Updated 10-Dec-2012

I have met some great students during my teaching career, but whatever their age, discovered that none really appreciated the full history and roots of
‘Twentieth Century Popular Music’.

Although I’m still very active in both the Teaching and Performing areas of my career, I have, during the past two years, been conducting successful ‘Presentations’ on the subject of ‘Pop Music History’.

Roadmap and Timeline of presentations
- click for larger image

The Presentation follows a well researched ‘Timeline’, and also includes a
‘History of Drumming’ and explains how ‘Rhythmic Styles’ have helped to shape pop music through the decades.

Presentations are conducted using iPad, projector, screen and featuries a full drum kit

Demonstrations of this are given throughout, including a short drum lesson in the middle. and a personal drum solo  ‘An Age of Drums’  to end the proceedings.

This presentation uses a mixture of drumming and great DVD clips mixed in with informative talk, interesting facts and anecdotes, and also a question and answer session.

The entire show can be conducted with periodic audience participation, or as a formal lecture.

Music GCSE:

This presentation has proved a valuable and enlightening insight for GCSE music students when working through parts of the current syllabus.

Example Format Options (timings approx)

These formats have proved to be the most popular, but can be adapted to suit requirements.

Some of the unusual percussion instruments used - a Djembé and Bongos

The whole show may be presented in two parts, allowing for a break in the middle.

An ‘African Drumming Circle’ can also be offered -
(drums supplied, max 15 per group).

Format Example: