Ray Jones
Saxophone, Clarinet & Akai Windsynth Tutor
At 14, Ray studied at Poulton School of Music under Dougie Drake, then privately under Leo Robson. Ray joined the Royal Air Force Music Services at the age of 18 and toured all over the world playing for Royalty and Heads of State. He also played for cup finals and England at Twickenham and the old Wembley stadium. After leaving the RAF, Ray played for two years at the Ice Drome and Horseshoe Bar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. In the 80’s he joined Rakes Parade Jazz Band and Rock ‘n’ Roll band FBI from 1987-1994. In 1995 he studied computers, music and film at the University of Wales at Wrexham and since 1998 to this present day, Ray has teamed up with former pupil Ray Williams to form Hip Hip 2 Rays, a Jazz, Swing and Soul Duo.
Mark Holt
Brass, Theory & Conducting Tutor
Mark was brought up around Bradford and started playing the cornet aged 10 at school. He quickly progressed to playing with local brass bands on both cornet and then flugelhorn. After a visit to his senior school by the then Regimental Band of The 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards he was taken with the idea of performing music as a career opportunity. After studying under Philip McCann and James Shepherd at the renowned Huddersfield Music College and still playing in his local brass band, he briefly worked in the banking industry before taking the first step towards a military career. After a successful audition and selection process Mark completed his basic training and was posted to his first band in Germany. It was at this band that he got his first taste of performing to large audiences at the Waldbuhne (world stage).
Associated the theory of music to the practical application. With this in mind, he has developed an initial strategy for teaching brass, theory and conducting at BMA. As a keen and enthusiastic musician with over 30 years of playing experience and 22 years of professional music making, Mark is very much looking forward to working with BMA and building on its already fine reputation.
Richard Lunt
Ukulele
Richard is Blackpool born and raised and grew up on a constant stream of summer shows, he started going aged five and hasn’t stopped. That was several decades ago now! Music and entertainment is something he always wanted to do. He mainly teaches ukulele (all styles/sizes), tenor guitar/banjo, harmonica and have even been known to teach people how to play the spoons.
Caroline Cooper
Keyboards – piano – guitar
Caroline is the piano and keyboard tutor at Blackpool Music School. Caroline first started learning music through the school as a child and continued to study and then graduate from Leeds college of Music earning her BA Popular Music Performance Degree in 2017. Now working at the school where she first started learning music, she is committed to providing a solid education and instilling music appreciation in all students. Caroline teaches children from the age of 5 up until adults and each of her classes are individually tailored to the specific students skill level.
Other musical experiences include live performances (bars, care homes, hotels etc) either as a soloist/band member or duo with our vocal tutor, Chloe. Caroline has previously composed Music for film and tv, organised and hosted live music events and participated in local festivals and competitions.
Chloe Hart
Vocals
Chloe started teaching here just over two years ago after completing her MA in Popular Music at the University of Chester. She has over 10 years experience performing and singing in bands, choirs, musicals and as a solo act across the North-West. Most recently she has been performing with the cover band Encore de Funk, and singing as part of a piano/vocal duo with fellow tutor, Caroline.
Chloe is available to teach one to one or group vocal lessons, from children (aged 5+) to adults! Whether you’re wishing to pursue a new skill or rekindle an old passion, lessons are created and adapted to fit each student’s personal aspirations.
Chloe is also one of the tutors working with the Rock Star Youth Band, a project created to bring young people together to create and perform music!
John Mcalpine
Guitar
John Mcalpine started playing guitar at age 14 after hearing The Beatles. He has toured extensively round the UK playing for the likes of Muti platinum soul singer Kenny Thomas as well as cruise ships contracts for Princess and P&O. He has played in the pit band for theatre productions of Annie and Avenue Q and is currently playing guitar for Jersey Boys and Queen theatre productions.
John has over 25 years experience as a Professional guitarist and teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Music(Hons)Degree and a Level 6 Licentiate in Music Teaching(LRSL) Rockschool.
Joe Hughill
Drums & Percussion
Joe started teaching at the school in September 2018. Prior to this he completed both his teaching degree and his Popular Music (Hons) degree and currently works at a local college.
Joe has been playing the drums and performing in bands as both an artist and session player for over 10 years playing all over the UK. He also has a passion for recording and production and has credits on several albums and singles.
Joe is available to teach one to one lessons or as part of a group. You can have lessons from the age of 5 all the way up to adults. No previous experience is required, Joe teaches the basics right through to advanced techniques.
Joe is also working alongside other tutors in the Rock Star Youth Band which is aimed at bring people together to create and perform music.
Glen Armitage
Drums & Percussion
A professional drum tutor with many years’ experience, Glen offers 1:1 drum lessons at Blackpool Music School. If you have a drum kit and would prefer to learn on your kit in your home, Glen will come to you by way of Skype.
- Over 30 years as a professional and semi-professional drummer and backing musician, specialising in jazz, funk, soul, rock, and sight reading.
- Currently employed by Lancashire Music Service as a peripatetic drum teacher in schools and colleges throughout the county.
- Private lessons with some 40 pupils, teaching all ages and abilities.
Our Other Tutors
- Leanne Farrer – keyboard/piano
- Willy Fluss – guitar – acoustic/electric
