Testimonials

Testimonials

I first met Phil when he took over the drum chair at ‘Jesus Christ – Super Star’ from the great Simon Phillips in 1974. He took me under his wing, giving me informal lessons and encouragement. I eventually got to play ‘JCS’ in 1977. This experience set me on course for a career in music and I was very lucky that my introduction was at one of the highest levels. I also did the usual round of gigs and gradually got into studio work. Being very focused on the recording process, I eventually built my own studio and moved more towards engineering and producing.

I now own and run ‘Intimate Studios’, near Tower Bridge in London.

Phil’s passion for the drums and his love of music is without question. He is a skilled teacher who can adjust his approach to the individual student be they a young child or a working pro.

Recently I asked him if he would teach two of my children who had shown an interest in the drums.

Phil is the consummate professional drum teacher, dedicated, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He goes out of his way to help. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Paul Madden - (session drummer, recording studio owner, engineer and producer)

I had started drum lessons at the age of 6 and began gigging at 13 with local orchestras, brass ensembles, rock and pop bands and my first love, jazz groups.

I first met Phil when I was 16. He was working as a drum teacher in the Watford area.

When I hooked up with Phil I was looking for a new direction. He introduced me to John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Bob Marley. He would write out the grooves and explain them to me so I could go away and really get into the music during my practice. Since then I havn’t looked back.

Phil is a very passionate and enthusiastic musician with a great understanding of theory, notation and different styles of music, as well as his playing and teaching ability. He is an inspiring guy to study with.

I now work as a professional drummer doing sessions and gigs in many varied styles of music. I particularly enjoy reading charts with a big band.

Cheers mate.
Eric Young (professional drummer).

Phil’s foot note.

When I moved to my current home I heard there was a Sunday lunch time ‘Jazz Jam’ in a place called ‘The Hat Factory’ in Luton. I decided to check it out and was very impressed by the young ‘house’ drummer. I was invited to sit in and as I got up to play, exchanged pleasantries with this guy. When someone else took over on drums from me this guy comes over and says, “Hey Phil, I studied with you in Watford”!

It was Eric, of course. What a fine player and I’m very proud to have had some small part in his development.

Well done mate.

Phil