Russ Tarley started learning drums at the age of four following in his Father’s footsteps. First studying with the respected local drum teachers; John Hammond, Bernie Fox and the much loved Roy Hugget whilst finding himself firmly in the percussion seat of the school orchestras at St. John’s College. During his teens Russ played with local bands gigging in many of the area’s pubs, clubs and live music venues. Continuing his flare for music, Russ went on to the Gateway School of Music in London to study Music Technology, Sound Recording and Music Business. This led to the following years working in record companies including EMI and Virgin. During this time Russ also played live percussion in nightclubs which included the Ministry of Sound for four years and playing along side many big name DJs such as Louie Vega, Judge Jules and Norman Jay.

Russ’s love for the drums took him back to school in 2001 and attended the renown Drumtech in London. At the end of the year Russ graduated with the award for Best Performing Student. From here Russ landed a job with the Holland America cruise line and spent the next year playing drums on board ship and travelling Mexico and Hawaii.

Once back on dry land in 2003, Russ started his first teaching job at Cams Hill Secondary School in Fareham and also set up his first teaching studio. In 2006 Russ went back to taking lessons himself, this time with the great Bob Armstrong with whom he continues to study with today. Russ now works as a professional drummer in the local area playing with the Freestyle Funk Collective, as well as the Royal Navy band at HMS Nelson, numerous Jazz ensembles and playing percussion with ‘Funkt-If-Ino’. As well as this he regularly works for various producers in London, plays with the Portsmouth University Big Band, The Kings Theatre, The New Theatre Royal and deps for a number of function bands.

Now Russ has put together a new studio where he can pass on his knowledge of music and the drums to those who want to learn in a professional, inspiring and fun environment.