Tutors
Ms Nicol (Sophie)
Lifelong educator and jazz fan Sophie Nicol started WCC as a response to cuts to music education in UK schools. She once performed at London’s Jazz Café as part of Byron Wallen’s gamelan orchestra, playing the music of Boards of Canada.
Byron
The co-founder and musical director of Woolwich Creative Club is a giant of UK music. He’s an award-winning composer, educator and trumpet player. His music has been commissioned by the BBC, FIFA and has created soundscapes for Game of Thrones.
Rasheeda
Our award-winning poet and community organiser works with the club’s poets, creating original work in collaboration with the musicians. The Booker Prize winning writer Bernadine Evaristo called Rasheeda ‘brilliant, informed and insightful’ – and we agree.
Kenrick
Kenrick Rowe is a much-loved drummer who has worked with many of the world’s top reggae bands and has toured extensively with groups such as The Specials and PJ Harvey. Kenrick enjoys teaching at the club and bringing his own vibe and musical heritage for us all to share.
Jai
Trinity jazz student and DJ Jai teaches trumpet and drums at the club. His main instrument is trombone, and he has performed at venues including Woolwich Works, The Jago in East London and the Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Freddie
He started out with violin – but it was trumpet that captured Trinity student Freddie’s attention. When not working with WCC’s young horn players he has a residency at West London’s Notting Hill Arts Club and played with Byron at the Dublin National Concert Hall.
Samantha
All-star educator Samantha gets involved in whatever needs to be done – whether that’s building this website or stepping in for the keyboard and piano tutors and helping young players get the music flowing.
Tim
Classically trained pianist and composer-arranger Tim left Hong Kong – and his band ‘The Emergence’ – when he was 14. In London, he added jazz to his repertoire, playing as session pianist at London clubs and concert halls. He works one to one with talented young players.
Solomon
Touring jazz and session guitarist Solomon grew up in Italy before moving to London in his late teens. His style is a mixture of jazz, hip hop and afrobeat. He’s now touring the world with artists including Burna Boy and he has his own monthly residency in West London.
Emma
WCC’s young writers and film-makers work with author and broadcaster Emma as part of Journalism Club. She’s the author of Dance Your Way Home and had a monthly radio show on Worldwide FM for six years.
Barney
Guitar tutor Barney grew up in Manchester – although he started playing classical piano age 10 played guitar in various indie rock punk bands, started studying jazz guitar at Trinity, currently second year. Playing in various outfits: MCR rapper, neo-soul hip hop, contempo classical within uni. Played at Jazz Café. Writing for jazz quintet. “community, especially playing improvised music… it’s about being open and supportive.”