The Purcell School > Commercial and Popular Music

Commercial and Popular Music

The Purcell School is very excited to have launched our Commercial and Popular Music Department in September 2022.

The department delivers a program of essential skills necessary for today’s modern commercial musician, taught by a team of industry professionals.

Our tutors work with internationally renowned pop and rock artists who record for film and television at all of the top London recording studios (Abbey Road, Air Lyndhurst, Angel, BBC Maida Vale), and are chair holders of major West End show productions.

Tutors cover aspects such as stylistic performance, improvisation, ear training, sight reading, composition and ensemble skills, feeding into successful modern music degree courses at the Royal Northern College of Music, Trinity Laban College of Music, LIPA, BIMM, ICMP, ACM – a great foundation for a career in commercial music.

Students will learn in 1-2-1 lessons and ensemble sessions, in our dedicated practice and performance space (including fully equipped recording studio), and have the opportunity to work with visiting guest artists from the commercial music world.

Applications are welcomed from electric guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and vocalists. The Commercial and Popular Music department is proudly supported by RSL Awards.

Simon Allen

Position:

Head of Commercial and Popular Music

Meet the Tutor Team

Head of Department

Simon Allen
(Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Beverley Knight, Katie Melua, Jamie Cullum)

Award-winning pop and jazz saxophonist, composer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked with a host of iconic artists, and appeared at major UK venues and festivals. Full biography is available here.

Guitar Tutor

James Clark

Electric Bass Tutor

Daniel Drury
(Jarvis Cocker, Sister Sledge, James Taylor Quartet, Mamma Mia, Kinky Boots)

Dan is a specialist in pop/rock/funk/soul bass styles, making him a regular choice for many artists.

Drums Tutor

Chris Draper
(Dreamgirls, School of Rock, Mica Paris, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars)

Currently drumming on the West End musical ‘Hamilton’, Chris is also a busy session musician, appearing on numerous Netflix and Amazon series.

Vocals Tutor

Jacqui Hicks
(Shakatak, Mulford/MacFarlane Group)

Jacqui has vast experience in the pop world, working with bands including Shakatak and Matt Bianco, touring Japan, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand and Europe. She was part of the M.O.B.O nominated album ‘Shakatak – Live At Ronnie Scotts’. Jacqui is an experienced vocal arranger and has released a collection of multi-vocal arrangements on YouTube.

The Department in the press

The following article first appeared in the annual Scholarships Guide, from Music Teacher Magazine.

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Progression Pathway

The department provides a rare pathway to Modern Music degree courses at conservatories and universities, as well as equipping students with the skills essential for careers in commercial and popular music.

Typical Careers

Performing Artist, Session Musician, Producer, Songwriter, Music Teacher, Music Business (A&R, Music Promoter, Publisher)

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our Admissions page.

In my professional life I am expected to authentically recreate a guitar sound or style of music for a film or tv advert, sight read a West End show, then learn a set of songs by ear for a band tour. I am really excited to be tutoring young students in these skills, and helping them to become successful commercial musicians.

Adam Goldsmith