MEET THE TUTORS

Ben has been involved with music from a young age, Learning several instruments before focusing on the drums from the age of 11. 

Growing up in the south east of the UK Ben played in many bands and projects around Brighton and London during his schools years spanning many genres.

Ben went on to study at ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) and then at BIMM (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) to further develop his skills to pursue a career in Music. Following this this in 2012, Ben began studying under UK drummer Pat Garvey exploring many advanced techniques, styles and concepts on the instrument and for musical study.

Following and alongside his years of study Ben has worked with many bands and Solo artists across the UK again covering a wide variety of styles and set ups. In 2013 he began working with Rag n Bone Man (Columbia Records). 

Since joining Rag n Bone Man he has played Festivals and Gigs worldwide playing in various Festivals , Stadiums, Arenas and Academies , including Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz Festival , Reading and Leeds , Radio 1 Big Weekend , Rock am Ring , Rock Im Park, Fuji Rock, Splendour in the Grass, Capital Ball (wembley Staduim) Ibiza Rocks, Roslilde, along with many more. 

During this time, to date Rag n Bone Man has won 2 Brit Awards, 2 Echo Awards , had a UK number 2 Single with Human and a Number one album of the same name. The album has had world wide success, achieving Platinum and Gold status in many countries including the UK. 

Ben has also appeared on many TV and Radio shows with Rag n Bone man including : Glastonbury (Other Stage BBC TV and Radio live coverage) Graham Norton, The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon (US), Ellen (US), Taratata (France) , Jonas Van Geel (Belgium) , Inas Nacht (Germany). The Echo Awards (Germany) as well as others and many still to come.

In the studio Ben has also been featured with Rag n Bone Man on many Radio and studio settings including live BBC Coverage of 2017’s Glastonbury Set on the Other Stage. BBC Radio 1’s Live lounge, Several Maida Vale sessions, Radio X, XFM and several online TV channels. 

Along side this Ben has previously had a residency for a number of years in a studio creating library music for corporate clients, producing music spanning many different styles. 

Over the years and between touring Ben is also an educator, teaching Drums and percussion. He was teaching with the East Sussex Music Service from 2008

     Jodie’s passion for the performing arts was evident from an early age. Beginning her training in Classical Ballet, Modern, Jazz Technique, Tap, and Contemporary, her knowledge expands across multiple disciplines. She earned numerous professional credits during her youth, culminating in being awarded “Dancer of the Year” at just 12 years old. Jodie completed her formal training at the Bird College of Performing Arts, where she was awarded a full scholarship. 

Jodie has embraced diverse roles within the industry, including performing, choreographing, Casting, and producing. Her versatility has led her to work across multiple disciplines such as, Musical Theatre, Cabarets, and Commercial from international shopping malls and corporate centres, Arena’s and West End. She has also performed in hotel resorts, touring Pantomimes and on television, working with renowned brands, Celebrities and productions such as Bourne Leisure’s Warners Resorts and Haven Breaks, where she took on the roles of Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer. Her television credits include appearances on “Gok Wan’s Roadshow” “Britain’s Next Top Model LIVE.” And Channel 4. One of her career highlights includes being a backing dancer for Bryan Adams’ UK Tour. 

In addition to her performing career, Jodie toured with her own pop cover group around the UK further broadening her artistic repertoire. As a choreographer and producer, she has worked in Musical Theatre, pantomimes, music videos, promotional events, and film. Notable projects include Channel 4 work with Ronan Keating, the South of England Road Show, the feature film Brighton Rock, and a Tribute Variety Performance to Paul O’Grady, which she wrote and produced and the Sundays aired on “BBC”. Her contributions to the performing arts have been vast, with highlights including work on P&O and high-profile corporate events. 

Jodie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own dance academy, where she shared her expertise and passion with aspiring dancers. Alongside this, she has taught ballet, jazz, and musical theatre at numerous academies and colleges, inspiring the next generation of performers. 

Currently, Jodie is channeling her creative energy into writing. She is co-authoring a book with her sister, which is set to be published early next year—a new and exciting chapter in her multifaceted career. 

Is a versatile Musician, Vocalist, and enterprising figure in the forefront of the music industry. As the driving force behind a thriving music publishing company, Jake’s multifaceted talents shine as a Singer-Songwriter, Rapper, Producer, Performer, and Drummer, accumulating over 10 million streams across TV shows, films, Broadway, and West End productions during his two-decade career. His journey, marked by creative ingenuity, has led to extensive expertise in live performances and studio work, unveiling exceptional opportunities. From an early age, Jake’s musical immersion propelled him to tour and learn alongside his Church music band/choir, earning credits in Performing, Recording, and Songwriting. Collaborations with industry giants like Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal, as well as performances at renowned events such as The Wireless Festival, have firmly established him alongside luminaries like Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Little Mix. Beyond the stage, Jake ventured into writing and recording, collaborating with ‘Metrophonic Publishing‘ and ‘Steve Booker’ under Universal’s ‘Cake Records’ imprint. His journey is anchored by an impressive music education, including a full scholarship to ‘Brighton Institute Of Modern Music’ and recognition from ‘The Stage Magazine.’ Amazing tutors with his vocal recording and arrangement He secured an overseas scholarship to ‘Berklee College Of Music’ Jake Jon’s musical odyssey is enriched by diverse influences, encompassing Gospel to urban music’s vibrant energy. His unwavering dedication, passion, and innovation position him as a rising star in Britain’s music scene, propelling waves that affirm his role as a notable and influential force. 

Damien graduated from Middlesex University with a BA Hons in Music.

Damien’s versatile talent has taken him from intimate sets at Ronnie Scott’s and the 606 Jazz Club to sold-out performances at The Royal Albert Hall, O2 Arena, and Wembley Arena.

A gifted songwriter, Damien is currently working on his second album, Starting from Zero, featuring musicians with credits alongside George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Eric Clapton. His songwriting success includes work for the BBC and Sony.

TV highlights include solo appearances on Later with Jools Holland, resident singer on the Strictly Come Dancing , The Jonathan Ross Show, and The Graham Norton Show as part of Sir Tom Jones’ band.  He’s also been featured on Radio 1’s Live Lounge (Maida Vale Studios) and MTV with Professor Green, as well as BBC live performances with the London Community Gospel Choir. Other credits include The Big Breakfast, Blue Peter, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, This Morning, Richard & Judy, and various appearances on MTV with Boyband the Musical. Damien’s acting and voice work have been showcased on Sky One and in Walkers Crisps’ “Time of My Life” campaign.

West End credits include standout roles such as Roger in the Tony Award-winning Rent (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Sean in Boyband the Musical (Gielgud Theatre). More recently, he performed in Seasons of Larson at the Lyric Theatre.

As a pianist and vocalist, Damien has performed internationally, holding residencies in five-star venues like W Hotel Doha, Rosewood London, QE2 Hotel Dubai, and The Savoy. He’s also performed at exclusive clubs such as Groucho Club, Home House, and Soho House, with further residencies in Switzerland, Holland, and Bermuda.

With a top-tier band of session and touring musicians High-profile bookings have taken him to locations including Gibraltar, Dubai, Italy (Puglia, Rome, Venice), Monaco, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Paris, Nice, and St. Moritz.

Conor is a professional director, theatre maker, educator and facilitator. For nearly three years, Conor was a Senior Leader for Learning at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he was responsible for the management and delivery of the Globe’s educational outreach to thousands of schools and teachers, both in the UK and abroad. Prior to that, Conor was Head of Curriculum for the ICTheatre Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts. As a lecturer and facilitator, he has worked closely with both universities and accredited drama schools including Rose Bruford College, The University of Chichester Conservatoire, Performers College, The Institute of Contemporary Theatre Training and BN1 Arts. His directing credits include work presented in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, The Bush Theatre, The Rose Theatre in Kingston, Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton Open Air Theatre as well as work that has toured nationally. 

As a session singer, BisaNation has worked alongside artists such as Neil Diamond, One Direction, Alicia Keys, Richard "Biff" Stannard for Biffco music (Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Five, U2, Little Mix), Westlife, Geoffrey Williams (Michael Jackson), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Terry Callier, Beverly knight, The Gypsy Kings, Viola Wills, The Sugababes, Robbie Williams, Olly Murs, STOMP, The Feeling. 

Performing on shows such as; The Royal Variety Show, X Factor, Text Santa, Top Of The Pops 2. 

Performing in venues such as; The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena & Wireless Festival.

With almost 20 years of music industry experience, BisaNation has been performing worldwide from childhood. Developing a unique style that merges the passionate delivery of gospel, with the refined technique of classical vocals. 

BisaNation is an avid composer and arranger, creating original pieces that showcase her intricate understanding of harmonies and vocal arrangements. 

With over 15 years of experience in choral direction, Bisa has honed her skills in crafting vocal harmonies and arranging complex musical compositions for choirs of varying sizes and abilities.

As a Vocalist, songwriter, producer, and performer, Bisa's versatility gives her the unique ability to blend various styles. 

Her commitment to push boundaries, enables her to continue to create genre-defying music that resonates with her listeners.

With a background in fine art and a degree in animation. Bisanation's artistic talents extend beyond music. 

As a visual artist, she translates her innate understanding of aesthetics into captivating works that mirror the emotive depth of her music.

Merging her creativity and fashion design skills with her musical artistry. Seamlessly navigating the worlds of music, fashion and film. 

Munya is a Creative Artist, multi-award-winning choreographer and entrepreneur from Brighton, working as a dance choreographer/teacher and filmmaker. Talented visionary and Director of Thirty 10 Arts formed in 2018, a platform for performing arts creatives which grew from a dance company

'Visual Poets' founded in 2013. He is a cultural leader who works with artists to push their creative development.

Simon Gray studied singing, piano and conducting at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and has since worked as a conductor in opera and musical theatre, on national tours, in the West End (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Treasure Island, The Hobbit), in regional theatres and in major concert houses including The Royal Albert Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. He has worked for Regency Opera, English Festival Opera, European Chamber Opera, the Carl Rosa Opera Company, Holland Park, and English Country Garden Opera. He toured with Hinge & Brackett in their Proms concerts; with cabaret groups Night Music and First Night; and has worked as MD for many pantomimes and concerts with a host of stars. Recent work includes concerts in Madrid and Singapore, and concerts at St James’s Palace. In 2022 with Magic Lantern, he toured to various UK venues and festivals with a production of “The Maestro”, about the life of the Italian composer Donizetti, which continued in 2023 with performances in London and in Bergamo, Italy, Donizetti’s birthplace.  He recently conducted a Gilbert & Sullivan Gala Concert featuring former members of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, several opera concerts, and productions of Betty Blue Eyes and Chicago.  

Sophie trained at The Urdang Academy with additional training at The Royal Ballet School as an associate pupil and Stonelands School of Ballet & Theatre Arts. 

Sophie holds DDE status with the ISTD in Imperial classical Ballet, Modern Theatre & Tap Dance. Sophie has taught extensively  at a number of schools across the south coast having most recently taught at the University of Chichester on the BA Hons Joint Musical Theatre degree programme. Starting as an Associate lecturer at its inception in September 2013, Promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2016 and programme Co-ordinator in September 2017 where she remained until having her two children. 

Performance credits: Wind In The Willows’ at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Dancer for Bloch Dancewear Fashion Show at Olympia, London. Dance photoshoot for Timeout magazine, Sadler’s Wells.

Oliver is known for Flatmates BBC (2019), Doctors (2000) and The Things I Will Not Miss (2028). 

He is an Actor, Director, Drama Facilitator, Theatre Maker & associate of the National Youth Theatre. 

His practice as a Director and Facilitator is centred around the ideas of play and connection, and the ways that we as performers can bring our authentic selves to the rehearsal room, to the characters we play and the stories that we tell. 

Siggi Mwasote, a distinguished female singer and vocal coach, has significantly shaped the musical landscape of the South Coast with her versatile talents. As the leader of the Spring into Soul choir, Siggi guided the ensemble to impressive heights, culminating in their recognition as finalists on BBC’s Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year in 2018. Her impactful leadership extended to being the lead vocalist of the AfroFunk collective, Lakuta, gracing major UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Secret Garden Party, Love Supreme, and Wilderness to name a few.

Bex completed her Musical Theatre training at Guildford School of Acting, graduating in 2003. Since then she has worked extensively on stage, television and film. Television work includes The Bill, Holby City, Phoneshop and Doctors. Films include The Mistress of Spices, Aisha the American and Zoe. On stage, Bex has appeared in numerous musicals, including being part of the original cast of the Olivier nominated The Little Big Things @sohoplace in the West End, a show which included appearances at the Royal Variety Performance 2023 and Olivier Awards 2024. Other theatre work includes Zoe (Glyndebourne Opera House), An Asylum on Every Corner (Bucharest International Arts Festival), Exit Allen (International Festival of Musical Theatre), Kali’s Toenail, The Banyan Tree (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Sweeney Todd (88 London Road), Zorro the Musical and The Last Maharajah (West End).

She also performs throughout the country as a singer, in styles ranging from jazz and blues to soul and funk. Bex’s session work includes backing vocals for Josh Groban at The Royal Albert Hall, the O2, Manchester Arena and Hyde Park, television appearances singing with artists such as Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and Ruthie Henshall, soundtracks for Holiday on Ice, Disney on Ice and Ellie Goulding. Bex runs The bb Collective, a boutique agency providing live music for high profile events which has allowed her to work at amazing venues all over the world. Bex has taught Musical Theatre, Vocal Technique, Vocal Rep and Acting Through Song for over 15 years, alongside directing, musical directing and choir leading for several Sussex based groups. 

Adam Sedgwick is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, producer and sound engineer with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. With a career focus predominantly within Extreme Metal and Eletronic Music genres, Adam has developed a career that has included PR campaign design, Artist Development, Multimedia Implementation In Performance, Sound Design, Songwriting and Extreme Vocal techniques.

Danny attended Leeds Conservatoire, where he studied Music Production with a focus on harmony and music for moving image. He has been teaching at BN1Arts for the past year, focussing on Music Theory. 

Alongside his teaching, Danny works as a musical director and producer in the music industry, collaborating with both independent and major label artists to craft their songs and live shows.

Danny's extensive performance background includes roles as musical director, producer, and session musician for a diverse range of artists. His portfolio spans classical singers like Alfie Boe, UK rap artists, such as Pat, and pop artists including Sam Tompkins, Libby Whitehouse and Rixton/Push Baby to name a few. As a producer, Danny focuses on the art of recording/mixing and arrangement/orchestration. In addition to his work with artists, Danny has composed music for Netflix shows and independent short films, earning recognition at various film festivals.

Throughout his self-employed career, Danny has honed valuable business skills that he now shares with his students, equipping them to become successful entrepreneurs in the music industry. 

His teaching philosophy is rooted in critical pedagogy and student-centred learning, prioritising equality, respect, collaboration, and empowerment while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for the positive development of young people.

Emma trained at performers college and has been working professionally in the industry for 15 years. She has enjoyed performing in TV, Film, musicals, commercials, tours and arenas and loves taking her passion and skills into dance colleges to inspire young performers. Having performed for Royal Caribbean in We Will Rock You as 1st cover Meat and as a lead vocalist for 5 years, Emma can now often be found working and assisting for Royal Caribbean at their London auditions.

Graham oversees production and songwriting lessons BN1 Arts. He provides students with the technical and creative tools to produce their own songs and recordings and write and create in bespoke styles for various media, including short film, library music and co-production. His lessons cover recording technique, compositional theory, and arrangement giving students the skills to respond to a range of briefs, a vital part of today’s music industry.

Outside of teaching, Graham has worked as a professional musician and producer for the past twenty years, seeing him touring worldwide. His music has been featured on national radio in the UK and international ad campaigns globally. As a producer, he has worked with various international arts festivals and groups, including Brighton Festival and Manchester International Festival. He has most recently worked extensively with the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Magnus is a classically trained pianist with a Bachelor’s degree in Popular Music Performance from BIMM University, Brighton. He has established himself as a versatile freelance musician, specialising in musical theatre, pop, and Contemporary styles. He is a member of the BIMM House Band, composes and directs music for original pieces and ensembles. Magnus performs regularly, records as a session musician, and teaches piano. He currently serves as a rehearsal pianist for Brighton Theatre Group’s productions & freelance Musical Director for various theatre companies in Brighton.

Paul is the drummer for UKQueen, an internationally touring Queen Tribute band. He is also a songwriter, producer and runs a record label covering a range of jobs such as production, mixing, mastering, promotion and marketing. Paul has taught music and songwriting at an array of schools, colleges, universities and songwriting camps and is currently due to complete a master’s degree in music performance within the songwriting pathway.

Phil is a stage director and acting teacher who has worked on a number of significant community projects in Devon, Cornwall and East Sussex. As a professional director he has assisted on national and international touring productions as well many smaller scale solo shows (including Gun and Cutless by William Hartley). Phil has been involved with Sterts Theatre in Cornwall for 15 years, directing and overseeing large scale community productions, most recently he has written and directed a large Arts Council funded musical called The Beast. He also teaches acting, musical theatre and directing at multiple theatre and arts universities and colleges. Phil loves working at BN1 Arts and always finds the students inspiring and interesting.

Sam teaches Bass at BN1 Arts. Since graduated from BIMM Brighton in 2012, he's taken the tools he gained into a career path that has seen him undertaking roles as a session bassist and singing frontman. Previous gig experience includes cruise ship contracts, hotel residencies, European tours, pub and club gigs, weddings and functions, Ski season tours, and teaching.

Sam believes that versatility, drive, and personality are the keys to a career as a modern-day working musician and enjoys sharing his own experiences with the exciting young talents at BIMM, helping the students to find their way to happy, fulfilled career goals.

Gwendolen is a former professional ballet and contemporary dancer with a career that spans live performances, opera, film, teaching and choreographing. Having trained in RAD and BBO ballet since the age of 4, Gwen went on to graduate with a First Class (BA) Honours Degree from DeMontfort University before gaining a place for a further year with the established BalletBoyz Dancer’s Course in London under directors Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, working with a variety of established dancers and choreographers.

Her notable screen credits include roles in Summerland (2020), Last Night in Soho (2021), The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), as well as in the TV series Britannia 2 and Pennyworth. Her expertise in choreography was showcased in the 2023 film The Boys in the Boat directed by George Clooney and The Department (2025), following her work as Choreographer for Garsington Opera’s Youth Company during their 2020 and 2021 seasons, and music videos for the band Noble Jacks.

In addition to her performance and choreography career, Gwen is an established ballet teacher and flexibility and conditioning coach. She is passionate about developing artistry with a keen eye for detail, technique, and enjoyment in her students. Gwen’s teaching approach is rooted in a deep understanding of individual needs and capabilities, leading her to create her own “Stretch & Strength Flexibility” method, which combines her extensive experience and training to help others achieve their full potential. Gwen currently teaches at a number vocational Dance and Musical Theatre training schools across Sussex.

Sam Cartwright is a professional actor and director with extensive experience in all walks of the industry. As an actor, he has worked in both TV and Film on projects with Channel 4, Working Title Films, Focus Features and Radical Media. Commercially, he has worked on projects with Jack Whitehall, Jess Glynne, Will Young and with companies such as GoDaddy, BMW, The Hampshire Constabulary and the CEOP. He is also a professional photographer and videographer, specialising in actor’s headshots and actor’s showreels, for which he regularly writes and shoots in Brighton. He has also worked on film sets, for theatre companies in casting and tour management, assisting actor's agents and is also an award nominated writer and director.