Ayshe Conaty
Director, Vocals, Piano, Band Leader
Hello everyone! I'm Ayshe and I have been playing and singing since I was 11 years old. I studied Creative Musicianship at The Academy of Contemporary Music and have been teaching singing for over 10 years. I am passionate about helping students understand their voice and have confidence in their ability to sing.
I also teach piano and band sessions here at Kaleo. An important part of music is learning how to play together and these sessions give our students a chance to find their tribe and share their music.
I am also the person behind all of the day to day running of the school whether that be admin, social media or event planning.
Mason Cassar
Drums, Band Night Leader
Hey Guys! I’m Mason, Professional Drummer, Music Director and Drum Tutor here at Kaleo.
​
A bit about me, I play for the band The Rills, which I have been touring worldwide and recording with since 2017. My other music work includes drums and music direction for Annie Dirusso, Sophie Griffiths, Evergreen, Mulimba and Bleech 9:3.
​
My lessons involve developing techniques, learning awesome songs, and finding your own voice on the drums, while playing the music you love. I have real world knowledge of the music industry and experience performing to thousands of people. I’m passionate about my instrument and passing on all I have to the next bunch of rock stars!
EMMA THOMPSON
DRUMS, TUNED PERCUSSION
I began playing percussion while at school, starting with the Xylophone and Glockenspiel. This quickly expanded into learning Drum Kit and other orchestral percussion including Timpani, Snare Drum and Marimba. This progressed to teaching at the Essex Percussion Academy and then Thurrock Music Services as a Peripatetic Music Tutor. I have been teaching Drum Kit and Percussion in many Thurrock Schools for nearly 20 years, including 1-1 and small groups as well as Samba and Tuned Percussion in a whole class settings. I have helped many pupils achieve great results in their graded exams and performance pieces for GCSEs and BTECs. As well as teaching children from as young as 5, I also teach adults whether it’s for fun or studying for graded exams.
MARC WOTHERSPOON
DRUMS
Renowned for his extensive music journey across genres and continents. With a Berklee College of Music scholarship at 16 and a BA (Hons) Jazz Studies from Leeds College of Music, he’s collaborated globally. From Circus Orchestras to Cruise Ship lounge bands, his adaptability shines.
A sought-after session artist, he leads Programmed2Function, drums for renowned ensembles, and conducts captivating Samba and African drumming workshops.
Kaleo2024!
Kaleo2024!
GLENN BURTON
DRUMS
I started my musical journey at the age of 5 when I started lessons. I played throughout my school years eventually forming the Barry Glenn Duo with keyboard player Barry Hoare and together we played a number of variety shows with local comedians including the likes of Joe Pasquale. From there I moved on to playing with a number of bands playing local venues before moving on to weddings and corpoprate gigs. ALongide this, I began pursing a career in teaching spending time studying with Bob Armstrong alongside undertaking a teaching degree with ABRSM and completing my drum and music theory exams with Guildhall School of Music. I have been teaching drums for over 20 years in schools around Essex and privately at the Academy. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and have extensive experience teaching students with SEND including Autism and ADHD.
ANDREW LIDDELL
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CLASSICAL GUITAR, PIANO
I have been playing music for over 20 years. I started learning Classical music and progressed into other genres including Pop, Rock, Jazz and Contemporary.
I am a graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and I am currently an Artist in Residence for the Composition Department at Trinity Laban. I have performed in many venues across the UK including Royal Festival Hall, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Ronnie Scotts and the Cavern Club in Liverpool to name a few. I have experience in live concerts and recording studios both in solo, group and orchestral settings, and look forward to passing on my experience to the next generation of musicians.
WILL POTTEN
TRUMPET, CORNET, TROMBONE, TUBA, EUPHONIUM, TENOR HORN, PIANO, MUSIC THEORY
Will Potten has been playing the piano and trumpet for over 40 years and during that time has built up a broad range of performing experience in many different musical styles. He completed a music degree at Girton College, Cambridge University, studying and performing with Martin Ennis, Daniel Harding and Stephen Cleobury amongst others. Whilst at Cambridge, he sang with Girton College Chapel Choir with whom he toured Italy, Mexico and Ireland as well as appearing on their inaugural CD. Will is a qualified teacher, having completed a specialist music PGCE at Exeter University following his degree. In recent years, he has performed and recorded with many local musicians, embracing jazz, ska, and classical music and is currently employed as accompanist or director for two local community choirs. An ardent jazz fan, Will is a firm believer that learning music should be fun and aims to instill in all his students the grounding for a lifelong love of music.
LILY RENWICK
VOCALS, GUITAR, BASS, PIANO, FLUTE, SAXOPHONE, LAMDA
Hi, I’m Lily! I’m an actor-musician specializing in singing, guitar, piano, bass, double bass, flute, and saxophone. As the first original teacher at Kaleo, I’m thrilled to be back! My teaching style empowers students with full autonomy over their learning while maintaining an educational foundation. I’m also a singer-songwriter, so keep an eye out for upcoming releases! In my spare time, I love roller skating, crocheting, and tackling escape rooms
JON WHITE
DRUMS
Hi I’m Jon. I started playing drums at the age of 10 and gigging in bands from the age of 15. I have spent my career playing pubs, clubs, wedding and corporate gigs but also teaching drummers of all ages. Coming from a family of teachers, it was inevitable that I’d give teach and have found a deep passion for it since then. One of the things that I love most about teaching is helping students find that “click” moment where they finally play that drum beat or fill that they have been working hard to get.
CHRIS HOBART
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE
Hi, I’m Chris, a passionate guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Based in Essex, I offer tailored guitar lessons for all skill levels, helping students develop their technique, musicality, and confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing as a supporting artist for acts such as Lee Ryan (Blue), Gabrielle Aplin, and Joan Armatrading, as well as being a member of the prolific Essex indie/folk band Carousel. These experiences have shaped my playing style and deepened my understanding of live performance, songwriting, and musicianship—insights that I bring into my lessons. With a hands-on, creative approach, I make learning guitar enjoyable while building strong foundations in technique, theory, and performance. Whether you want to strum your favourite songs, write your own music, or take your playing to the next level, I’d love to help you on your journey. Get in touch, and let’s start making music!
FELICITY HENRY
SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, PIANO, VOCALS
Hi, I’m Felicity, and I’ve been teaching clarinet, sax, piano and voice for 6 years. I studied Music at St. Peter’s College, Oxford and have a broad understanding of music history and theory which I use in my lessons to give my students a great foundation of musical knowledge. I also studied clarinet and saxophone at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (Junior Department) as a teenager and gained my DipABRSM for Clarinet Performance at 17 years old. I have a history of teaching students of all ages, from toddlers to adult learners and have also worked with children and adults with neurodivergences so I am more than happy to accommodate each and every student! I like to put the student at the centre of my lessons and tailor each session to your interests as a musician. I’m excited to meet you and be a part of your musical journey!
CALLUM HUGHES
PIANO, GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE
Hello, I’m Callum, and I’ve been playing guitar and piano for 15 years. I’m classically trained in piano, but I also enjoy playing in the jazz and contemporary styles. I’ve also been in a rock and blues band as a lead guitarist since I was 15, and have played at lots of gigs and competitions in and around Essex. I love teaching music, which is why I’ve dedicated myself to it since graduating from university. Alongside Kaleo, I have taught in a primary school and in at-home lessons, and have built up experience working with SEND students.
Lucy Jordan
PIANO, GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE
Hey I’m Lucy. I’m a guitar and bass teacher and band leader here at Kaleo. I have been playing guitar since I was 8 years old and have been in a member of a number of gigging bands over the years playing venues across London and Essex. I started teaching while I was still learning myself at 12 years old and love helping individuals reach their own guitar playing goals!
Loretta Prince
VOCALS
I fell in love with singing as a child and trained at a weekend stage school, performing across Essex and London. I studied drama at school and took private singing lessons from ages 9 to 16, learning a wide range of styles and the value of focused one-to-one coaching.
As a teenager I entered and won several talent competitions, which helped me overcome performance nerves. I later joined a Big Band at 19 and a function band at 22, and I still perform at weddings and events today.
I’m passionate about modern vocal science and regularly develop my skills through courses with the Voice Study Centre. Techniques like SOVT exercises have strengthened my own voice and feature in my teaching.
My lessons are fun, supportive and tailored to each student’s level, goals and musical interests.
Julia Harris
VOCALS, GUITAR, BASS, PIANO
Hi I’m Julia and have been playing piano since I was 4, training in classical but with a particular passion for Jazz. I began learning guitar and drums soon after and have loved music as a whole ever since. I have played in several different bands over the last 5 years, exploring loads of genres. I’ve been teaching here since 2022 and really enjoy it. I teach to the ABRSM and Trinity Rock & Pop syllabus but if you want to learn just for fun we can focus on some of your favourite songs instead!
Aiden Hassanzadeh
Guitar, Bass
Hey, I’m Aiden. I’m a guitarist and music teacher at Kaleo Music Studios, teaching acoustic and electric guitar to students of different ages and levels. I have over 10 years of experience teaching guitar, creating my own teaching methods, and working in the music industry, and I shape each lesson around the individual and what keeps them motivated.
In my lessons, we focus on learning guitar in a clear, enjoyable, and engaging way. We build technique, confidence, and understanding step by step, making sure students feel comfortable, supported, and excited to play.
I teach styles such as blues, pop, rock, country, and more, helping students grow in confidence while enjoying the process of learning and playing guitar.
Giulia Cristescu
Flute, Piano, Vocals​
Hey, I’m Giulia!
I’ve been playing piano since I was 6 years old, and along the way, I’ve picked up singing, flute, opera, and more recently, I’ve been teaching myself guitar and harmonica (because why stop at just a few instruments, right?).
Music has been my constant companion, but what truly lit a spark in me was the joy of sharing it. I fell so in love with playing and singing that I had to help others discover how magical life becomes when you find a passion like this.
I like to tailor each lesson according to your needs, making sure it’s as enjoyable as it is meaningful. We’ll laugh, learn, and make beautiful music together. Yes, it’s a disciplined art, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!
Soner Ersen
Piano​
Hey, I’m Soner,
I am a highly experienced jazz pianist, educator, and music director active in London’s jazz scene.
I graduated from the Jazz Department at Middlesex University with First Class Honours (BA Hons Jazz) and also completed my PGCE, gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I have many years of teaching experience across primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges, with strong knowledge of pedagogy and inclusive education.
​
I am the Managing Director of Highams Park Jazz Club and London Jazz Stage, where I organise jazz concerts and jam sessions, giving musicians of all ages opportunities to perform.
​
I warmly welcome students of all ages and abilities, including neurodivergent learners and those with additional needs. I approach every student individually, adapting my teaching to support, motivate, and help them achieve their musical goals.
​
At Kaleo Music Academy, I offer inspiring, personalised lessons grounded in my professional performance experience and extensive educational expertise.
Axel Krogness
Guitar
Hey, I'm Axel,
​
I am a Swedish classical guitarist, currently working as a performer, composer, and teacher. I hold a Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Royal College of Music.
​
Previously, I studied classical guitar performance with Göran Söllscher, Gunnar Spjuth, and David Hansson at the Malmö Academy of Music. In 2018, I took part in an Erasmus exchange, which gave me the opportunity to study classical guitar for one semester in Córdoba, Spain, at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Córdoba.
​
Over the past few years, I have also participated in masterclasses with renowned classical guitarists including Marcin Dylla, Zoran Dukic, Álvaro Pierri, John Mills, Laura Snowden, and Mats Bergström.