About me
With influences ranging from contemporary jazz masters Ari Hoenig and Kendrick Scott to groove legends Clyde Stubblefield and Bernard Purdie, Adam Woodcock is a drummer known for wearing many different hats. Equally as comfortable playing in an intimate jazz club, in the studio for a singer-songwriter, or in the pit of a musical theatre production, Adam believes versatility to be the most important strength a modern-day musician can have.
Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Adam started his musical journey on the piano at the age of 8, finding the drums at 11 years old. It was the engaging teaching of David Humphrey that spurred Adam to delve deeper into the expansive world of drums, rhythm, and groove, where Adam’s love of music grew from. Adam would later go on to study with several other teachers during his formative years, including Neil Robinson (James Taylor Quartet), and UK drum educating legend, the late Bob Armstrong.
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In the summer of 2019, Adam graduated with First-class honours from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, having moved to London to study in 2015. He is regularly seen performing around the UK (and further afield) in many different settings. Some recent highlights include playing at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Spice of Life (Soho), Houses of Commons, Queen Elizabeth Hall, the London Jazz Festival, and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
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Adam is not only a keen performer; he is also an active composer/arranger and passionate educator. With 10 years worth of teaching experience, Adam has taught in many different settings, including 1-1 lessons, ensemble teaching, and group lessons.
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“Adam Woodcock is without doubt one of the most gifted writers of his generation.
On the surface his music projects simplicity, clarity, and beauty but underneath a different kind of dramatic energy and improvisational spontaneity is always ready to come up." - Hans Koller
Projects
Meridian
As the main compositional outlet for Adam, MERIDIAN comprises of some of the UK's promising young musical talents. His music flows with warm harmonic movements, melodic earworms and an essence of adventure - drawing influence from the jazz tradition, folk music and other styles from around the world. Visit Adam's Youtube page to hear some recordings of their previous live performances.
Stablefolk
Stablefolk plays warm, tonal music, with a strong sense of home. This modern jazz band is fronted by James Pettinger, passionate composer and pianist, who gathers songs and sounds from folk, singer-songwriters, and music that falls between the cracks. In the midst of its sweeping arcs and epic builds, Stablefolk balances the joyful alongside the melancholy, creating musical moments that transcend genre.
Meraki
Meraki is a London based septet which embodies the heart of contemporary improvised music. Bringing their unique sound to the London Jazz scene the instrumental fusion band blends influences from neo-soul and hip hop to jazz and funk.
Ineza
Ineza is a Rwandan born Belgian jazz singer, currently based in London. Next to jazz standards she creates and performs her own compositions. Her music is an intriguing mix between jazz from the 1930s and Neo soul music with a touch of hip hop.
For more videos of me playing check out my Instagram page.
Teaching
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Having studied with some of the best drum educators in the UK (Bob Armstrong, Asaf Sirkis, Steve White, James Maddren), Adam understands what it means to be a good teacher. He mixes his relaxed personality with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the lessons are always enjoyable yet still productive. Adam is very happy to cater the lessons around the students needs/interests.
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Ability levels: Beginner to Advanced
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Subjects covered:
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Graded Exams - Trinity Guildhall/Rockschool (100% pass rate)
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Music Theory
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Time
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Sound
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Groove concepts - Jazz, Funk, Rock, Fusion, Latin, Afro cuban
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Drum Notation/Chart Reading
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Hand/Foot Technique
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Internal Clock exercises
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Improvisation
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Co-ordination
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Advanced Rhythmic Concepts (Polyrhythms, Metric Modulations, Odd Time Playing)
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Testimonials
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"Adam is an enthusiastic teacher who manages to get his love for drumming across to his pupils. With his friendly and motivating way, Adam encouraged our 10-year old son to voluntarily do his daily drum practice, his progress and confidence are both growing. Excellent, highly recommended"
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"I've been playing the drums on and off for 15 years, and my lessons with Adam have very easily been the best I've ever had (and I've had lessons with widely-renowned drummers). He's great at simplifying complicated concepts, and communicates really clearly - I leave each lesson having learnt a phenomenal amount, and occasionally feeling like I need to reassess my whole life! I'm always inspired to improve, and not to feel overwhelmed with the ways I CAN improve. This is a rare skill of his. I've genuinely never had more meaningful or productive lessons!"
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Feel free to contact Adam regarding one to one tuition by sending him a message or giving him a call.
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