Drumming legends drop into Solent
One of the UK’s most respected drummers is visiting Southampton Solent this December to demonstrate his technique at one of a series of drum clinics being hosted by the university.
Neal Wilkinson will be visiting Southampton Solent University on Monday 9 December at 7pm, to demonstrate advanced drum techniques and to discuss his life in the music industry.
During a career spanning more than 30 years, Neal has worked with a multitude of music legends including, Sir Paul McCartney, Van Morrison and Ray Charles. He has also toured with James Morrison and worked on hit TV shows American Idol and X-Factor.
Paul Rutter, Programme Leader for the Popular Music Scheme highlights the importance of such events: “Our students recognise the value of involvement from the industry. It not only enhances their learning experience and sharpens their skills but it also improves their employability.”
He added: “It’s great that artist liaison company, Knightime Events, are helping the university attract such high quality artists.”
Both aspiring drummers and session musicians are set to benefit from Neal’s talent, knowledge and experience. As well as Solent students and music hopefuls from the university’s partner colleges, the clinic will also be open to members of the public for a small entry fee.
This latest session aims to build on the success of previous drum clinics. In October, Gerald Heyward, session drummer for legends Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Jay Z, flew in from the USA to share his experience of performing with music greats on some of the world’s largest stages.
He showed how he helped create R&B 'grooves' for tracks on Michael Jackson's Invincible album and rhythm tracks for Jay Z.
Ash Martin, third-year music performance student and aspiring drummer said: "Gerald Hayward was amazing. I have a deeper understanding of the industry, as well as new practical techniques.”
The clinics are free to Solent and partner college students but members of the public will need to email lawrence.wills@solent.ac.uk to register a place beforehand and pay an admission fee of £5 on the door.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology.
The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning.
Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
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