Tutors

Vic Hyland - Guitar

Vic Hyland is nationally known for his educational work with the guitar, and his research work into creativity in music. He is also an international examiner for the Registry of Guitar Tutors. Vic's guitar playing has also been likened to a mixture of Hendrix, Santana and Jeff Beck and his voice to that of Sting. He is a prolific and versatile songwriter often creating a hybrid from differing influences, which can be experienced on his many CDs. He has also had a considerable influence on many up and coming musicians, through nurturing new talent and also delivering his regular lectures on the music business. These include the use of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (which Vic learnt from Richard Bandler and the hypnotist Paul McKenna). His interest in the consciousness and creativity area has led to the book Art of Practice and the CD Creativity and Health that deals with the areas of learning and the problems with education within society. Vic is also a director of '440 Music Ltd' a company that teaches guitar to group classes. Visit Vic's website

Grant Tunbridge - Bass

Grant was a founder member of Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation and toured extensively in the UK and Europe. He recorded five albums with Nicky Moore and appeared on BBC 1 Lakesiders; Paul Jones Radio 2 in session and the band was voted Blues band of the year in 2000 by Radio 2 listeners. Grant has also written songs which have been played on Radio 2 and local radio stations. Grant has released his own CD 'Onwards and Upwards' and continues to write and perform. Grant teaches guitar and bass at schools in Kent, coaches Rock school groups and works with children/adults with learning needs. Grant is also a director of '440 Music Ltd’. Visit Grant's website

Tom Knight - Voice Coach

Tom started singing and playing instruments from a very early age. He began exercising his vocal talents, with Rochester Cathedral Choir - which paved the way to singing as a career. Tom is a prolific writer of music. He has a busy music teaching practice in schools as well as giving private tuition. He also finds time to gig in the duo 'Da Capo' Who's more memorable gigs include a fundraising event at the Hazlitt theatre in Maidstone with the "Cheeky Girls" as support (cheeky cheeky). Visit Tom's website

Chris Penfold - Keyboards

Chris began playing the piano at the age of five. By the age of eight he had gained a music scholarship at King’s School Rochester. Having completed the associated board grades by the age of fifteen Chris began to play and record in bands. Chris went on to Middlesex university and studied music performance and music technology. After completing a music based PGCE Chris began teaching in various schools in Essex and London concentrating on music technology. This included teaching GCSE, GNVQ and A-level. Chris has now left teaching and has set up a studio with his new company Liaison Management. This company manages bands and solo artists and pursues record/publishing deals on their behalf. Chris continues to play in many bands, and also records in many studios in London and the south east. He has also gigged at many venues including the Jazz Café in Camden and other well known London venues. He has developed excellent practical skills in putting on large musical events, recording live and in the studio and in encouraging others to pursue their own musical dreams and aspirations. Visit Chris' website

Sam Kelly - Drums

Voted British Blues Connection “Drummer of the Year” for five years running. Sam, who is London-based, can regularly be seen drumming with GEOFF ACHISON, PAPA GEORGE BAND, GILES HEDLEY & THE AVIATORS, EMPIRE STATE and THE FOUNDATIONS,GARRY MOORE.Toured and did recording in 2008 to name but a few... In between all of this, Sam also works with his own band, STATION HOUSE. A versatile, creative, energetic player who in the early days toured with Jimmy Lindsay, Billy Ocean and Desmond Dekker, then went “rocking” around Europe with Roger Chapman & the Shortlist, Kevin Coyne and Michelle Shocked. Other bands/artists that Sam has worked with over the years include Gordon Haskell (Sam was drummer on the Christmas 2001 top ten hit “How Wonderful You Are”), Stan Webb, Liz McComb, Sista Monica, Eddie Floyd, Big Joe Duskin, Johnny Mars, Fred James, The Butler Twins, Sonny Black & the Dukes Wolfie Witcher & His Brew, Shakey Vicks Blues Band, Chuck Farley, Root Jackson & The G.B. Blues Band and Zoot Money. There has also been time for theatre engagements including the West End Production of 125th Street (2002-2003) The Blues Brothers 1997 UK Tour, Ain't Misbehavin, Blues In The Night, All Or Nothing At All, Mass Carib, This Is My Dream - The Josephine Baker Story, Flash Trash and The Pirate Princess. TV & film credits: Thats Life, Not the Nine O’Clock News and Ebony. Sam was the drums music teacher for the UK film SWING. Sam started his career in the early 70’s, touring the USA with CYMANDE. Although the band were never big in the UK their ‘Nyha Rock’ style of music is often sampled and several tracks can be heard in the Spike Lee movies, 25th Hour and Crooklyn. Currently freelance, Sam continues to work in the UK and overseas also doing music workshops.