I’m a dedicated, tech-savvy session musician, educator, content creator and university lecturer with more than 34 years’ experience in the live and recording music industry. I have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in creating, performing and teaching, with more than 18 years experience at private music colleges teaching part-time, graduate and post graduate students. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through hands-on instruction, online publishing and multimedia content creation, and I bring extensive experience in performance, teaching, and music technology to every project and class.…

Darren Ashford

I’m a dedicated, tech-savvy session musician, educator, content creator and university lecturer with more than 34 years’ experience in the live and recording music industry. I have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in creating, performing and teaching, with more than 18 years experience at private music colleges teaching part-time, graduate and post graduate students. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through hands-on instruction, online publishing and multimedia content creation, and I bring extensive experience in performance, teaching, and music technology to every project and class.…

Available to hire

I’m a dedicated, tech-savvy session musician, educator, content creator and university lecturer with more than 34 years’ experience in the live and recording music industry. I have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in creating, performing and teaching, with more than 18 years experience at private music colleges teaching part-time, graduate and post graduate students.

I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through hands-on instruction, online publishing and multimedia content creation, and I bring extensive experience in performance, teaching, and music technology to every project and class.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Stage & Screen Audio/Video Producer at Me’sha Bryan
April 2, 2025 - Present
Podcast audio and video production and editing; setting up cameras, lighting and audio recording for filmed interviews; editing video with sync, color correction and intro/outro; preparing content for social media platforms; audio editing and mastering to sync with video.
Instrumental Specialist (Drums) & Lead Lecturer for Core Instrument Skills at BIMM Birmingham
January 1, 2017 - Present
Fostering lifelong learning by linking course materials to broader themes; teaching advanced drumming techniques across genres; developing and delivering lectures; writing course materials, homework and exams; collaborating with admissions; leading Live Performance Workshops and arranging equipment for delivery.
Lecturer and Instrumental Specialist (Drums) at Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
January 1, 2006 - Present
Taught beginner to advanced drumming techniques; structured IIS classes for final-year BMus students; one-to-one tuition for BA/BMus students; developed and delivered lectures; wrote and moderated exams; coached public speaking; collaborated with admissions.
Owner / Creative Director at Drum Lesson Academy
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2014
Created online instructional products; produced multi-platform content (including iTunes Newsstand); collaborated with industry partners; produced video content and lessons.
Private Drum Instructor at Self-employed
January 1, 1995 - Present
Taught a range of technical and conceptual skills to aspiring drummers; covered audio recording concepts from mic-ing to mixing; delivered real-time and asynchronous instruction using multi-camera setups and ATEM switching; advised post-graduate students on industry integration, branding and marketing.
Musical Director / Producer at The Drifters
March 6, 1995 - December 30, 2005
Drummer and musical director of the orignal 1950s vocal group touring the world playing theatres, corperate gigs, clubs and private concerts. Recorded, mixed and produced The Drifters’ DVD and CD; project executed in association with Classic Pictures at Shepperton Studios.
Judge at Live and Unsigned / Open Mic UK
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
Judging live performance competitions; providing actionable feedback and scoring.

Education

GCSE at Lord William's School
January 1, 1990 - February 18, 2026
PG Cert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at University of East London
September 5, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Fellow of the HEA at University of East London
September 5, 2016 - May 1, 2017
PTTLS: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector at College of North West London
September 1, 2008 - January 5, 2009

Qualifications

PG Cert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
September 5, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
September 5, 2016 - May 1, 2017
PTTLS: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
September 1, 2008 - December 29, 2008

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services
    paper Podcast filming and Editing: Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

    Here is a ‘Best Moments’ edit for the Stage & Screen with Me’sha Bryan podcast that I film, edit and create video content for. This is an entertainment focused podcast featuring bi-weekly interviews from top professionals in the entertainment industry. Enjoy!

    paper Darren Ashford - Session Drummer

    Here are a few videos recorded at my studio in Birmingham. I filmed and edited these myself and are an example of my work. Enjoy!