Dom Simpson
BMus. Teaches drums and guitar.
Dom Simpson is a drummer based in Sydney's inner west, who has performed professionally for more than 15 years. His playing has led to multiple tours of Australia, New Zealand, Europe and U.S.A. In addition to his band Darker Half, Dom has played with multiple original projects and works as a session drummer for bands, solo artists and cover acts. This has included international artists such as Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest/Yngwie Malmsteen), Paul Dianno (Iron Maiden), Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden).
As well as drumming, Dom has a sound foundational knowledge of multiple instruments including Guitar, Bass and keyboard which he puts to use when recording and producing music at Elephant Sounds. On the drums, Dom is equally at home playing Pop, Rock, Jazz, Heavy Metal or Top 40 music and has a sound knowledge of music theory, reading, & drum technique. Dom’s teaching philosophy revolves around two main concepts:
1: Using music that the student is passionate about in order to demonstrate the importance of the Theory, Technique & Stylistic context that was necessary to create it.
2: Teaching music, theory & techniques which have been fundamental to the growth of the Drum Set as a part of popular music since it’s creation around the early 20th century.
Joel Hanley
BA. Teaches drums and guitar.
Joel Hanley is a Bondi based drummer, composer and musician who has been immersed in music since the age of 6. He has been playing professionally for 5 years and contributes drums to projects such as Overbreak, Paraphernalia and The Hot Sauce Committee. After studying and playing in London for a year, Joel moved back to his childhood home in Sydney to pursue music full time and has graduated with a BA in Contemporary Music from AIM. Joel is also proficient at guitar, piano and bass as he has released his own original music under his own name - Joel Hanley - and has played many venues throughout Sydney such as Oxford Art Factory, Crowbar (sold out), Factory Theatre and more. Joel is eager to pass on his knowledge of music theory and drum technique through fun concepts in order to keep people playing music and to share his passion with the world.