Born in Hertfordshire, Darren has been playing the drums since the age of 12. After leaving school, Darren was lucky enough to hold the drum chair for 4yrs with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Following in such footsteps as Chris Dagley, Mike Smith, Ian Thomas and a whole host of other great drummers, Darren performed at venues and Jazz festivals across the UK and Europe, culminating in several weeks at the world-famous jazz club, "Ronnie Scott's". Other highlights included performances for BBC TV and Radio and Sky TV. This platform enabled him to receive endorsements from Premier Drums and Vic Firth Sticks.

 

From 1995-2000 Darren studied under Bob Armstrong (past pupils including Steve and Alan White, Andy Gangadeen, Ash Soan and a long list of other incredible drummers). Further study with Dave Hassell followed as he studied for a degree in Jazz from 1998-2001 - graduating with a first-class honours degree in 2001. Darren provides drum lessons from his own teaching practice in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. His teaching studio "The Music Den" plays an important role in his life and he takes great pleasure in passing on some of his knowledge and seeing his students progress, not only as players, but also by encouraging them to seek alternative careers in the music profession. Several of his past pupils have gone on to study and become music lawyers and sound engineers. 

 

Darren has always had a keen interest in music technology and has been using computers and recording equipment for the last ten years, mainly as a practice tool but now he is focusing on providing high quality drum and instrument tracks from his facility,"The Den Studios", along with recording, mixing and mastering for any type of musical project.

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Darren also maintains an active performing career and over the last few years has performed at or recorded for: Kylie Minogue, Jessie J, EMI, Sony, Universal and Silvascreen records, Ronnie Scott’s,The Royal Albert Hall, Pizza Express Dean St, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Big Band, Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Top Of The Pops, CDUK, and This Morning. West End shows include, Rent, The Hurly Burly Show (for which he MD'd the band) along with depping on Viva Forever and Hairspray.

 

Darren is proud to be endorsed by Vic Firth Sticks, Mapex Drums, Evans Drumheads, Paiste Cymbals and Pro Racket Cases