Martin Davies- Head Tutor & Founder of The Halifax Drum School

Martin’s main inspiration and the reason he took up drums has been his uncle, Harold Fisher, the legendary session drummer. It was Harold who turned Martin onto the technique of open handed playing, and his unique grip which has evolved over the decades.

Martin turned pro at the age of 16 touring worldwide with various acts/artistes/bands, around the UK, Ireland Europe, North Africa, Australia, New Zealand and south East Asia. Including several six month contracts on cruise ships, including Cunnard /QE2, Fred Olson, and Stenna lines. He has played major venues, a royal command performance, and featured on live TV appearances with numerous acts. During his career Martin has recorded for various major record companies including EMI, Universal, Decca, Heavenly, RCA, Heavenly, and Independienti.

Many of the bands & artists Martin has played with have enjoyed air play on National & international radio and MTV, his drumming has also been featured on various soundtracks for TV.

Martin gigs with jazz heavyweights Stevie Williams, The Urban Jazz Guerrillas, Gary Boyle (Isotope) Rod Mason, John Ellis, John Thorne, Steve Oaks, Gavin Barras, Simon Peats, Larry Van Kreidt, Omar Puente, Snake Davis & Helen Watson. (Martin is available for gigs and sessions and can be contacted via the school or see myspace.com/martindaviesdrummer, - also Keep an eye on our ‘latest’ section on the home page for all the latest gig info.)

Within the Rock /progressive field Martin has had master classes and one to ones with some of the world’s top players including Thomas Lang, Virgil Donati, Chad Wackeman & Marco Minnimum. He puts a lot of this to use in a number of rock/prog projects including Glen Diani’s (One Minute Silence) new project, for which Martin is recording the album, and also guitar great Graham Young’s ongoing work.

It is this wealth of industry and performing experience that Martin aims to pass onto to all of the Halifax Drum School’s students, with endless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help each person achieve their goals.

Jason Hope-Tutor

Jason began lessons with Martin Davies in 2000, at the age of 11. He has had regular weekly & fortnightly lessons with Martin ever since.

A keen and enthusiastic student, Jason rapidly progressed, and in 2001 Martin put him forward for an audition with the ‘Friendly Brass Band’, where Jason became the permanent drummer/percussionist, playing all around the north of England

Jason attended Calder High School and was an active member in his schools music department, holding the position of drummer in the school Orchestra.

In 2004 Martin then put him forward for his Rock School grade 5 exam, which he passed with merit.
In 2005 whilst continuing his drum studies, Jason undertook a BTEC National diploma in popular music at Leeds College, and by April 2006 The Halifax Drum School (as was now known) recommended Jason for his first professional gig. This was for the famous 60’s touring pop band ‘The Bachelors’, where Jason undertook an extensive UK tour.

In January 2007 Jason successfully completed his grade 8 rock school exam. In February, He was put forward by the Halifax Drum School for up and coming rock band ‘The Phubus’. Jason’s blinding audition impressed the band enough for them to immediately offer him the permanent position as their drummer. With ‘The Phubus’ he has completed a UK tour, and had a professional video shoot in London. The band are currently enjoying frequent air play, and the single ‘The Phubi’ has recently been released, and is available from HMV.

Jason is a welcome addition to The Halifax Drum School, his skill, enthusiasm to the instrument, and playing experience are all invaluable attributes, of which he is dedicated to passing on to his students.