BEN CULLINGWORTH
DRUMMER/DRUM TEACHER
BIO
I moved to London in 2009 to study at The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance and pursue a career in the music industry. By 2013 I had gained a BMus (Hons) Degree in Music Performance and a Higher Diploma in Drums. During my last year of University I successfully auditioned for Let It Be, the hit West End show. I then played the role of Ringo Starr in this on and off for the next few years, including 18 months in London's West End and many tours in the UK and Europe.
I have worked full time as a drummer/percussionist and drum/percussion teacher since leaving university, with many of my theatre jobs involving acting and/or singing too.
Other theatre touring credits; Thriller Live (International Tour), The Sessions (UK Arena Tour, including a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall), Million Dollar Quartet (UK, Europe, India and New Zealand Tours, as well as a stint at The Royal Festival Hall in London), 20th Century Boy (UK Tour).
I have also played or recorded with Iain Hornal (ELO, 10CC, Yes feat.ARW), Árni Hjörvar (The Vaccines), Gil Cang (Rihanna, Baz Luhrmann), James Morton (Kasabian) and Peter Conway, for whom I recorded drums for some of the songs on his album Stay, his EP Pleasure Island and also performed at the US Embassy in London for the 2012 US Presidential Election.
I am accomplished at drumming in most contemporary styles of music, including; Rock, Metal, Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, Latin and can also play many Un-tuned World Percussion instruments.
I am proud to endorse Cosmic Ears!
AUDIO
VIDEO
All Videos
All Videos
Here Comes The Sun | Edinburgh | Let It Be UK Tour 2018 |
Thriller Live, Thriller (Live at Malmö Arena, Sweden)
Thriller Live, Black And White (Live at Malmö Arena, Sweden)
Thriller Live, Can You Feel It (Live at Malmö Arena, Sweden)
TESTIMONIALS
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“Ben was the Ringo to my Paul in “Let It Be” in London’s West End. He’s a fab drummer, very musical, and a top bloke to boot.” Iain Hornal (Jeff Lynne's ELO, 10CC, Yes feat.ARW, Take That)
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"Ben Cullingworth is one of the best young drummers I’ve worked with. He has a great pocket, a lovely feel, and never plays a note that doesn’t serve the song. He was a delight to work with on 20th Century Boy, Let It Be and Million Dollar Quartet. I’d recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat." John Maher (Director, Musical Supervisor & Arranger - 20th Century Boy. Musical Supervisor & Arranger - Thriller Live. Musical Supervisor & Arranger - Million Dollar Quartet. Director & Musical Supervisor - Let It Be (2013-17)
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“Excellent groover and time keeper and a great bloke too!” Alex Meadows (Tom Jones, Jamiroquai, Will Young, Il Divo)
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“Ben is not only one of the best drummers I’ve played with but also one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. He plays like a guy well beyond his years". Paul Canning (Solo Artist, 10CC, Let It Be)
TEACHING
I have personally attained Grade 8 in Drum Kit (Guildhall), a Higher Diploma in Drums, a BMus (Hons) Degree in Music Performance and an LRSL Teaching Licentiate, as well as having worked for years as a session drummer both in London and on tour around the world. Through the Teaching Licentiate, I studied music education and learnt how to plan and tailor lessons to fit different students' needs. Because of this experience, I have a wealth of skill and knowledge that I would love to be able to pass on to any fellow drummers looking to improve.. whatever ability or age you are!
I am enthusiastic, friendly, patient and I'm here to help, if there is anything you feel you need help with!
Here are a few examples of areas in which I could help you:
Technique/Stickings/Rudiments,
Fluency and control on the instrument,
Groove and feel,
Many different styles (from Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop and Metal to Jazz, Latin and any others in between!),
Graded Exams (Guildhall and Rockschool),
Reading and transcribing,
Improvising,
Creating drum parts for a song,
Helping to find and develop your own voice on the drums,
Helping to plan for and nail auditions (whether that be for bands/artists or for colleges/univeristies),
Drum Tuning,
...and any other area you need help with!
I can also pinpoint areas you might want to look at in your playing, set goals with you and then help you to achieve them!
Lessons can be done either in person around the Cambridge area (at my home or yours) or online (using video calls) if that is easier for you!
Get in touch below if you are interested in having a FREE trial lesson!
Teaching Testimonials:
‘Ben is an incredibly intuitive drum teacher, and understood both my strengths and what I needed to learn from lesson one. He is kind, patient, and has a wealth of experience. Why wouldn’t you have a trial lesson? It’s completely free!’ Josh
"Ben Cullingworth has a natural ability as a drumming coach. He connected with my son while coaching him with his drumming and my son felt confident and at ease. He's fun, caring and enthusiastic as a drumming coach and he's also an amazing drummer! So you know you are going to be coached by someone who knows what they are doing." Peter
“Ben is a wonderful teacher; I had a few introductory lessons that were really fun and gave a solid foundation to move on from. He’s also a really nice guy and a great drummer!” Anna
LIVE/RECORDING WORK
If you are interested in using me for any recordings or live work, please get in touch below and we can discuss rates!