I have been playing drums since 1991, and over the years I have played in a variety of styles from jazz and rock through to death metal.

My academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree, a Bachelor of Music (Honours), and a Master of Music degree, all from the University of Auckland, majoring in Jazz Performance.

Respected New Zealand drum teachers and performers, such as Ron Samsom, Frank Gibson, Jr and Rex McLeod have assisted me in developing my drumming skills over the course of my career.

Teaching drums is my passion and although I have years of experience of playing gigs ranging from jazz to rock, pop to death metal, and musicals to corporate events, I now choose to focus primarily on teaching, both at high schools in south Auckland and privately from my home in Wattle Downs, South Auckland.

My students are aged from 4 to 50+ and are about evenly balanced between girls and boys. Some of my students learn drums for their own pleasure; some to play in bands; and others have gone on to study music at universities both in NZ and overseas.

Chris Dawson - 2012