About Andy
Andy is a professional drummer and music composer based in Melbourne, Australia. He is a passionate musician who is committed to making music that has social impact and creates positive change.
“I have always admired artists who had a message to share and a way of inspiring others.
I want my music and my playing to inspire and change people.”
From early on Andy has been surrounded by music. He grew up in rural NSW in a musical family where instruments, lessons, bands and performances were prioritised by his parents and where the love of music was encouraged. From listening to his dad’s music collection spanning everything from Count Basie big band records to Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan, and having access to tuition on trombone, cello, piano and drums, music has always been the center of his life, with drums taking center stage.
“I will never forget seeing David Jones playing drums with James Morrison when I was 13 years of age…
I have wanted to play drums ever since that moment.”
After completing a trade Andy spent some time at ANU Jazz School in Canberra and travelled to England in 2007 to study at Nexus Academy.
“Nexus was a life changing experience for me: I found a way to be me on my instrument and I also learned a lot about myself and my relationship with my creator.”
After returning from study and performing in the UK and Europe Andy moved to Melbourne to study further at North Melbourne Institute of TAFE where he received an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance. Since moving back to Australia he has connected with various musicians to perform and collaborate on a variety of projects. He has also built up his drum teaching business and now teaches across a range of private and public schools around Melbourne and privately at his studio in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Teaching material can be purchased here.
Andy’s work to date has included recording 3 studio albums with Levi McGrath (Melbourne based award winning singer songwriter). Andy has played on a number of other recording projects including an album with the Salvos Big Band titled ‘Testify’ and his own solo work (available here). He has toured extensively through Australia and parts of Europe and performs regularly with a host of artists both in Melbourne, Nationally and Internationally.
To date Andy has worked with and continues work these artists…
Levi McGrath (Australian singer songwriter), The New Impromptu Quartet (Melbourne based jazz band), Mel Searle (Melbourne based jazz vocalist), Mandy Meadows & The Honeytons, Rezzalp 2008 -2010 (Melbourne all star original girl band), JP (Melbourne singer songwriter), Rita Satch (Melbourne vocalist), Oskar Jimenez (ARIA nominated artist), Tim Neal (Australian B3 hammond organ player), Georga Byrne (Melbourne vocal artist), Rachel Delgado (Chilean born singer songwriter), Les Gori (Melbourne jazz violinist).
Levels Taught | Languages Spoken |
Beginner to Advanced players | English |
Qualifications |
Ad Dip Music Performance NMIT Melbourne |