (performing songs from the iconic west coast American bands) as well as setting up his own studio where he is recording and producing.
ALEX DEEGAN
Alex Deegan is a seasoned professional drummer with over 30 years of performance experience, bringing extensive real-world expertise to his teaching at Drumtek School of Music.
Alex's passion for drumming began early - performing live by age 8 and studying with renowned Adelaide percussionist Jim Bailey from age 13.
Throughout his career, he has continued advancing his craft through masterclasses with world-class drummers including Dave Weckl, Virgil Donati, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers and Gregg Bissonette.
Based in Melbourne since 1995, Alex has been an active force in Australia's music scenes across Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, touring, recording, and co-writing with numerous bands and artists nationally and internationally.
Recording & Performance:
Australian Platinum Number 1 Single "Wasabi" by Lee Harding
Dean Geyer (Australian Idol, Neighbours & Glee) - Debut album recording and featured TV performances
Award-winning albums with Australian Country Artists Carter & Carter and Sue Boyd
MTV Awards performance with American Pop Artist Teddy Geiger
National touring with Sony Artist Marie Wilson
Session drummer for Birdland Studios, Melbourne
Industry Recognition:
Featured artist at Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend (multiple years)
National clinic tours for Ludwig Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, REMO drumheads and Vic Firth Drumsticks
Regular contributor to internationally distributed DRUMscene Magazine
Alex has been a valued member of the Drumtek School of Music teaching faculty for over 20 years, making him one of our most experienced and trusted educators.
Three decades of professional performance experience across all genres
Real-world touring and studio recording insights
Technical expertise developed through study with world-class drummers
Understanding of music industry dynamics and career development
Patient, encouraging approach that builds confidence and skill
Alex specializes in:
Developing solid technical foundations
Performance preparation and stage presence
Studio recording techniques and mindset
Musical versatility across rock (including Double Bass Drum tech), pop, Jazz, Fusion, and contemporary styles
Helping students discover their unique voice as drummers
Whether you're a beginner discovering drumming for the first time or an advanced player looking to refine your skills for professional work, Alex's extensive experience and passion for teaching will guide your musical journey.
PETE DRUMMOND
Pete Drummond is one of Australia’s most phenomenal drummers, celebrated for his innovative approach, technical prowess, and deep-rooted musicality. As a passionate drum educator, Pete has developed unique lessons through DrumDNA.com. He was invited to the US to appear on DrumChannel.com, playing alongside Thomas Lang and filming courses based on his DrumDNA philosophy. He is a member of the ARIA Hall of Fame band Dragon and the iconic 90s band Southern Sons, inheriting the seat from Virgil Donati. His band, The Outernet with Phil Turcio, showcases complex and virtuosic musicality. Pete has graced the covers of Drumhead magazine (USA) and Drumscene. His session credits include The Temptations, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc, Choirboys, Lee Kernaghan, Wendy Matthews, Glenn Shorrock, Christine Anu, Shannon Noll, Bachelor Girl, and more. He has performed at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles with Bunny Brunel’s CAB. Pete is endorsed worldwide by Paiste cymbals and DW Drums.
"I first heard of Pete many years ago when I was still residing in Australia. It was immediately evident to me that he possessed a level of talent, passion, and dedication necessary to evolve as a skilful player. Many years have passed, and from what I've seen, he connects emotionally with his audience, and musically and technically leaves them in awe. He still has a great future ahead of him, and I personally look forward to seeing him evolve even further as an artist and pass on his knowledge to the new crop of players."
— Virgil Donati (Drumming Legend/Allan Holdsworth/Planet X/Steve Vai)
"Pete Drummond's 'Identity Crisis' record is an inspiring musical self-portrait, full of inventive and creative ideas, fantastic songwriting and Pete's incredible drumming. This is a hugely impressive musical statement and a rare example of super advanced 21st century high-end drumming applied in a band context in its most musical and creative form."
— Thomas Lang (Drumming Superstar/Paul Gilbert/Bonnie Tyler)
"If you took all of your favorite drummers and put them together in one guy, it would be Pete Drummond. He plays so beautifully. He's got chops for days, and feel, and groove. I love his playing. Incredible."
— Mickey Currey (Bryan Adams/Hall & Oates/World Renowned Session Drummer)
We’re excited to welcome Pete Drummond to the Drumtek teaching team!
TOPICS PETE WILL COVER INCLUDE:
- Hand Technique
- Double Dass Drumming
- 4-Way Independence
- Rhythm Knowledge
- Linear and Layered Coordination
- Groove and Time Keeping
- Soloing
- Odd Times
- Polyrhythms
- DrumDNA method
RACHEL TRAINOR
Rachel is a New Zealand-born, Melbourne based professional drummer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. She holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours – First Class) from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand where she was tutored by ex-Mother Goose drummer Marcel Rodeka and bassist Rob Burns, whose credits include playing for the BBC and collaborations with well known musicians such as Pete Townsend of The Who.
Coming from a very musical family, she had her first drum lesson at age 12, picking up regular lessons a year later when she started high school (as a great way to get out of maths class). During her time at university she was part of several professional bands and toured throughout New Zealand with both corporate and original acts, as well as gaining experience playing in pit bands for musicals such as ‘Buddy Holly’ and ‘Back To The 80s’.
She made the move to Melbourne in 2012 and since then has played at many iconic Melbourne venues including Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant Melbourne, where she provided drums, vocals and guitar (among other instruments) for the show for two years running, finishing when Dracula’s closed their Melbourne doors at the end of 2017.
Since then Rachel has toured interstate with cabaret shows ‘Anya Anastasia: Rogue Romantic’ and ‘Rebel’, a David Bowie inspired circus cabaret and continues to gig regularly around Melbourne as a session player and with her original psych-rock band Honeybone.
STEVE ALLINGHAM
Steve Allingham is a highly accomplished session drummer, percussionist, music producer, and educator with an extensive and dynamic career in the music industry. Known for his versatility and creativity, Steve has collaborated with renowned artists such as Kylie Auldist, Dub FX, Blue King Brown, The Red Eyes, Tumbarumba, King Canoe, and Steve Sedergreen.
A winner of the prestigious Australian Best Up and Coming Drummer Award in 2003, Steve has continued to push the boundaries of his craft, performing and recording across a wide range of genres and styles.
Steve’s education includes studying at the Box Hill College of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts, with further studies in Cuba, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Brazil enriching his expertise with global influences.
He has toured extensively in Canada, the USA, Japan, Germany, France, Poland, and Portugal, sharing his artistry with audiences around the world.
Steve Allingham remains a dedicated educator and innovator, inspiring the next generation of musicians while continuing to create and perform at the highest level.
KANE WATTS
Professional drummer, passionate educator, live & studio session musician; Kane Watts is one of the most sought after drummers in the Melbourne music scene.
Kane studied with some of Australia's best; Gerry Pantazis, Darryn Farrugia, David Jones, Graham Morgan and Andy Gander.
As a dedicated young student, he fast became proficient with a wide variety of music genres - from Pop, Rock, Jazz, RnB, Latin and Fusion.
Graduating at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) in 2017, Kane achieved a perfect score of 50 in his VCE Music Investigations subject, in which he was studying the Jazz Fusion drumming styles of Dave Weckl, Larnell Lewis and Mike Clark. In that same year, Kane also received the John Hopkins Award at VCASS (awarded for outstanding results, commitment and great potential for future success).
Kane currently works as a session drummer playing with multiple different bands and original artists, performing at weddings, corporate shows, festivals, tribute shows and tours throughout Australia.
Beginning his teaching journey in 2018, Kane taught at various schools educating drum students from the ages of 5 to VCE level and beyond.
Kane’s students have won scholarship awards and been involved in the Victorian State School Spectacular. Through a high level of motivation, clear goal setting, and a close bond with their teacher, students continue to see huge personal growth when learning with Kane.
We’re proud to have Kane as a member of Australia’s best drumkit school of music, with a rich history spanning over 32+ years!
OLLIE SHUTE
After establishing himself within the Melbourne Music scene over the past 8
years Ollie has had the immense pleasure of performing with famed jazz artists
such as James Morrison, Dick Oatts, Mat Jodrell, Carl Mackey, Mark Fitzgibbon,
Tony Gould, Wilbur Wilde and many more! In 2021 Ollie finished and completed
his Bachelor of Music at the James Morrison Academy of Music where he was
honoured to be awarded the recipient of the Performance in Excellence award.
Since then Ollie has gone on to perform with many great jazz ensembles such as
the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Mark Fitzgibbon Trio, Carl Mackey
Quartet as well as Melbourne Cuban heavyweights Sazon and La Influencia.
Ollie has had the great fortune of studying with some of Australia’s best
drummers including: Darryn Farrugia, David Jones, Danny Fischer, Patrick-Earl
Danao, Jethro Negron and many more…
In 2024 Ollie is now commencing his Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree at The
Victorian College of The Arts specializing in Cuban Drumset applications.
Ollie is always continuing to carve out a diverse career as a creative and
professional contemporary musician/educator whilst remaining a life-long learner
and contributor to the music community.
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ARI DANAHER-FLAVELL
Ari is a session drummer, drum educator, music director and composer currently living, performing, writing and teaching in NAARM, Melbourne, Australia. Ari brings his own brand of positive energy, passion and professionalism to all his work, leading him to now being one of Melbourne’s most sought-after musicians.
Ari is a founding member of the Melbourne band UGLIEBOY, and a drummer, collaborator with artists such as Harriet Wraith, Alice Ruby, Elkie Kershaw and Moaning Lisa. Ari also is currently music directing for Harriet Wraith and Alice Ruby's respective projects.
Ari has toured nationally a multitude of times with his band UGLIEBOY and Australian indie rock band Moaning Lisa, launching their album 'Fainter’ in Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. He has also toured Australia with Queen Tribute act Queen Rocks and Rhapsody, playing cooperate events and theatres across the nation.
He is currently in his final semester at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Popular Music studies.
These tours and his regular hiring as a session player for various artists have led to many notable performances including playing headline shows to sold out crowds. He has also played shows with Australian Idol finalist Harry Hayden at Crown Electric Dreams and has opened for major Australian acts including Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, WAAX, Majak Door and Satin Cali.
Ari specialises in fostering a healthy love and passion of drums within all his students, focusing on developing personal style and identity, as well as technique, and versatility behind the drum kit. His well-rounded experience of playing and working in various genres and styles of music allowing him to resonate with any student, no matter their age or ability.
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OLIVER BUGG
Oliver Bugg is a professional drummer, session musician and educator actively working in the Melbourne music scene. Unrestricted by genre, Oliver draws from jazz, punk, hip-hop, folk and electronic music in his playing and is inspired by the likes of Mark Giuliana, Jack DeJohnette, Questlove, and Roni Kaspi to name a few.
With a keen interest in music from the age of 10, Oliver picked up the drums as his first instrument, and cello shortly after. Oliver continued playing drums throughout High School, venturing into realms of funk and jazz in later years as well as the rock and contemporary music that drew him to drums. This led to the completion VCE music with high marks, and the honour of playing his rendition of John Coltrane’s jazz classic ‘Equinox’ at the recital centre for Top Class 2018. Eager to extend his skillset behind the kit, Oliver began studies at Box Hill Institute for his Batchelor of Applied Performance. Learning from some of Melbourne’s finest drummers, including Dave Beck, Tony Floyd and Rob Parolin, Oliver graduated with a High Distinction average across the board.
Oliver currently plays for a range of Melbourne acts ranging from folk/rock with Gena Rose Bruce and Taylah Carroll to R&B/Pop with Yara Alkurd and Elaura among several others. This has led to playing opportunities at iconic Melbourne Venues such as 170 Russell, Howler, Northcote Social Club and Brunswick Ballroom, as well as festivals such as SXSW Sydney, Meadow and Euroa Music Fest.
Oliver focuses largely on tone, feel, and creativity in his teaching, encouraging students to not only learn the fundamentals and excel at them, but to find their own originality in their playing and develop as a unique and inspiring drummer.
LEON KECHAYAS
Leon Kechayas is a highly acclaimed touring and studio session drummer based in Melbourne, bringing world-class performance experience directly to his students at Drumtek.
Leon's impressive career includes touring and recording with some of Australia's most recognized artists and productions:
Current Projects:
Reece Mastin - Touring drummer (2023-present) across Australia and New Zealand
The King Of Pop Show Starring TJ - Eight years performing in Australia's most prestigious venues including the Palais Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, State Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, and Princess Theatre, plus international performances at Marina Bay Sands (Singapore) and Arène du Sud (New Caledonia)
In 2024 Leon joined Emmanuel Kelly on drums supporting Coldplay during their 11-show stadium tour across Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland. Coldplay's 'Music of the Spheres' tour is the highest-grossing and longest-running stadium tour in history.
Leon has worked with an impressive roster of artists including Isaiah Firebrace, Goanna Band, Colin Hay (Men At Work), Fatai, Tones And I, Kennyon Brown (USA), Jordan Astra (Canada), Tanya George, and Harrison Craig. He's even appeared in TV commercials and Robbie Williams' biopic Better Man.
Leon's exceptional versatility spans multiple genres: Rock, Pop & Country, Funk, Jazz & Fusion, Orchestral work for film scores and jingles. This diverse experience as a working session drummer makes him uniquely qualified to teach students across all styles and skill levels.
Leon brings his extensive professional experience into every lesson at Drumtek. He believes in teaching students not just the fundamentals, but how to excel at them while developing their own unique voice behind the kit.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your drumming to a professional level, Leon's real-world experience and passion for teaching will inspire and guide your musical journey.
BEN 'ELLIS' FLEMING
Ben ‘Ellis’ Fleming is a professional musician, songwriter, and educator.
They’ve played in many original bands over the past decade including GUSH, The Sunken Sea, Garage Sale, Tram Cops, and Tali and the Arms, carving
out their reputation as
a unique and creative drummer within the music scene.
While they are skilled in many forms of music, Rock and Alternative will always be closest to their heart! Ellis has extensive performance experience in many genres including Jazz, B
ig Bands, Rock, Alternative, Folk, and Musical Theatre.
Ellis has been an avid music fan since they started learning piano at the age of 6 - a few years later beginning drum lessons with Tony Floyd. Since then, they’ve been learning drums for over 16 years, and have learnt from some of Australia’s leading drummers including Tony Floyd , Graham Morgan, Ronny Ferella, David Jones, and Danny Fischer.
Their music skills were cultivated throughout high school as they studied at VCASS with Graham, excelling at all their VCE music subjects. Hungry for more, they then continued on to their Bachelor of Music at VCA, where they further studied Jazz and improv, and had the pleasure of continuing their lessons with Graham Morgan, and began lessons with Ronny Ferella and
David Jones.
Ellis’ focus is on empowering students with their musical independence - by providing them with the tools to learn how to practice creatively, effectively, and clearly! Their goal as an
educator is to provide beginner students with well rounded musical foundations that will serve as a bedrock for further learning, while helping each drummer with finding their own unique voice.
STEPHEN CARUANA
Stephen grew up in Australia listening to Pop and Rock music and spent quite a few years playing in different bands gaining performance experience. In 1998, he began a five year Jazz Drumming study at the Queensland Conservatory. In that same year, he began his career as a drum set teacher.
After graduating in 2002, with a Bmus - Specialised Performance Degree, Stephen continued to play professionally in a variety of bands playing different styles of music: Rock, Jazz, Funk and Latin. It was common to play three to six gigs per week in Australia.
In 2004, Stephen arrived in The Netherlands and began his two year Masters of Music - Latin Drumming & Percussion study, at the Rotterdams Conservatory (Codarts). He soon gained a high level of understanding and skills on Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Bata, Shekere, Pandiero, Caixia, Surdo, Ciaxixi, Cajon, Shakers and many other percussion instruments, including music from Cuba, Brazil and the Americas (North and South). During his study, and after his graduation in The Netherlands, he continued to teach, and share his vast variety of knowledge with all of his drum students.
Stephen is aware of the difficulties people can have when learning an instrument and therefore he adopts a very patient, supporting approach to everyone's learning progress. Playing music is something that ignites your inner soul, and for Stephen, being able to share that with drummers and musicians alike, is a wonderful opportunity that we should all experience.
Stephen’s performances were spread throughout Holland, and reached into Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, etc. These performances were ranging from Cafes, Bars, Clubs, Theatres, Concert Halls and Festivals.
Upon returning to Australia, Stephen returned to his hometown of Brisbane, where he spent four years, touring & teaching.
Stephen relocated to Melbourne in 2018, where he continues to share his knowledge and experience, by assisting other musicians develop their craft. His focus as a Professional Musician, is to perform skilfully, creatively and musically. As a Professional Teacher, he shares these skills with other drummers & percussionists, all towards the goal of "speaking freely" through the instrument.
SANDRO GIAMBRUNO
Sandro Giambruno is a versatile drummer, producer, and passionate educator based in Melbourne, bringing a unique blend of international experience and diverse musical influences to his teaching at Drumtek.
Sandro's drumming is primarily rooted in R&B and contemporary jazz, with a style influenced by cutting-edge artists like Youssef Dayes, Steve Gadd, Elvin Jones, Mark Guiliana, Nate Smith. His musical palette extends far beyond these foundations, drawing inspiration from classical music to indie-pop, creating a rich and adaptable approach to drumming.
This diverse range of influences allows Sandro to connect with students across multiple genres and help them develop their own unique musical voice.
Professional Experience
- Extensive touring experience throughout Europe with a melodic-hardcore punk band, developing strong stage presence and versatility across high-energy performances.
- Immersed in LA's vibrant R&B community through live performances and collaborations, gaining valuable insight into contemporary groove-based music.
- Active performer and recording artist in Melbourne and Byron Bay, collaborating with various artists including Bradley Stone. Engaged in diverse jazz projects and contemporary music collaborations.
Formal Training: Jazz drums at conservatory level in Italy, providing a strong foundation in jazz tradition, improvisation, and advanced rhythmic concepts.
Sandro is a passionate educator who believes in developing the complete musician, not just technical ability. His teaching approach focuses on:
Expression - Finding your personal voice behind the drums
Dynamics - Understanding the power of volume control and contrast
Musical Colour - Creating texture and emotion through tone and touch
Artistic Development - Helping students discover and refine their unique sound
Students Gain:
Strong technical foundations across multiple genres
Understanding of contemporary and traditional jazz concepts
R&B groove and feel development
Real-world performance insights from international experience
Encouragement to explore their own musical identity
Sandro's international experience and genre diversity make him an ideal teacher for students of all ages and levels.
Whether you're exploring jazz for the first time, developing your groove in R&B, or looking to become a more expressive and dynamic player, Sandro's experience and passion for teaching will guide your musical journey.
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