Tutors at "Be a Drummer"

Alan's been playing drums since he was a little lad, having been born into a family tree of celebrated folk artists. He did his first gigs in his fathers Irish Ceilidh band. Starting on Bodhran, he saved up for his first kit by playing at folk festivals & busking jigs & reels with his Dad. "I come from a long line of much better musicians than me. My great Grandfather was a drum maker and received silver drum sticks for his service as a military drummer." "I have a good tradition to maintain and a lot to aspire to."  

Alan is profiled in Geoff Nicholls book "Banging On: "Alan has developed the ability to play at wrist breaking speeds"

(Geoff Nicholls, Rhythm Magazine/Making Music)

Alan's been a session drummer for many years. He is a JHS, Rhythm Tech & Regal Tip “Keyplayer.” His personal Drumming highlights include: playing tours and festival gigs including Glastonbury, playing Djembe with Gambian band Roots Manding in West Africa and  making a dub album with legendary lyricist Benjamin Zephaniah, 

He's played countless radio sessions & had BBC Radio 1 air play. Alan was profiled by the late great John Peel on Channel 4 and has not only played on, but also directed videos on MTV. He is currently headlining festivals with electro hiphop crew ENDOFLEVELBADDIE, legendary world dance fusion group Celtarabia & alt folk duo Verne Duels.

He's in his 13th year as an award winning DJ & Radio Presenter for BBC Introducing. With over 1500 live sessions on the shows so far. He also presents the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds Festival, having started the stage 9 years ago.

As his day job Alan is CEO of The Creative & Cultural Company a charitable organisation based in Hull UK City Of Culture. 

"I've worked in community arts education since 1992, with numerous organizations; developing musical talent, coaching drummers, facilitating world percussion workshops and drum circles, chairing music industry panels at conferences and promoting sustainability in the arts. Alan is an NLP Master Coach specialising in performance coaching.  “I am passionate about all kinds of drumming and love my work with the WDA."

Alan's home page is: www.Alanraw.com

All details of the World Drumming Network are on the website: worlddrummingnetwork.com

Testimonials:

"Alan is a true professional in all his work and is motivated to effect change in young people's lives, increasing their own motivation, building self esteem and belief in themselves and confidence that fosters their development as effective people. You will always get the best from him.” "Expert, High Integrity, Creative." (Amanda Eastwood, Manager of Positive Futures)

"Alan's insight into situations and his ability to bring out the best in people is unrivalled by anyone I've ever met. He's one of the wisest people I know and his advice has been of great value to me. Alan oozes inspiration!" (Graham Albans, Indie Rock Drummer & Radio Producer at BBC Radio 2)

"Alan is an inspirational man, a fantastic musician and an integral cog in the positive development of the UK music scene." (Claire Cameron, NoTitle Magazine & The Yorkshire Post)

“Alan has an extremely wide range of skills, knowledge and experience, especially in world percussion and drum teaching." “He is professional and methodical when it comes to delivery, and also great fun to work with.” “Great Results, Expert, Creative" (Darren Squires, MD Creative Projects Ltd & Festival TV)