Drum Teachers
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A highly respected drum set educator, Frank Corniola has spent over 30 years behind the kit both in the studio and as a live performer. In 1985 Frank published his first book 'Rhythm Section Drumming'. Now distributed worldwide by the Hal Leonard Corporation, RSD addressed a unique educative approach for drums and bass, setting an industry standard.
Frank has also authored four 'Contemporary Popular Music' (CPM) step 1- 4 Drum set books for the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB).
In 1992, Frank built the Drumtek retail and school complex from the ground up! Again setting the standard as a specialist Drum and Percussion institution in Northcote, Melbourne Australia. The 'Drumtek School of Music' operates above the retail store with an in house auditorium and state of the art teaching studios.
Frank and the highly skilled teaching faculty at Drumtek, have been pushing the boundaries of standard percussion education since 1992, building a true centre for music education in Australia.
In 1993 Frank staged the first and now world renown 'Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend' (AUDW)'. An annual Drum and Percussion Festival of performances, workshops and an Expo, AUDW showcases artists from around the globe with an exhibition of all the latest gear.
Musictek, a distribution and publishing company for drum and percussion BOOKS and DVD's, is another of Frank's creations. Musictek’s vast library of titles also includes the DVD releases of Australia’s Ultimate Drummers Weekend. www.musictek.com.au
Frank Corniola is also Chief Editor, owner and publisher of Australia's #1 drum magazine DRUMscene. Drumscene Magazine is distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand and now stages an annual ‘Drumscene Live’ Tour – taking a host of international talent around the country. www.drumscene.com.au
Frank’s most recent publication is the educational text, 'Rudiments and Motions'. Released in 2001 his unique approach de-mystifies the notational approach to drum rudiments. A book sure to become another international educational standard.
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 began performing live at the age of 8 and has been playing music professionally for over 25 years. At 13 years of age Alex studied with renowned Adelaide percussionist Jim Bailey and over the course of his career has taken classes with some of the world’s best drummers - Dave Weckl, Virgil Donati, David Jones & Gregg Bissonette. Alex’s career has seen him perform all over Australia having lived and worked in the music scenes of Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne where he has resided since 1995.
Throughout his career Alex has toured, recorded and co-written with many bands and artists both nationally and internationally. Some of Alex's achievements include:
Australian Platinum Number 1 Single "Wasabi" by Lee Harding
Dean Geyer from Aus Idol, Neighbours & Glee fame, Debut Album recording and featured on Neighbours TV episodes.
Award winning albums by Australian Country Artists Carter & Carter and Sue Boyd
MTV Awards performance with American Pop Artist Teddy Geiger.
Touring nationally with Sony Artist Marie Wilson
On call session drummer for Birdland studios in Melbourne
Guest artist on "Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend 2004" internationally released DVD with 'Dom & Friends'
Featured artist on "Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend 2003" internationally released DVD
Featured artist at "Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend Concert 1997"
National Clinic Tours for Premier Drums, Sabian Cymbals and Vater Drumsticks
Runner-up winner of "Australia's Up and Coming Drummer Competition 1995".
Member of the Drumtek School of Music (School of Drums and Percussion) Teaching faculty - - for over 10 years!
Regular writer for internationally distributed Drumscene Magazine
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.
SALLY INGRAM
Sally Ingram is a professionally trained drummer and percussionist originally from regional NSW. Sally started performing as young as 8 years old and spent her youth playing in jazz, orchestral and big band groups, marching bands, musical theatre shows and varying bands of all genres.
Sally has accomplished numerous achievements such as performing in touring groups, playing at music festivals, band camps, winner of Best Young Performer award (10 years old) at Wagga Wagga Jazz & Blues Festival, performing at NSW School Spectacular, a nomination for NSW HSC Encore performance at the Sydney Opera House, an overall score of 97 in HSC Music and playing in acts that supported bands such as The Rubens, Kingswood, Bluejuice and British India.
Sally has an extensive background in musical theatre and has played for shows such as Rent, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Strictly Ballroom, Rock Of Ages, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Hairspray, HAIR, FAME!, The Wizard of Oz, Godspell & Sweet Charity.
Sally currently plays in multiple soul, funk, blues, rock and roll, pop/rock groups such as Shellys Motor Club, Amber Scates, Miss Friby whilst continuing to broaden her experience in session work and recording with local and abroad artists.
Sally believes in inspiring players to be authentically themselves and understands individual needs of students whilst focusing on core fundamentals, feel, technique and engaging training methods.
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.
Aaron McCoullough
Aaron McCoullough (PhD) is a renowned drummer, multi-percussionist, educator and graduate of the ‘Victorian College of the Arts’ (UniMelb) holding a Bachelor of Music (Hons), GradCert (Research), Master of Education, and PhD in Creative Arts (Music). As a drummer, composer and band leader, Aaron has two releases: ‘Portrait of Thoughts’ and ‘Provenience’ with Fine Music Magazine describing the performance as “technically superb” and “a class act with first-rate musicianship.” Further, Aaron is the recipient of numerous awards over the course of his career, these include: the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), Music Victoria Award, Australia Arts Council Mentor Program (Study in New York, USA), Dr Phillip Law Award (UniMelb), and Generations in Jazz Finalist.
In addition to the above, Aaron has been consistent in the Australian music scene for over two decades with numerous recording credits and recognition as an international drum endorsee for Sakae drums. Aaron has appeared at the Dubai International Jazz Festival, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Auckland International Cabaret Festival, and Christchurch International Jazz Festival. Aaron’s extensive history as an educator has seen him teach in tertiary, secondary, and elementary educational settings along with his studio teaching practice. Aaron is welcoming of students of all levels/ages/styles and teaches from an experience-based framework where student reflection is encouraged to amplify learning.
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