Professional Musical Director with theatre and university teaching experience offers drum kit, bass guitar and vocal lessons for all levels in Hertfordshire

Find out more about Nadine

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I first developed a passion for music growing up in a Gospel-style church environment. I was completely fascinated by the drummer, the energy, the precision, and the way the rhythm could move an entire room captivated me from a young age. Music felt powerful and alive. I later joined the youth choir, which helped me develop my musical ear, confidence, and understanding of harmony and performance.
  
  My journey into bass guitar happened quite naturally. At one point, there was no bass player available, so I decided to step in and learn the instrument myself. That experience taught me the importance of adaptability, listening, and serving the music wherever needed. From there, my love for multiple instruments, musical direction, composition, and teaching continued to grow. Music became not only a passion, but a lifelong calling and career.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I have a very wide music taste, but there are definitely artists I can listen to repeatedly without getting tired. I love the musicality and innovation of artists like Stevie Wonder, Robert Glasper, Tye Tribbett, Jill Scott, Snarky Puppy, and Beyoncé. I’m especially drawn to music with strong rhythm sections, rich harmony, and emotional honesty. Gospel, jazz, neo-soul, funk, orchestral film scores, and live performance recordings are always in rotation for me. I also love studying live arrangements because they reveal so much about musicianship, leadership, and creativity.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  One of the most riveting courses I could give would be on live performance direction and musical storytelling. Many students learn notes and technique, but fewer learn how to communicate emotion, lead an ensemble, or create a memorable live experience. I love helping students understand how rhythm, dynamics, movement, stage presence, and arrangement work together to create impact. Another challenging but rewarding course would focus on rhythm studies and groove development, teaching students how to internalise timing, subdivision, musical feel, and ensemble awareness. These are often the hidden skills that separate good musicians from exceptional ones.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think every instrument has its own challenges, but drums and percussion are incredibly difficult to truly master because they require physical endurance, independence, precision, listening skills, and leadership all at once. A great drummer is responsible for time, energy, dynamics, feel, and often the emotional drive of the music. In ensemble settings, percussionists must also learn to support others rather than dominate the sound. Beyond technique, mastering rhythm requires deep discipline and consistency. It is both physical and mental work.

• What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success are consistency, preparation, humility, and authenticity. I believe talent opens doors, but discipline keeps them open. I’ve learned the importance of staying teachable no matter how experienced you become. I also believe strongly in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. Throughout my career, whether teaching at university level, directing performances, or building creative projects, relationships, kindness, and professionalism have been just as important as skill. Finally, I always encourage my students to enjoy the process. Growth in music takes time, and confidence grows through experience.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  The three musicians I would love to meet in my favourite bar at 2am would probably be Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, and Jill Scott. Stevie Wonder because of his incredible musicianship, songwriting, and ability to communicate joy and humanity through music. Quincy Jones because his career crossed so many genres and generations while maintaining excellence and innovation. Jill Scott because of her honesty, storytelling, artistry, and the warmth she brings through both her music and personality. I imagine the conversations would move between music, life, spirituality, performance, creativity, and discipline, and probably include some spontaneous jamming too.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  One valuable anecdote from my music journey happened during a live performance where something technically went wrong moments before going on stage. At the time it felt like a disaster, but it taught me one of the greatest lessons in music: audiences connect more deeply with energy, confidence, and communication than perfection alone. The performance ended up being one of the strongest because the musicians became more present and connected to each other. Since then, I’ve always taught students that mistakes are not the end of a performance, how you recover is part of being a musician. Music teaches resilience in real time.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  The little touches that make me a Superprof are my ability to combine professional industry experience with patience, encouragement, and adaptability. I understand that every student learns differently, so I personalise lessons to suit individual goals, personalities, and confidence levels. My teaching combines technique, creativity, performance skills, and real-world musical knowledge. I also create a positive environment where students feel safe to grow, ask questions, and make mistakes. Beyond teaching notes and rhythms, I aim to help students develop confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for music that stays with them long after the lesson ends.