John Vooght
With over 30 years of playing experience and more than 20 years of teaching, John is the founder and driving force behind Drummers Academy. He created the Academy’s structured learning programme to give students a clear pathway from their very first lesson through to advanced musicianship.
John teaches all styles of drumming, from rock, pop, funk and soul to jazz and musical theatre, with a strong emphasis on sound, technique, musicality and developing complete musicians. His lessons are patient, encouraging and tailored to each individual, helping every student build confidence while making consistent, measurable progress.
As a professional performer, John has toured throughout the UK and the United States, bringing real-world musical experience into every lesson. He has guided numerous students to Trinity College London Grade 8 Distinction and has particular expertise in sight reading, music theory and technical development.
Whether you’re picking up a pair of sticks for the first time or refining advanced skills, John’s goal is always the same: to help you become a confident, capable and musical drummer who enjoys playing for life
Tris Murray
With over 30 years of playing experience and more than a decade of teaching, Tristan specialises in rock, metal, double bass drumming and a wide range of contemporary styles. His lessons are energetic, engaging and designed to inspire confidence while helping students develop strong technique and a genuine love of playing.
Known for his cheerful and encouraging personality, Tristan has a fantastic rapport with younger students and creates a positive, enjoyable learning environment where they can thrive.
Alongside teaching, Tristan has performed with numerous rock, pop and metal bands, bringing years of live experience into every lesson. He has also studied with some of the world’s leading drummers, continually developing his own playing and teaching. Whether a student dreams of playing in a band or simply wants to enjoy making music, Tristan’s goal is to help them grow in confidence and enjoy every step of the journey.
Matt Payne
Matt has been playing drums for over a decade and has been teaching at Drummers Academy for more than five years. He teaches a wide range of contemporary styles and is passionate about helping students develop a great sound, strong technique and confident musicianship.
Known for his friendly, approachable nature, Matt creates a positive learning environment while encouraging students to continually challenge themselves and reach the next level. His lessons are engaging, supportive and tailored to each student’s goals and ability.
Alongside teaching, Matt is an active performer, regularly playing with a variety of professional function bands. His combination of live experience, strong musical knowledge and solid understanding of music theory enables him to bring practical, real-world insight into every lesson.
Ross Gardner
Ross began his drumming journey as a student at Drummers Academy and, after years of dedication and development, returned as one of our teachers. He recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Drum Performance from BIMM London, having previously achieved a Distinction Star in his Performance Diploma.
During his studies, Ross was mentored by leading industry professionals, including Giuseppe Grondona (Pink, Tormentor) and Femi Temowo (Amy Winehouse, The Roots), helping him develop both as a performer and educator.
A versatile drummer with experience across rock, pop, indie, jazz and world music, Ross brings a calm, patient and encouraging approach to every lesson. His strong academic training, professional musicianship and personal journey through the Academy enable him to inspire students of all ages and show what’s possible through commitment, great teaching and a love of music.
Jason Condison
With over 25 years of experience as a professional musician, Jason brings a wealth of passion, expertise and energy to every lesson. His musical journey began playing drums in church, where a love of Gospel music laid the foundation for a career spanning R&B, jazz, rock, pop and many other contemporary styles.
After earning a Drum Diploma from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), Jason built an impressive performing career, working with artists including Raphaella, Abel Miller, Labrinth and Crystal Fighters. He has performed at major festivals and iconic venues across the UK and Europe, bringing a wealth of real-world musical experience into the teaching studio.
Alongside performing, Jason has taught drums and keyboards for over a decade in schools, workshops, churches and private lessons. His teaching style is enthusiastic, patient and adaptable, creating an enjoyable learning environment where students are encouraged to build confidence, develop strong musical foundations and reach their full potential.
Nathan Gray
Nathan is a professional drummer and music educator with a degree in Music Performance and active experience in the UK alternative music scene. His performing career includes live sessions at Paste Studios in New York City, BBC Radio 1 Introducing airplay, and appearances at festivals including Y Not and ArcTanGent.
His teaching focuses on building confident, capable drummers through practical, performance-based learning. Lessons cover everything from strong technical foundations and limb independence to stick control, click-track fluency and studio readiness, helping students develop skills they can apply both on stage and in the studio.
Patient, encouraging and highly organised, Nathan tailors every lesson to the individual, whether they’re taking their first steps behind the kit or refining their technique and preparing for live performance.