Percussion

Damian Fisher has played in London’s West End and toured the world as a professional drummer and percussionist with shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Grease, Oliver, Funny Girl, My Fair Lady, Cats, Hairspray, Cabaret, 42nd Street, Chicago, Hello Dolly, Rocky Horror Show, Shrek, The Color Purple and Copacabana. He has had numerous students selected for the final of ‘Young Drummer Of The Year’ (including former BMS student Segun Akinola) and currently has a student in the 2025 final.

As a teacher he understands the need to tailor the lesson to the student. He feels that the most important thing when playing any instrument is to have fun!

Chris Ridley teaches percussion at BMS. He studied at Bedford School after which he gained a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music where he was also Principal Timpanist of the Gustav Mahler Jugend Orchestra. After a few years of freelancing with the major symphony orchestras in London and opera houses in Italy, he became the Timpanist of the Orchestra of Teatro La Scala, Milan. In 2008, Chris joined the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, as Timpanist. He has also tutored with Bedfordshire County Youth Orchestras and has taught at the conservatoires in London and Milan.