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
Having been a drummer for over 15 years, I have a wealth of experience in a multitude of styles and techniques. I’m professionally endorsed by world renowned drum brands including Ludwig Drums and Vic Firth. In addition to teaching 1-2-1 drum lessons with students of all abilities and ages, I teach at local secondary schools giving me experience with all kinds of learners. I’ve toured the UK and Europe with my band, The Rills, giving me real world knowledge of the industry and experience performing to thousands of people. I’ve spent countless hours in recording studios, both as part of an ensemble and solo. I’m passionate about my instrument and passing on all I have learned to the next generation of rock stars!
Sam Dillin
Guitar
Hi, I’m Sam and I have been playing guitar since I was 7 years old. I started out learning classical guitar and moved over to electric guitar at the age of 11. This led to me joining a band where I fell in love with playing with others.
I have performed at many Venues around London including Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, Camden Underworld and Performed one of me own original songs at Tennessee Fields Festival 2021.
I love Indie rock and country music, so don’t be surprised if I turn up to a Kaleo event in cowboy hat and dungarees!
Matt Want
Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Technology, Ukulele
Hey I’m Matthew, I teach both electric and acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele and music technology. My teaching style is based upon building a solid foundation in both technique and theory to ensure the freedom to play and produce in any genre; From Pop, Rock and blues to Hip-Hop, folk and Jazz. Although there is an underline foundation to learn, student’s will have different goals, and therefore a bespoke curriculum is created. Not forgetting the importance that music is an extremely fun and rewarding skill to have, and one that will never leave.
I’m passionate about realising my student’s full potential by encouraging them to be the most complete musician they can be.
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
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.
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!