DR RICHARD HEMMINGS
about me
History
I have been playing drums and composing for twenty years. I began drumming at the age of 12, but my introduction to music began earlier when I was packed off to piano lessons. My drum tutor for 7 years was Paul Francis, an experienced professional player whose credits include Bill Wyman, Maggie Bell and Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebel. Paul's playing has been a huge influence on me.
Whilst studying for my music 'A' Level I received percussion lessons from Roy Sinclair (who at the time was playing the odd gig with Wet Wet Wet and Stuart Copeland). Roy taught me a lot about stick control/technique and also introduced me to timpani and tuned percussion (e.g., the marimba, vibes). I passed the 'A' Level music exam in 1994 and moved up to Yorkshire for three years to read music at Bretton Hall College, University of Leeds.
In 2000 I moved to Leicester to carry out a PhD in music at De Montfort University, finally graduating in 2005. From October 2004 until May 2005 I lectured in popular music at Northampton University College. In 2006 I performed improvisations with groups based in Rome and New York. I also composed a short drum solo piece which is soon to be published.
I currently play in my own group which has received critical acclaim.
See also:
Drum Tuition
Qualifications