How do you make a shy 11-year-old from Mill Hill, north London, into a West End star? Maybe take up drumming with Gareth Siggins. That's what happened to his pupil Jobe Hart, a pupil at Haberdashers’ Aske's Boys’ School in Elstree.
Siggins began his musical journey aged six when his supportive parents bought his first drum kit. ‘I dedicated time to the instrument and studied hard for my Trinity College London grades, passing all exams with distinctions,’ says the teacher. ‘This gave me the confidence to explore the drum kit and world percussion and gave me the drive to become a session drummer and percussionist.’
He studied with Roland artist Craig Blundell and, more recently, has been working with George Double. He's played all over the world, most recently singing and drumming with his band The Grace Notes in Israel, combining his performing career with teaching. He also says that he has a ‘can-do’ approach to life in general and that that ethos applies to teaching.
‘It's so important to teach in a fun, friendly manner,’ he says. ‘I wanted to make a difference and ensure I was putting the students first, working with their strengths. I like to encourage students to explore all styles of music and I motivate students and take their playing as far as they can go.’
Dynamic context
Siggins talks about his calming nature helping the learning process, but he also advocates a flexible approach depending on the student. ‘It's important to put their performance into context,’ he says, ‘so I teach the history of drumming genres. It was something that fascinated me as a young musician, so I try to find different ways into the music in my own teaching.’
That is certainly Jobe Hart's experience. ‘Gareth is so encouraging,’ he says. ‘When you do something wrong he never gets cross but gives you ideas to help get it right next time. No matter what happens, he really believes in you and is so passionate about drumming, it's catching.’
Now well on his way to a professional future, Jobe recalls he how he was bitten by the drumming bug. ‘I used to sit in the car with my family. We sang songs and I tapped along making up my own beats on the car seats and I fancied trying it out on real drums. My dad says that, as a toddler, I loved the Monkey Music groups and would always clap in time, even as a one-year-old.’
‘I enjoy drumming and drum every day, even without a kit – whether it's on my knees, the table, the train seats. Now I've got my Grade 8, I'd like to keep improving and play with a band, making my own songs. I'd like to be like Phil Collins and sing as a drummer – and to make up a famous beat that everyone copies!’
Teacher Gareth Siggins with Jobe Hart
Planning and milestones
Siggins' lessons are carefully planned, he says. He starts the teaching process with a consultation to tailor an individual plan and uses a variety of concepts, techniques and ideas to focus on students' strengths and develop their skills most effectively.
‘Jobe achieved his Grade 8 rock and pop exam with me at 11 years old and since then he's gone from strength to strength in every lesson,’ he says. ‘It's about pushing yourself to be a great musician.’
Siggins is a supporter of Trinity's examination system. ‘The distinction Jobe achieved in his Grade 6 exam had a very positive effect. It's been a remarkable journey and the exams played a huge role in this evolution. I've seen Jobe's confidence grow so much through achieving his grades.’
Hundreds of students have passed through the Trinity examination system under Siggins and he believes everyone should try the exam route, even if there are doubts to begin with. ‘I wouldn't be the musician I am today if I didn't study my grades. They give students a standard to work towards and a great sense of achievement once passed. They are milestones to reflect progression and talent, regardless of age or level.’
Siggins is also a keen advocate of the college's new rock and pop books. ‘Whether you're just starting out, an intermediate or even a West End session player, the books will definitely challenge you and take your playing to the next level.’
Students can study selections from song lists which include hundreds of tracks by contemporary artists. ‘Unlike made-up exercises, the songs are fun to listen to and play and others like to listen, join in with other instruments and sing along,’ says Jobe. ‘This helps me drum to a proper song which has different rhythms and parts to it and isn't just a practice exercise.’
So will Jobe become a professional? ‘I'm trying out new things and will have to see what comes,’ he says. ‘But I will always want to drum and sing, and being a professional musician would be an incredible way to live.’
He certainly has time on his side, and working with Gareth Siggins has been a valuable experience.
‘Recently I trained an 86-year-old, preparing him for his first gig in 30 years, with my events company Professional Play Music,’ he says. ‘He suffers memory loss but seeing him perform in front of a crowd was extremely rewarding for both him and me. Music is extremely powerful. It's why I love teaching it.’
