TOM JIGGINS

DRUMMER - PIANIST - EDUCATOR - COMPOSER - ARRANGER

Tom is an award winning musician and teacher based in Colchester. After gaining a triple distinction qualification National Diploma and A level in Music Tom studied for his first degree at Colchester Institute in classical piano and percussion graduating with a Music BA (hons). Tom won several music awards whilst studying including the Cannon Jack piano competition trophy in 2013, the Cyril Moles duet competition trophy twice in 2012 and 2013 and the Ensembles competition shield in 2012.

In 2014 Tom accepted an offer to study at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama Conservatoire in London and graduated with his second degree, a Performance Masters in jazz percussion. This has given him the opportunity to study with world renown professors including Martin Hathaway, Trevor Tomkins, Malcolm Edmonstone, Malcolm Miles and Carlos Lopez-Real, Stuart Hall, Scott Stroman, Gareth Lockrane, Adriano Adawale, Barry Green, Robbie Robson. Whilst studying at Guildhall Tom was able to perform at some of the most iconic jazz clubs across the U.K. Tom appears regularly as a freelance musician across England and has appeared regulary at the Norwich Jazz Club and Jazz at the Alex. and has toured Germany, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal and the U.K and has tutored students that have been accepted into top U.K conservatoires studying music.

T O M J I G G I N S
BA (hons) - Mmus (GSMD)

Tom has a wide experience in tutoring one-to-one instrumental lessons and works with many schools in Essex including Holmwood House proprietary school. He is also a tutor of group lessons, small and large ensembles, jazz bands, rock bands, orchestras, music technology and percussion workshops. Tom works with Essex Music Services as a teacher and workshop leader and is involved with the Essex Youth Jazz orchestra and Essex Junior Jazz as well as conducting the Essex Youth Jazz Quintet and Essex Youth Rock Band.

Tom is fortunate enough to be known as both a drummer and pianist and has also worked as a consultant for music exam boards as well as composing pieces for drums and percussion grades.

WHAT DO I TEACH?

Drums, Piano, Theory, Jazz Specialisms, Composing, Arranging

Beginners through to Advanced

I offer piano lessons to all ages and abilities whether you want to study for your grade eight piano exam or you just want to learn your favourite songs and pieces for fun.

Piano lessons are available across all styles from classical to jazz to pop, I cater for all.

I teach all levels of drum students from beginner through to advanced in all styles of music covering every aspect of drumming from technique to improvising as well as offering several syllabuses to work from if you are interested in grade exams.

I have both a Degree and Masters qualifications so if you are looking to brush up on your theory skills this is the lesson for you. I cover all aspects of music theory from working towards your grade exams to learning chord cymbals and deconstructing Bach chorals.

I am able to offer jazz improvisation, composition and arranging to those who are looking to go the extra mile with their jazz skills. During these one-to-one classes you will learn everything from pulling apart Charlie Parker solos to composing lead sheets and arranging for small bands and big bands. I will take you through periods in history so that you can recognise early jazz music as well as modern and improvised music.

These lessons can be tailored towards drum or piano skills but can also be theory/harmony based also for the ultimate workout. Jazz / composition & arranging lessons are also available on request / non regular basis tutored in a one-to-one workshop style lesson.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Tom is based in Colchester, he takes pride in offering one-to-one lessons to students and schools at affordable prices in a relaxed, clean and modern environment. He is able to offer top quality, professional and highly qualified music teaching in piano, drums, jazz and music theory from beginner students who have never studied before to higher education students at degree or masters level and everything in-between. Tom has had many students successfully accepted into music conservatoires and likes caters to each student’s individual needs he has been teaching for over 15 years and has a Degree with honours in music and piano from Colchester Institute and a Masters Degree in music performance and jazz drums from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, a full DBS (former CRB) check as well as a Level 2 Child Safety training and first aid training along with a Covid-19 awareness certificate.

If you have been wondering about lessons and have never got round to booking some in, now is your opportunity...

TESTIMONIALS

I Have been studying jazz piano with Tom for the last couple of years, lessons are always outstanding and well thought out. My playing and understanding of a wide spectrum of jazz has improved greatly and I'm constantly discovering new music to listen to and learn thanks to Tom's recommendations. I wouldn't be the musician I am today without Tom!

WILLIAM

I have drum lessons with Tom and we work through grade pieces, making it more fun than it should be, still finding time for exercises and rudiments. It is very easy to get lost in different styles and rhythms, and it is always fun to do it with Tom. He is passionate about music and an amazing musician. You'll progress every lesson

VIB

Learning drums with Tom for over 2 years now. More like having fun though - every lesson is really enjoyable. Tom always challenges and stretches your ability - but you are playing in a relaxed atmosphere, with your kind of music and the lesson time just flies by. I never thought i'd be doing this at 60! Highly recommended!

ALICE

My son began his piano lessons, learning Jazz with Tom, a few months ago. Tom has been absolutely brilliant and is a great teacher for my son. The lessons are always interesting and Tom engages very well with my son in a nice relaxed manner. My son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with Tom!

EMILY

Tom is a wonderful piano teacher – he makes every lesson enjoyable, with something new learnt each time. My child has been learning with him for a few months now and comes away so enthusiastic after each session. Tom explains everything very clearly, with plenty of demonstrations, and then gives the child plenty of space to practice and experiment with new ideas. Cannot recommend him highly enough.

JANINE

I have been having drum lessons with Tom for nearly 3 years now. Although I am very nearly 50 years old, Tom has taught me that you are never too old to learn!! I don't want to be in a band but just have the ability to play the drums to a skilful level to the beat of a tune. Tom has been patient and makes the lessons fun and about my needs and what I want to achieve that lesson. I have progressed in every lesson. So if you are thinking about drumming - come on - give it a go!

JAMES

FAQ's

I don't have an instrument to practice on yet, can I still have a lesson?

A lot of students start out without an instrument and this is absolutely fine! I would recommend having some theory lessons, this will give you an understanding of the music and also help you to begin reading music before you start to play your instrument. Theory lessons also work very well online!

What if I've never played an instrument before?

My music tuition requires no prior musical knowledge and we can start from the beginning! Alternatively if you do have a musical background we can then discuss where best to start with our lessons to continue your musical journey and to help you to achieve your goals.

Can I do a mixture of online and in person lessons?

Of course, I use Zoom for my online lessons and they work in exactly the same way as in person lessons, you'll hardly notice a difference.

VISIT THE CONTACT PAGE TO BOOK IN YOUR LESSON!

L I S T E N

S A M P L A C K E T T OR G A N T R I O

'Fresh Takes' EP
Sam Plackett - Guitar
Mike Gorman - Organ - Tom Jiggins - Drums

M A L C O L M M I L E S

'The further you go the less you know'

Malcolm Miles - Saxophones
Jack Monck - Bass
Tom Jiggins - Drums

Gareth Patch (studio engineer)
Recorded at Punch Studios in Suffolk
Music production and art work by Saxomal
Funded by University Centre Colchester

COMPOSITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS
2014 - present

'Heading Home' 2014

Premier at Bocking Arts Theatre 2023 by Essex Youth Jazz Quintet

'Unlucky For Some' 2015
'Take the A train' - Billy Strayhorn (Arrangement for jazz ensemble) 2023 Recorded at Guildhall school of music and drama by the Guildhall big band
'Times Tale' 2016
'Use the Footwells' 2017
'Somewhere Inbetween' 2018

Composed for Essex music Services. Academy East Jazz Ensemble

'2Ply' 2020 - Joint composition by Tom Jiggins & Malcolm Miles
'Here comes the sun' - The Beatles (Arrangement for jazz ensemble) 2022
'Waltz for Debby' - Bill Evans (Arrangement for jazz ensemble) 2023
'Two Nordic Melodies' - Edward Greig (Arrangement for jazz ensemble) 2023
'Skylark' - Hoagy Carmichael (Arrangement for jazz ensemble) 2023

TRANSCRIPTIONS FOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE
(Notated and scored from original recordings)

'Union Special' - Chris Mcgregors Brotherhood of Breath - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Angel Nemali' - Chris Mcgregors Brotherhood of Breath - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Funky Boots March - Chris Mcgregors Brotherhood of Breath - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Dakota' - Mathius Eick - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Hippest Cat in Hollywood' - Horace Silver - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Mamacita' - Horace Silver - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'The Tokyo Blues' - Horace Silver - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
A tune for Richard - Horace Parlan - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Jelly Roll' - Charles Mingus - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble from Frank Lacy, Mingus sings)
'Gunslinging Bird' - Charles Mingus - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting - Charles Mingus (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'E's flat, Ah's flat too' Charles Mingus - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
Bechet's Fantasy - Wynton Marsalis live version - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Little Birdie' - Vince Guaraldi - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble from 'Joes cool blues' - Wynton Marsalis)
'Linus and Lucy' - Vince Guaraldi - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble from 'Joes cool blues' - Wynton Marsalis)
'A Sack o woe' - Cannonball Adderley - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)
'Space Captain - Herbie Hancock - The Imagine project - (Transcribed flexi chart for jazz ensemble)

W A T C H

I N S T A G R A M

C O N T A C T

Please feel free to enquire about music lessons using the form below stating your instrument and ability level. Alternatively you can contact me by phone email or text. I look forward to hearing from you and getting you started on your musical journey. Please also use the contact form below if you would like to enquire about booking for concerts, recordings or any other projects.

(Please email for more

information on current availability)

CALL OR TEXT: 07854 113334

EMAIL: tomjigginsmusic@hotmail.co.uk