Ayshe Conaty
Director, Head of Teaching
Hello, I'm Ayshe.
I hold a degree in Creative Musicianship from ICMP and have spent over 10 years teaching singing to students of all ages and abilities, helping them understand their voice and build real confidence as performers.
Alongside vocal tuition, I teach piano and lead our band sessions here at Kaleo. Learning to play with others is one of the most valuable parts of a musical education, and these sessions give students the chance to collaborate, connect with fellow musicians, and bring their music to life together.
I've also been behind the day to day running of the school since the beginning, from admin and social media to event planning. I've watched Kaleo grow from the ground up into what it is today, and I take real pride in building an environment where students can thrive both on stage and in the practice room.
Max Whitaker
Director, Bandleader, Drummer
I’ve been playing drums and performing globally for over a decade, working across cruise entertainment, theatre shows, weddings, corporate events and live music venues.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with artists including Gareth Gates, Kiki Dee, Chesney Hawkes and Joe Mcelderry as their Drummer and Musical Director, delivering polished, West-End standard productions for audiences around the world.
Alongside performing, I’m passionate about teaching, mentoring musicians, and helping students build confidence both on and off the stage. I’m also heavily involved in the day-to-day growth of Kaleo contributing to marketing, website development, business strategy, and creative direction.
Mason Cassar
Drums, Bandleader
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.
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
Hi, I'm Will,
I’ve been playing piano and trumpet for over 40 years, building experience across a wide range of musical styles. I studied music at Girton College, Cambridge, where I worked with musicians including Martin Ennis, Daniel Harding and Stephen Cleobury, and toured internationally with the college chapel choir.
I’m a qualified teacher with a specialist music PGCE from Exeter University. I regularly perform and record with local musicians across jazz, ska and classical genres, and currently work as an accompanist and musical director for two community choirs.
I believe learning music should be enjoyable, and I aim to inspire a lifelong love of music in all my students.
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 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 guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with over 15 years of experience. Based in Essex, I offer tailored guitar lessons for all skill levels, helping students build technique, confidence, and musicality.
I’ve performed alongside artists including Lee Ryan (Blue), Gabrielle Aplin, and Joan Armatrading, and was a member of the Essex indie/folk band Carousel. I bring this real-world experience into my lessons, combining a hands-on, creative approach with strong foundations in technique, theory, and performance.
Whether you want to play your favourite songs, write your own music, or take your playing further, I’d love to help you get there. Get in touch and let’s make music!
FELICITY HENRY
SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, PIANO, VOCALS
Hi, I’m Felicity. I’ve been teaching clarinet, sax, piano and voice for 6 years.
I studied Music at St. Peter’s College, Oxford, developing a strong understanding of music history and theory that I bring into my lessons to give students a solid foundation.
As a teenager, I trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (Junior Department) and achieved my DipABRSM in Clarinet Performance at 17.
I teach students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, and have experience working with neurodivergent learners, tailoring each lesson to suit the individual.
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 many 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.
Holly Williams
Piano, Guitar, Vocals
Hi I'm Holly and I've been teaching for 10 years! I teach singing and guitar for students of all levels, ages and experience. I also teach piano and keyboard for beginners.
I graduated from ICMP in London in 2018 and have been teaching, gigging and writing, recording and releasing my own music too!
Daisy Pringle
Vocals
Hello, I’m Daisy!
I’ve been singing since I was just six years old, and music has been a huge part of my life ever since. After training in Musical Theatre at Italia Conti Academy, I went on to perform professionally in productions and live events across the UK. More recently, I had the incredible privilege of performing in Los Angeles on The Jennifer Hudson Show and have been fortunate to work alongside some amazing artists throughout my career.
Alongside performing, my greatest passion is helping others discover the confidence and joy that singing can bring. I believe every voice is unique, and my lessons are designed to be fun, supportive, and tailored to each individual. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced singer, my goal is to help you develop your technique, build confidence, and discover your own unique voice.
Piano, Saxophone
Hey, I’m Rosie!
I’ve been playing the piano since I was 10 years old, and over the years I’ve also learnt to play the saxophone and flute. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and it’s something I genuinely love sharing with others.
As a secondary music teacher, I’m passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their musical skills, and discover just how rewarding making music can be. Whether you’re taking your very first lesson or looking to improve your technique, I’ll meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
My lessons are tailored to you, with the aim of making steady progress while keeping things fun and engaging. Learning an instrument takes patience and practice, but I believe the best lessons are the ones where you leave smiling, feeling proud of what you’ve achieved, and excited for the next one.
I’m excited to help you on your musical journey and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together!
Rosie Wallace
Charley Kew
Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals, Ukulele
Hi, I’m Charley
I’ve been a musician for 15 years, starting with Bass at school and picking up other instruments along the way. A big fan of Metal and rock music, but with knowledge across all genres.
From being a Qualified Music Teacher for 5+ years in local schools, I’ve now joined Kaleo to deliver lessons that will be both fun and enriching.
I have been performing, writing, recording and composing music for over a decade, and will be keen to pass these skills onto my students.
Sam Dillin
Guitar, Vocals
I've been playing guitar for 23 years!
Over the years I've played in bands, performed live, written music, and taught guitar to students of all ages and abilities. I'm a firm believer that learning guitar should be fun, not feel like homework - although I may occasionally sneak some theory in when you're not looking.
My favourite artists include John Mayer, Bilmuri, and Tom Misch, so I love a bit of everything: bluesy bends, funky grooves, chunky riffs, weird tunings, and basically anything that makes me want to pick up a guitar.
Whether you're a complete beginner who's never held a guitar before, someone who wants to finally nail that song you've been attempting for six months, or you're looking to take your playing to the next level, I'll tailor lessons around you, your goals, and the music you actually enjoy.
Most importantly, I want you to leave every lesson thinking, "That was actually really cool. I want to play more."
