Phil Jones
I’m Phil, founder of Inspire Drums.
We are a family run business, aiming to achieve what we preach. We bring an eclectic and unique set of skills, developed over years of drumming experiences, techniques and challenges.
If we go back to the beginning, I started drumming, aged 12, with passion and desire to make noise. After a lot of loud banging, for many years, I found myself in a successful punk/pop band, Strain. I have enjoyed over 35 years of live performance, studio recording and session work.
After my punk days passed, I developed my drumming in new directions, I found a speciality in feel and connecting through music. I pursued this so I could apply it to my work, encourage others to experience music in new ways and connect with the drums in an empathetic way.
Looking back at my job history, I began at Dowty as a Craft Apprentice, developing many practical & technical skills before returning to college to study management and eventually working as part of a Senior Management team specialising in developing teams to achieve company objectives through people & process management, training & personal development.
In my mid-20’s I worked as a snowboard instructor, a sport that I still enjoy today. I found success in snowboarding and quickly becoming one of the first accredited dry slope instructors in the UK. Just from this alone, I learnt important coaching skills in what was a challenging environment.
After many years of working away from drums, I decided to step out of the corporate world and I started Inspire Drums with a goal, to help others through music. The journey I have taken so far has opened my door to so many people, allowing me to experience music in all walks of life. A rewarding experience that brings a wide variety of skills into business, school and life. I have seen the benefits that drumming can unlock.
If you want to know more help unlocking unknown talents, developing character, and inspiring growth & confidence inspire drums may be a cool place to stop.
Sarah Jones
I’m Sarah, Phil’s wife & Partner in Inspire Drums.
We met in 1996 when I was a director of an independent record label that signed his band, and I was asked to act as the band’s manager. We married the same year, and I’ve actively contributed in all areas of Phil’s professional development, and encouraged him with his vision to found Inspire Drums.
I have worked in many arenas over the years – music, administration, IT, sales, youth work and as an equine veterinary nursing assistant!
My main role is to support Phil, bring creative ideas, network, and help materialise our plans moving forward.
Sarah
Oscar Stone
Hi, I’m Oscar! Originally hailing from Doncaster, Yorkshire, I have being playing the drums since aged 12. After completing my advance performance diploma from Trinity College London, I moved to Brighton to study at the British institute of modern music (BIMM). During my time at BIMM, I studied and became fluent in various essential styles of music and advanced techniques under some of the UK's top educators, the likes of Pat Garvey and Preston Prince. I graduated in 2016 with a BA (Hons) in professional musicianship.
My playing career has taken me on tours across the UK and Europe and performances at festivals such as 2000 trees, Y not, The Big Festival and Reeperbahn, sharing the stage with acts such as Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, Scouting For Girls, The Feeling, Peter Andre and Peace. I have also had the opportunity to record with producer Mark Flannery (Deaf Leppard) and engineer Ed’s John (McFly).
Since moving to the South West in 2017, I have been fortunate to pursue my other passion along side performing, teaching! Over the last four years, I have had to opportunity to work with students of all ages and abilities and I am super proud of their 100% pass rate through both Trinity and Rock School! It gives me great pride to watch each student grow in their own way and being able to nurture a skill that I am so passionate about.
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John Ganner
Hi I'm John, drum teacher at Inspire Drums.
I started playing and performing in bands when I was 9 and it has since remained my obsession.
After graduating from the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2018, I've gigged across the country and kept busy as a local drum teacher.
I love facilitating the discovery of a new hobby; then seeing students' passion and ability (and oftentimes, character) grow in real-time. It's deeply rewarding and never gets tiresome.
That includes showing Phil alternating paradiddle-diddle accents, to which he said "you've inspired me"!
Marcus (aka Elmer)
Hi I’m Marcus (aka Elmer), and have been drumming for err, since I can remember!
I’m one of those drummers who has been doing it for real seemingly forever, and I currently drum for two pretty successful bands of the punky/pop/rock type all over the place.
I like to bring the best out of my students, and I can confidently do this tapping into my life experience as a drummer, oh and also a paraglider instructor. I like to think that I can teach and coach way beyond the book and during my lessons I often try to set the “playing in a band” vibe.
It’s really exciting to be part of the inspiredrums team and I’m here to support drum lessons in schools and private lessons. In addition to that I will be helping develop some of the exciting inspiredrums projects well into the future.
Jack Twinning
Hi I’m Jack
I began playing drums at 10 years old, quickly becoming obsessed! Achieving Rockschool Grade 4 Drums at age 14.
Having studied with a great teacher throughout secondary school I knew that I wanted to pursue drumming as a career.
At 16 I attended Access Creative College where I achieved an RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners. Here I learnt how to accompany and complement different musicians. While also studying drums privately learning about advanced techniques and various styles of music.
At 17 I joined a successful cover band, giving me hands-on experience in the industry playing live at pubs, venues, and private functions. During 2020 I worked alongside a band at a recording studio, helping them to create and record an EP.
From all this experience I am able to teach in a fun, relaxed manner! And I take great pride in watching students flourish behind the kit.
Lydia Ashley
My experience in digital and print marketing helps project the Inspire Drums name and ethos to an audience of individuals with a passion to learn drums. My main role in the team is to create and implement marketing campaigns, polish the brand and enforce the spirit of Inspire Drums to all those who come into contact with the business.
I am a Music Industry Management graduate with experience in live event management and artist management. I saw projects from planning through to delivery and completion, booking UK tours and releasing two albums with supporting singles and music videos. My passion for music and competence in marketing lead me to become a part of the Inspire Drums team.
Sam Jones
Hey, Im Sam, Inspire’s in house design team.
I help with the logos, print and other jargon-y things to ensure that you see the orange drum everywhere you go! If you see a poster or business card, you can assume it came from me.
And I occasionally jump behind the drum kit to have a play and enjoy making music.
Rebekah Jones
I’m Rebekah, Phil & Sarah’s daughter, and Social Media
Co-Ordinator for Inspire Drums.
Having parents involved with music, it has always been a big part of my life. I began singing publicly at a very young age, learning guitar at 14, and going on to study Music Tech full time at college.
I have many years experience of social media, and am able to bring a fresh approach to Inspire Drums online presence.
Join the team!
Inspire Drums is a dynamic business with growth in all our areas of operation.
Are you a teachable, reliable, committed person with drumming and people skills? We are always looking for people with the “right stuff” to involve in the many exciting projects we deliver. Get in touch if you would like to have a no obligation chat about what you have to offer.