Alan Burden

Alan learned to play the drum set at 17, partially supporting himself through university by gigging. He’s skilled in various drum and untuned percussion instruments across many genres, with roots in jazz-based playing and Latin music. Alan has performed with groups such as the Nelson Jazz Club Big Band, Rodger Fox Big Band, and for many other music groups. He also played for musical theatre in Wellington and Nelson and was percussionist for the flamenco dance troupe Desde Sevilla. With an ongoing interest in Eastern European, Balkan, and Arabic music, Alan attends and performs at music festivals when possible. Additionally, he worked as a sound designer for numerous theatre productions in Wellington.

Alan’s teaching style is tailored depending on whether he is teaching individuals or groups. He emphasises the importance of getting students working on things they enjoy early on and identifying any issues and goals. With individuals, he uses a formal approach to build technique whilst concurrently teaching how to play songs that the student relates to. With groups, he assesses the comparative level of ability and makes the experience fun and inclusive. Alan’s patient approach and provision of notes and musical examples have received positive feedback from students.